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Vaal Dam

Easing the Flood Risk

Progress in Water Level Management

Community Impact and Safety Measures

Two sluice gates have finally been closed at the Vaal Dam as water levels have subsided and inflows have been reduced. The Department of Water and Sanitation’s decision marks a turning point in managing the recent flooding along the Vaal River, offering relief to communities affected by heavy rainfall and controlled water releases.

Last week’s torrential rainfall pushed the Vaal Dam beyond its full capacity, with storage levels peaking at 115.57% on 10 April. To prevent potential damage to the dam’s infrastructure and mitigate downstream flooding, the department opened five of the dam’s 60 sluice gates, releasing water at rates reaching 813.4 cubic metres per second (m³/s). While these controlled releases were necessary to safeguard the dam, they caused significant flooding along the Vaal River, affecting low-lying areas in the Vaal Triangle, Parys, Vanderbijlpark, and Sasolburg.

The flooding forced some residents living near the banks of the Vaal River catchment to evacuate, as homes along the swollen riverbanks were inundated. Communities in areas like Orkney and Deneysville faced disruptions, with local businesses reporting losses due to flooded properties. The department urged residents to move livestock, equipment, and valuable items to higher ground, while disaster management teams worked to support affected households.