Three more sluice gates to be opened at Vaal Dam today as inflows surge
Three more sluice gates will be opened at the Vaal Dam today as inflows rise sharply, pushing the total number of open gates to eight.
DENEYSVILLE – The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has confirmed that three additional sluice gates will be opened at the Vaal Dam today as inflows continue to rise sharply due to persistent heavy rainfall across the catchment.
By the end of Tuesday, the dam is expected to have a total of eight sluice gates open, following the staggered releases scheduled for 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.
This follows Monday’s report in Vaalweekblad about the rapid increase in inflows to the Vaal Dam, and Tuesday morning’s warning from authorities urging the public to stay away from rivers, streams and flood-prone areas.
Official instruction: Three more gates today
A formal operational instruction issued early Tuesday morning reads:
“Good morning,
At Vaal Dam for today, we recommend opening 3 more sluice gates at the following times: 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm.
Thank you.”
The stepwise opening is intended to manage downstream risks while relieving pressure on the dam, which has been receiving continuous high-volume inflows since the weekend.
Bloemhof Dam also increasing releases
The DWS also issued an instruction for Bloemhof Dam:
“Bloemhof Dam: Increase flows to 600 cumecs at 10 am.”
Raising releases from Bloemhof means that communities downstream of both dams — including stretches of the Vaal and Lower Vaal rivers — can expect higher river levels through the day.
Public warned to stay away from rivers and floodplains
Authorities reiterated Tuesday that all residents, especially in low-lying areas, should avoid:
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riverbanks
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bridges and low-water crossings
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informal fishing or swimming spots
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any floodplain areas
Emergency services remain on standby.
Background: Fast-rising inflows since the weekend
On Monday, Vaalweekblad reported the dam had begun staggering gate releases as inflows surged.
By Tuesday morning, the situation had intensified, prompting this additional round of gate openings.
A senior official said conditions are “highly dynamic” and gates could change again depending on rainfall and upstream flows.
