In response to fluctuating water levels, the Department of Water and Sanitation has announced a reduction in water outflows at Bloemhof Dam.
At the same time, the Vaal Dam continues to manage its high water inflows by keeping its five sluice gates open.
Reduced Outflows at Bloemhof Dam
The department clarified that the decrease in water outflows from Bloemhof Dam comes as water levels have receded to 104.96%.
On Sunday, the outflows were reduced from 2,100 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) to 1,900 mᵌ/s.
This move follows a previous reduction on Saturday, where outflows had dropped from 2,500 mᵌ/s.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, these adjustments are essential for managing the sustained high inflows and ensuring the safe operation of the dam.
This is part of their ongoing efforts to handle the significant changes in water levels.
Vaal Dam Continues to Manage Water Levels
Meanwhile, the Vaal Dam has also seen a slight drop in its water levels, from 115.43% on Saturday to 114.38% on Sunday.
Despite this, inflows from the upper catchment are still high, sitting at 877.38 mᵌ/s.
To manage this, the Vaal Dam’s five sluice gates remain open, with a discharge rate of 813.38 mᵌ/s.
However, the controlled releases from both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams have led to overtopping of riverbanks downstream.
This has caused flooding in lower-lying areas within the 1-in-100-year floodline, affecting settlements in those regions.
The department continues to advise residents in these affected areas, who have already been evacuated, to avoid returning to flooded zones.
Ongoing Monitoring and Dam Safety
The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the inflows in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) to ensure safety standards are met.
This includes adhering to hydrological monitoring systems and taking necessary precautions to protect infrastructure and manage flood conditions.
In line with dam safety protocols, the sluice gates are opened when the dams approach full capacity. This is a crucial step to prevent catastrophic events, such as a dam failure, which could have devastating consequences.
By carefully controlling water releases, the department aims to safeguard both the infrastructure and human lives.
The department reassures the public that these controlled releases are part of a broader strategy to maintain the safety of the dams and prevent any major disasters.
For those living near the Vaal River, the department urges continued vigilance and adherence to evacuation orders to ensure safety during these challenging times.