Controlled Sluice Gate Releases at Vaal Dam as Water Levels Reach 105%
- Karen Scheepers
- Nov 17
- 2 min read
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued an urgent operational update for the Vaal Dam following continued inflows that have pushed the system to 105% capacity. A controlled release schedule has been activated to manage rising levels, with authorities urging communities downstream to remain vigilant as river levels may fluctuate throughout the day.
Scheduled Sluice Gate Operations for 17 November 2025
According to the DWS advisory, all valves at the Vaal Dam will be closed before a phased opening of the sluice gates begins. The schedule for Monday, 17 November 2025 is:
Gate 1 – 09:00
Gate 2 – 10:00
Gate 3 – 11:00
Gate 4 – 12:00
Gate 5 – 13:00
This staggered release forms part of controlled discharge operations designed to stabilise dam levels and reduce pressure on the system as inflows continue to increase.
DWS emphasised that these measures are intended to maintain safe operating thresholds, ensuring that the dam’s structural integrity and downstream communities are protected.
Communities Downstream Urged to Remain Alert
Residents living along the Vaal River and in low-lying areas are on high alert, with some preparing for possible emergency evacuations should river levels rise rapidly.
Authorities have called on the public to:
Monitor changes in river levels.
Report significant rises, including photos, time and location.
Follow official communication channels for safety instructions.
While conditions remain manageable, officials caution that increased releases may cause noticeable rises downstream, particularly near settlements close to the riverbanks.
Bloemhof Dam Also Filling Rapidly
In addition to the Vaal Dam, Bloemhof Dam is nearing full capacity, prompting similar monitoring efforts by water management teams. The rapid filling of both dams is driven by heavy rainfall across feeder catchments and ongoing inflows from upstream systems.
Despite the heightened concern, authorities have reassured the public that the situation at both facilities is under control, with operational teams prepared to adjust release volumes as conditions change.
Why Controlled Releases Are Important
Controlled releases are standard practice in dam management and serve several purposes:
Preventing uncontrolled overflow during high inflow periods
Protecting infrastructure such as spillways, embankments and gates
Reducing sudden downstream flooding by managing water in gradual intervals
Maintaining dam integrity during periods of pressure from rising water levels
This proactive approach ensures that inflow surges do not exceed the dam’s safe handling capacity.
Final Notes
As weather patterns remain unstable and South Africa enters a season of increased rainfall, communities near major river systems are urged to stay informed and prepared. The DWS continues to monitor the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams closely and will provide further updates as the situation evolves. Authorities have reiterated that safety measures are in place, and public cooperation remains key to mitigating risk.
⚠️💧🌧️🚨🏞️
Comments