Key Takeaways
- The Vaal Dam’s water level has been reduced from 109.3% to 101.24% through a controlled release operation, averting a flood crisis in the region.
- The dam’s inflow and outflow rates are currently at 329.8m³/s and 549.0m³/s, respectively, with three open sluice gates.
- The flood threat to residents living near the riverbank has been eliminated, and evacuation concerns are no longer relevant.
- The Department of Water and Sanitation has been defended for its handling of the situation, with the councillor noting that the department has to balance water security and flood management.
- Downstream damage is attributed to development in vulnerable areas rather than poor dam management.
Introduction to the Vaal Dam’s Turnaround
The Vaal Dam’s water level has undergone a significant transformation, marking a stark contrast to the same period last year when the dam stood at just 30.9%. According to the latest measurements, the dam now stands at 101.24% as of 24 November 2025. This dramatic turnaround is a result of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s successful efforts to reduce the dam’s level from 109.3% to a more manageable level, thereby averting a flood crisis that had threatened riverside communities and businesses in the region.
Vaal Dam Controlled Release Operation
The controlled release operation was executed by the department, which saw the dam level drop from 109.3% to 101.24% over the past week, from 17 to 23 November. Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart explained that this was achieved by maintaining a sustained high discharge rate of 1,097.0m³/s through eight open sluices for most of the week. As inflows began to decline, authorities progressively reduced the number of open sluice gates, closing four gates over the weekend and bringing the number down from eight on 22 November to four by 23 November. On Monday, one additional gate was closed at 10am, leaving three gates currently operational.
Flood Risk Eliminated
The flood threat to residents living near the riverbank has been eliminated, according to Swart. He confirmed that there is no flooding risk anymore until the department decides to open more sluice gates again for some reason. The Vaal Barrage, which manages flow downstream, recorded a level of 7.1 metres with an outflow of 305.0m³/s and a water temperature of 19.8 degrees Celsius. Last week, authorities warned residents and businesses to evacuate due to the risk of riverbank overflow as the dam reached high water levels from heavy seasonal rains.
Department’s Handling of the Situation
Swart defended the department’s handling of the situation, noting the delicate balance between water security and flood management. The councillor explained that the department’s mandate is to keep the dam as full as possible for as long as possible, and they have to wait until they get up-to-date data from the weather services to know when there’s more rain coming. Swart highlighted that the dam has been operating above 100% capacity for most of 2025, an unprecedented achievement in recent memory. He attributed downstream damage primarily to development in vulnerable areas rather than poor dam management.
Downstream Impacts
Swart emphasized that the department’s management of the dam is not the primary cause of downstream damage. Instead, he attributed the damage to structures and developments being built in floodplain areas. The councillor responded to criticism from some residents who believed the gates should have been opened earlier to avoid possible flooding, stating that the department’s mandate requires them to keep the dam as full as possible for as long as possible. Swart emphasized that the department cannot simply drop the percentage down to 80% and then risk the dam not being where it should be if the rain doesn’t come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vaal Dam’s water level has been successfully reduced, averting a flood crisis in the region. The department’s controlled release operation has eliminated the flood threat to residents living near the riverbank, and evacuation concerns are no longer relevant. The department’s handling of the situation has been defended, with the councillor noting that the department has to balance water security and flood management. As the region moves forward, it is essential to consider the importance of responsible development and planning to mitigate the risks associated with flooding and water management.
