Key Takeaways
- The Vaal Dam’s water level is currently at 102.27%, which is substantially elevated compared to historical measurements.
- The dam has four gates open, with an inflow of 505.6m³/s and an outflow of 493.9m³/s.
- The water level has declined from 103.42% on December 1, with authorities reducing the number of open gates from eight to four.
- The Vaal Barrage, which works in conjunction with the dam system, recorded a level of 6.8 metres with an outflow of 957.4m³/s and a water temperature of 19.4° Celsius.
- The dam’s current levels are significantly higher than the same period last year, when the dam was at 28.6%.
Introduction to the Vaal Dam’s Current Status
The Vaal Dam, a critical component of the integrated Vaal river system, has recorded a water level of 102.27% as of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, according to the latest measurements from The Reservoir, a Water Resource Information Centre for the Catchment Management Forums of the Upper Vaal Water Management Area. This level represents a decline from earlier in the week, when the dam reached 103.42% on December 1. The facility currently has four gates open, with an inflow of 505.6m³/s and an outflow of 493.9m³/s. The reduction in the number of open gates is a result of the dam’s gradually decreasing levels, as outflow has generally exceeded inflow over the past three-day period.
Gate Management and Water Release
The Reservoir’s recommendation for Wednesday was to keep four gates open, reflecting the dam’s decreasing levels. This adjustment is crucial in managing the water release and ensuring that the dam’s levels remain stable. On December 1, eight gates were open, resulting in a substantially higher outflow of 1,269.0m³/s, while the inflow stood at 571.7m³/s. By Tuesday, December 2, the dam level had decreased to 102.65%, prompting authorities to reduce the number of open gates to six. The outflow on that day was recorded at 729.9m³/s, with an inflow of 471.8 m³/s. The Vaal Barrage, which works in conjunction with the dam system, recorded a level of 6.8 metres on Wednesday, with an outflow of 957.4m³/s and a water temperature of 19.4° Celsius.
Comparison to Previous Periods
Despite the week-on-week decline, the Vaal Dam’s current levels remain substantially elevated compared to historical measurements. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s weekly comparison report, the Vaal Dam recorded 103.4% on Monday, up from 101.3% the previous week. These figures stand in stark contrast to the same period last year, when the dam sat at just 28.6%. The significant increase in the dam’s water level is a result of the recent rainfall and water management efforts. The Vaal Barrage level fluctuated during the week, sitting at 7.1 metres on Monday before dropping to 6.5 metres on Tuesday. The water temperature at the barrage was recorded at 19.4° Celsius, indicating a relatively stable temperature.
Implications of the Current Water Levels
The elevated water levels at the Vaal Dam have significant implications for water management and usage in the region. The dam’s current levels are substantially higher than the same period last year, when the dam was at 28.6%. This increase in water levels is a result of the recent rainfall and water management efforts, which have helped to replenish the dam’s water storage. The authorities’ decision to reduce the number of open gates is a crucial step in managing the water release and ensuring that the dam’s levels remain stable. The Vaal Dam’s water levels are closely monitored, and any changes in the water level can have significant impacts on the surrounding ecosystem and water usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vaal Dam’s current water level of 102.27% is substantially elevated compared to historical measurements. The dam’s water level has declined from 103.42% on December 1, with authorities reducing the number of open gates from eight to four. The Vaal Barrage, which works in conjunction with the dam system, recorded a level of 6.8 metres with an outflow of 957.4m³/s and a water temperature of 19.4° Celsius. The dam’s current levels are significantly higher than the same period last year, when the dam was at 28.6%. The authorities’ efforts to manage the water release and ensure that the dam’s levels remain stable are crucial in maintaining the ecosystem and water usage in the region. As the water levels continue to be monitored, it is essential to consider the implications of the current water levels and the potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystem and water usage.