Update| Vaal Dam Nears Full Capacity As Authorities Monitor Levels Closely To Ensure Safety

As the Vaal Dam is near full capacity, authorities monitor its levels closely to ensure effective safety and management. The Department of Water and Sanitation said the Dam has approached 100% capacity, of the water levels.

The dam’s water level has surged dramatically, reaching 91.8%, a significant recovery from earlier this year when its levels dropped below 30%.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, reassured the public that the dam’s sluice gates are in optimal condition and that water releases will be conducted according to safety standards.

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“We cannot allow the dam to overflow, as it could cause a disaster. However, the dam is structurally sound. If water needs to be released to maintain a normal level, we will notify affected communities in advance,” Majodina stated.

She reminded residents that released water takes approximately three days to reach Gauteng, urging them to remain calm and prepared.

Majodina also addressed concerns about potential water shortages, stating that water transfers from the Sterkfontein Dam would only have been necessary if the Vaal Dam’s levels fell below 18%.

“When people were panicking about water shortages, I advised them to stay calm. We have water, but we must use it sparingly and address non-revenue water losses,” she added.

Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart noted that inflows into the Vaal Dam have slightly decreased to 335 m³/s, while outflow remains steady at 16.8 m³/s.

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“The Vaal Dam is designed to handle excess water through a controlled release system using sluice gates. This ensures strategic management of overflow and prevents downstream flooding risks,” Swart explained.

However, with no significant rainfall expected in the near future, Swart emphasised the importance of careful water management.

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