Vaal Dam maintains over 100% capacity as summer approaches
The Department of Water and Sanitation’s latest report shows the Vaal Dam continues to sustain water levels above 100% capacity, underscoring the resilience of the Integrated Vaal River System as South Africa heads into the summer rainfall period.
The Department of Water and Sanitation’s weekly hydrological report shows that the Vaal Dam continues to maintain water levels above full capacity, with only minimal week-to-week variation.
Latest data indicates a slight decrease from 101.8% last week to 101.0% this week, effectively keeping the dam at full capacity and highlighting the system’s resilience.
The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which supplies water to Gauteng and surrounding provinces, remains generally stable, recording a modest drop from 97.8% to 97.4%.
This steady performance reflects the Department’s ongoing management efforts and drought-mitigation strategies, ensuring reliable water availability ahead of the summer rainfall period.
Water levels at other key dams within the IVRS showed the following changes:
• Grootdraai Dam: slight decline from 94.2% to 93.0%
• Sterkfontein Dam: steady at 99.0%
• Bloemhof Dam: decreased from 97.3% to 95.4%
Dams under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project showed mixed results, with Katse Dam edging up from 97.1% to 97.3% and Mohale Dam rising from 89.8% to 90.3%.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), above-average rainfall is expected across the central interior and eastern coastal regions from October 2025 through January 2026.
Although conditions may vary, the Department of Water and Sanitation remains on alert, prepared to implement flood-control measures if substantial inflows occur.
All dam releases will continue to be managed according to approved operational protocols, ensuring sufficient storage for potential floods while protecting downstream communities.
In preparation for the upcoming rainy season, the Department has reinforced its flood-response and water-management plans through:
• Strengthened coordination and decision-making structures
• Expanded real-time monitoring via a broader gauging network
• Closer collaboration with disaster management agencies across government
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to responsible water resource management and maintaining a secure, reliable supply throughout the Integrated Vaal River System.
