Johannesburg: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken action to manage the increasing water levels at the Vaal Dam by opening six valves to boost water outflows by an additional 200 cubic meters per second. This move aims to effectively regulate the dam’s capacity, which has been on a consistent rise.
According to South African Government News Agency, the operation began at midday on Monday and follows the earlier opening of a single sluice gate last week, as the dam reached full capacity at 107.43%. An update on the Vaal River system highlighted that the need for increased water release is a direct response to the continuous rainfall affecting the area.
Additionally, at the Bloemhof Dam, water releases have been elevated by 50 cubic meters per second, rising from 350.97 to 400 cubic meters per second. This adjustment is intended to accommodate the extra water flows anticipated from the Vaal Dam, as the Bloemhof Dam’s water levels are presently at 99.97%, with efforts in place to maintain them below 100%.
The DWS has assured that the release of water through the sluice gate, valves at the Vaal Dam, and pipes at the Bloemhof Dam are within safe operational limits. This measure is not expected to result in the overtopping of riverbanks downstream, providing reassurance regarding the safety and management of the water systems.