Department of Water and Sanitation
1Min
South Africa
Nov 18, 2025
According to the department, the gates will be opened hourly between 10:00 and 12:00 to gradually increase water outflows from approximately 707,860 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to about 1,132,576 m³/s. Water releases at Bloemhof Dam have also been increased from 400 to 600 m³/s.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said three more sluice gates will be opened on Tuesday adding to the five gates released on Monday.
According to the department, the gates will be opened hourly between 10:00 and 12:00 to gradually increase water outflows from approximately 707,860 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to about 1,132,576 m³/s. Water releases at Bloemhof Dam have also been increased from 400 to 600 m³/s.
The department began opening additional sluice gates at Vaal Dam to manage rising water levels caused by ongoing heavy rainfall in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and other parts of the country.
DWS spokesperson Dr Mandla Mathebula said as of Tuesday morning, Vaal Dam was at 109.26% capacity, while Bloemhof Dam stood at 99.62%.
Mathebula said the increased releases are part of dam safety protocols to prevent uncontrolled flooding and potential structural failure.
“Opening sluice gates allows for controlled water releases when dam levels rise sharply.This is done to protect both infrastructure and human life. We continue to actively monitor inflow levels at Vaal and Bloemhof Dams and will adjust releases as needed,” said Mathebula
DWS has warned communities along the Vaal River, including the Vaal Triangle, Parys, and other low-lying areas, to remain alert as river levels may rise further.
Farmers with pumps or infrastructure near the river are urged to safeguard their equipment, while residents in riparian areas are advised to move valuable items, movable infrastructure, and livestock to safer locations.
Residents have also been urged to exercise caution along riverbanks and stay updated through local authorities.
