DWS opens 4th sluice gate at Vaal Dam to manage water levels
The Department of Water and Sanitation said current water storage levels at the dam are at 107.82%.
FILE: Vaal Dam. Picture: X/@JHBWater
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Water and Sanitation on Saturday morning opened a fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam as a result of the ongoing rainfall to manage water levels at the dam.
The department said current water storage levels at the dam are at 107.82%.
It said the current water releases by the four sluice gates are still within the safe operational limit and are not expected to lead to the overtopping of riverbanks.
However, spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said residents situated near the banks of the Vaal River are encouraged to start removing valuable equipment, including movable infrastructure and livestock, to avoid any possible damage.
“The increased outflows at the Vaal Dam are expected to reach Bloemhof Dam at three to four days and will result in water levels rising in Bloemhof and overtopping riverbanks, and this will affect those in the riverbanks downstream at the lower Vaal catchment.”