Vaal Dam Releases Excess Water as Levels Surge

Key Takeaways

• The Vaal Dam’s water level is rising rapidly, with authorities taking measures to manage the flood risk.
• The dam’s level is currently at 106.42% of its full storage capacity, which is almost quadruple its level compared to the same period last year.
• 10 sluice gates are now open, with a discharge rate of 935m³/s, to manage the surge in inflows.
• The department of water and sanitation has implemented controlled releases to mitigate the flood risk.
• The Vaal Dam’s levels are expected to continue rising due to sustained high inflows.

Introduction to the Vaal Dam’s Rising Water Levels
The Vaal Dam, a crucial component of the integrated Vaal river system, is experiencing a rapid rise in water levels. According to recent measurements, the dam’s level is currently at 106.42% of its full storage capacity of 2.5 billion cubic meters. This is a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when the dam’s level stood at only 30%. The authorities have taken notice of this rapid increase and are taking measures to manage the escalating flood risk.

Managing the Flood Risk
In response to the sustained high inflows, which reached 1,424.4m³/s, the authorities have implemented further controlled releases. On Thursday, November 27, three additional sluice gates were opened to manage the surge in inflows. This brings the total number of open sluices to 10, with a discharge rate of 935m³/s. Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart confirmed that the department of water has planned these controlled releases to mitigate the flood risk. The three additional gates were opened at intervals throughout the day, with Gate 8 opening at 10am, followed by Gate 9 at 12pm, and Gate 10 at 2pm.

Downstream Management and Historic Levels
The Vaal Barrage, which is a critical component of the Vaal river system, is also being closely monitored. The water level at the Vaal Barrage is currently at 7.6 meters, with an outflow of 1,525 cubic meters per second and a water temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius. According to the department of water and sanitation’s weekly comparison report, the Vaal Dam’s level has decreased slightly from 109.3% the previous week. However, the current level is still significantly higher than the same period last year, when the dam’s level stood at only 30%. This highlights the importance of managing the dam’s levels and mitigating the flood risk.

Mitigating the Flood Risk
The authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the flood risk. The department of water and sanitation is closely monitoring the dam’s levels and implementing controlled releases as necessary. The opening of the additional sluice gates is a crucial step in managing the surge in inflows and preventing potential flooding downstream. The controlled releases will help to reduce the pressure on the dam and prevent any potential damage to the surrounding infrastructure. By taking these measures, the authorities are working to ensure the safety of the communities downstream and prevent any potential disasters.

Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the Vaal Dam’s rising water levels are a significant concern, and the authorities are taking proactive measures to manage the flood risk. The implementation of controlled releases and the opening of additional sluice gates are crucial steps in mitigating the flood risk. The department of water and sanitation will continue to closely monitor the dam’s levels and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of the communities downstream. As the water levels continue to rise, it is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent any potential disasters. By working together, the authorities and the communities can ensure a safe and sustainable management of the Vaal Dam’s water levels.