Vaal Dam
By Mpho Moloi
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is actively monitoring inflow water levels at the Vaal Dam amid torrential rains to ensure full storage capacity and the safety of infrastructure. As of Thursday, the Vaal Dam is at 98.99% capacity.
To manage the increased inflows, the DWS is releasing water at a rate of 61.2 cubic metres per second (m³/s) using five valves. This controlled release aims to balance inflows and outflows, maintaining the dam’s capacity within the 100% – 103% range. The Vaal Dam has eight valves in total, typically using two for day-to-day releases ranging from 16.8 m³/s to 17.6 m³/s to maintain natural river flow.
Downstream, the Bloemhof Dam is at 100.94% capacity, with an additional 16% flood absorption capacity. Controlled outflow releases have been activated, currently discharging water at 320 m³/s through outlet pipes to manage water levels and keep the dam at or below its full supply capacity. No sluice gates are open at either dam.
Hydrological monitoring and forecasting systems indicate that the Vaal Dam may reach 100% in the coming days as heavy rainfall continues in the catchment area. Increased releases may be required to prevent dam failures and major disasters. The DWS notes that water levels along the Vaal River and downstream of the Vaal Dam may rise due to inflows from tributaries such as Suikerboschrand, Klip, and Rietspruit during this high flow period.
The DWS follows established operating rules and procedures when releasing water from dams during floods caused by heavy rains. Releases are implemented gradually in line with flood management protocols, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMCs), and affected local municipalities. The department engages with stakeholders, including disaster management operations in affected municipalities, local police services, farmers, and residents upstream and downstream along the Vaal River System, to share hydrology reports and updates on water levels. This communication ensures early warnings and activation of evacuation plans in cases of flooding.
The heavy rains across most parts of the country have necessitated the DWS to implement dam releases according to its safety protocols in all major dams to prevent failures and major disasters. Dam safety protocols are activated when dams breach the full capacity mark and overflow, preventing infrastructure failure that could lead to dam bursts and significant disasters, potentially leaving areas without water sources.
The DWS remains committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of South Africa’s water resource infrastructure through continuous monitoring and proactive management strategies.
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