Two more flood gates closed at Vaal Dam today, outflows at Bloemhof Dam reduced
As at Saturday, 25 February 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Hydrological Monitoring and Forecasting System has shown substantial decrease in water capacity at the Vaal dam and as a result, two (2) more sluice gates are closed today.
Four (4) gates have been closed so far, following 2 gates that were closed yesterday afternoon on the account of decreasing water levels at the dam, resulting in eight (8) gates remaining open. The Vaal Dam storage capacity is currently at around 113%.
The water levels at Bloemhof Dam are also demonstrating decline from 112% yesterday to around 109%, and the water discharge is being reduced gradually from 3800m3/s to 3600m3/s at 09H00, then to 3400m3/s at 12H00 and further to 3200m3/s at 15H00 this afternoon.
In the Orange River, the Gariep Dam is also sitting at around 111,25%, and the releases into the Orange river, upstream of Vanderkloof dam is 1471m3/s. At the Vanderkloof dam, water levels are at 110% and outflow releases are 1570m3/s.
Communities at the Lower Orange and Lower Vaal Rivers are urged to remain vigilant and continue to exercise caution as the river levels remain high.
The Department continues to closely monitor the water flow in the affected rivers and dams, and urge communities to remain alert, avoid crossing low lying bridges, overflowing rivers and streams, and to evacuate where necessary if residing near these water courses that are overflowing.
For more information, contact Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935.
