The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has closed two additional sluice gates at Vaal Dam—one at 10:00 and another at 12:00—leaving four gates open as inflows continue to decline. Bloemhof Dam will maintain releases at 1 400 m³/s, part of controlled flood-management operations across the Vaal River System.  

Today’s system snapshot (DWS):

• Vaal Dam: level down from 103.54% to 102.65%; inflow ~471.82 m³/s, outflow ~729.94 m³/s.

• Vaal Barrage: currently discharging ~915 m³/s.

• Bloemhof Dam: level up from 102.27% to 103.04%; outflow held at 1 400 m³/s to pass water safely downstream.  

Who’s affected?

DWS cautions communities along the Lower Vaal River and other riparian settlements to expect overflowing riverbanks and floodplains as the controlled releases move through the system.  

What to do now

• Move pumps, motors, pipes, and movable infrastructure to higher ground.

• Relocate livestock and valuable property from low-lying fields/islands.

• Avoid low-water bridges, monitor changing levels, and stay clear of fast-moving water.  

DWS says the releases balance dam safety, downstream flood risk, and reliable water supply. The department remains on high alert and will issue further updates as conditions evolve.

Have photos or local conditions to share? Send them to The Vryburg Independent Post so we can keep the district informed.

-The VIP Team 

-DWS