Bloemhof: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced an increase in the water outflows at the Bloemhof Dam to 350.97 cubic meters per second (m³/s), a rise of 100 m³/s. This adjustment is in response to the anticipated additional water flows from the Vaal Dam.
According to South African Government News Agency, this decision follows the recent opening of a single sluice gate at the Vaal Dam last Thursday, a move aimed at alleviating elevated water levels. The DWS has reported that the current water levels at Bloemhof Dam are at 98.69%, with efforts focused on maintaining the levels below 100% to ensure safety.
The Vaal Dam is currently at full capacity, with water levels reaching 107.43% as of Sunday. The increase in water release from both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams comes as a precautionary measure due to persistent rainfall in the region, which has led to rising water levels.
The Department emphasized that the present water release rates, managed through one sluice gate at the Vaal Dam and
the pipes at Bloemhof, are within safe operational parameters. This strategy is not expected to result in the overtopping of riverbanks downstream, ensuring continued safety for surrounding areas.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has pledged to maintain vigilant monitoring of the water levels at both the Bloemhof and Vaal Dams to respond promptly to any changes.