Water
1Min
South Africa
Nov 25, 2025
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has closed an additional sluice gate at Vaal Dam to reduce water outflow, bringing the total number of closed gates to five out of the eight that were opened last week. Three sluice gates remain open to manage water releases.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has closed an additional sluice gate at Vaal Dam to reduce water outflow, bringing the total number of closed gates to five out of the eight that were opened last week. Three sluice gates remain open to manage water releases.
Over the weekend, four gates were closed to reduce outflows from 1,097 m³/s to approximately 650 m³/s. Meanwhile, water releases at Bloemhof Dam were maintained at 1,002.3 m³/s yesterday. Both Vaal and Bloemhof Dams are currently at full supply capacity, recording 101.86% and 104.77% respectively.
DWS spokesperson Dr Mandla Mathebula said the department is actively monitoring rainfall and inflow levels at both dams.
“Since rainfall has resumed, we are conducting flood routine analysis to determine the necessary actions regarding the remaining open sluice gates at Vaal Dam,” he said.
Mathebula said the sluice gates are opened and closed as part of dam safety protocols, aimed at preventing uncontrolled water releases that could lead to infrastructure failure and potential disasters.
He said controlled releases help safeguard both the dam infrastructure and human life, the department said.
