Sixth sluice gate opened as Vaal Dam level increases

The Vaal Dam has seen a significant rise in water levels, increasing by 3.82 percentage points overnight to reach 111.64% capacity.

In response to the rising levels, authorities opened a fourth sluice gate at 10am on Thursday. It planned to open another at 4pm but later moved this to 2:30pm. A sixth gate was then set to be opened at 4pm.

The dam started Thursday with three gates open and no river valves in operation.

Current Vaal Dam levels

According to The Reservoir’s latest report, the Vaal Dam is currently experiencing high water inflow at
1 332.4m³/s with an outflow of 461.1m³/s. This outflow figure is still to be confirmed.

The nearby Vaal Barrage is maintaining a level of 7.6m with an outflow of 1 094.4m³/s and a water temperature of 18.1°C.

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Vaal Dam water scheduled releases

Water management authorities have implemented a structured release schedule to manage the rising water levels.

Downstream at Bloemhof Dam, outflows are being systematically increased throughout the day.

The schedule includes increases to 1 050m³/s at 9am, 1 300m³/s at 11am, 1 550m³/s at 1pm and finally reaching 1 800m³/s by 3pm.

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Vaal Dam rising water levels

Wednesday’s data showed the Vaal Dam at 107.82% with significantly lower inflow of 215.8m³/s and outflow at 299.6m³/s, with only two gates open.

The dramatic overnight increase in water levels follows months of heavy rainfall since March.

Tourism impact despite flood concerns

The high water levels have caused some concern among residents and potential visitors to the area.

The department of water and sanitation previously advised residents near the dam to evacuate their properties as a safety precaution, leading to speculation about negative impacts on Easter weekend tourism.

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Despite these concerns, Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart indicated that tourism in the area remained strong during the holiday period.

“Vaal Marina businesses experienced a very successful Easter weekend. I have not yet received word of businesses on the river to suggest otherwise,” Swart said.

When asked about statistics on cancellations and support measures for affected businesses, Swart noted that no specific data was available, but standard cancellation policies would apply regardless of the cause.

Infrastructure and safety measures

Addressing concerns about infrastructure and safety, Swart emphasised existing regulations for property development near the dam.

“Authorities have regulations in place in terms of building lines (one in 50 year flood line, one in 100 year flood line etc). These should be adhered to by property owners and risk assessments taken into account,” he said.

Swart also reminded the public of the dam’s primary function, stating: “It’s important to remember that the Vaal Dam’s main purpose is water storage and it will be managed as such.”

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