The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) closed two sluice gates at the Vaal dam over the weekend to reduce outflow.

Eight sluice gates will remain open.

As at Sunday, the Vaal dam water levels had decreased from 106.80% to 104.51% with an inflow of 801.78 m³/s.

At Bloemhof dam, outflows were increased by another 100 m³/s to 1 400 m³/s, as the dam’s water levels increased from 97.76% to 99.44%, owing to the inflows from upstream, necessitating an increase in controlled releases at the dam.

At the Barrage dam, all gates were opened from Saturday, each at hour intervals, to allow free flow of water from the Vaal dam.

These controlled releases are meant to enable the DWS to continuously and safely regulate water inflows and outflows in the dams while ensuring the integrity of the key water infrastructure.

With increased releases from the Bloemhof dam, downstream areas may experience overflowing riverbanks and floodplains. The department appeals to communities along the lower Vaal river and other riparian settlements to remain vigilant and monitor rising river levels closely.

Farmers and residents with pumps, movable equipment or infrastructure situated close to the water’s edge are advised to move their assets, livestock and valuable property to higher ground.