The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will increase water outflows at both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams to 60 cubic metres per second (m³/s) from 12 pm today, in line with its flood management plan. This follows this morning’s high storage levels with the Vaal Dam at 102.78% and the Bloemhof Dam at 98.32%.
Outflows at the Vaal Dam will rise from 17 m³/s to 60 m³/s while Bloemhof Dam releases will increase from 20 m³/s to 60 m³/s. These controlled releases are a precautionary measure to manage anticipated inflows into the system as continuous summer rainfall persists across many parts of the country. The Department emphasises that although the releases are significant they are not expected to cause the river to overtop its banks.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast heavy rainfall for several regions over the coming weekend. As part of its proactive planning protocol the Department has already begun implementing dam releases in accordance with established safety guidelines.
The Department continues to closely monitor inflow levels at both dams to ensure that all precautionary measures and hydrological safety standards are upheld. This forms part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of water infrastructure and reduce flood risks while maintaining optimal storage levels.