Johannesburg: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reinforced its dedication to monitoring the inflow of water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), as more rainfall is anticipated in the Upper Vaal Catchment. This initiative aims to ensure that the necessary safety measures are established.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department is currently maintaining a water outflow of 292.86 cubic metres per second (m3/s) at the Vaal Dam through two sluice gates, following the closure of a third gate on 16 April 2025. The inflow has decreased from 277.63 m3/s to 229.71 m3/s as of Tuesday morning, with the dam’s storage levels at 107.69%.
Water releases at the Bloemhof Dam were gradually reduced to 700.0 m3/s on 15 April 2025 and further to 500.0 m3/s on 18 April 2025. These adjustments aim to manage continuous inflows and ensure the safe operation of the dam, which currently stands at 106.91%.
The department has confirmed that two sluice gates at the Vaal Dam will remain open to manage water outflows. At Grootdraai Dam, all sluice gates have been closed, with a storage capacity of 104.90% and inflows of 41.43 m3/s.
The department will persist in monitoring water levels in the IVRS to ensure necessary precautions align with dam safety standards and hydrological monitoring systems. This is crucial to safeguard infrastructure and mitigate potential flood conditions.
As part of dam safety protocols, sluice gates are opened for controlled water releases when dams exceed full capacity. This measure prevents infrastructure failure, which could lead to significant disasters. The department’s controlled water releases are essential for protecting infrastructure and human life.