Vaal Dam maintains 100% levels as summer rains approach
Good news for Gauteng water users, the Vaal Dam remains effectively full, with only a tiny dip in levels this week, according to the latest data.
Image: Memories Vaal (Facebook)
The Vaal Dam continues to maintain water levels above full capacity, despite a marginal decline over the past week, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest hydrological report.
The weekly update shows that the dam’s level dipped slightly from 101.8% last week to 101.0% this week, keeping it effectively at full capacity and demonstrating what the Department described as “ongoing system resilience”.
The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which supplies water to Gauteng and several surrounding provinces, also remains steady, recording a modest decrease from 97.8% to 97.4%.
The DWS said this performance reflects “consistent management efforts and strategic drought-mitigation initiatives that support reliable water availability ahead of the summer rainfall period.”
Other major dams in the system recorded mixed results:
Grootdraai Dam dropped slightly from 94.2% to 93.0%
Sterkfontein Dam remained steady at 99.0%
Bloemhof Dam fell from 97.3% to 95.4%
Under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Katse Dam edged up from 97.1% to 97.3%, while Mohale Dam improved from 89.8% to 90.3%.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast above-average rainfall across the central interior and eastern coastal regions between October 2025 and January 2026. While weather conditions may fluctuate, the Department said it “remains on alert and prepared to implement flood-control measures should substantial inflows occur.”
“All dam releases will continue to be managed in line with approved operational protocols, ensuring sufficient storage capacity for potential flood events while protecting communities downstream,” the DWS said.
As part of its readiness for the upcoming rainy season, the Department has reinforced its flood-response and water-management plans through:
Strengthened coordination and decision-making structures;
Expanded real-time monitoring via a broader gauging network; and
Closer collaboration with disaster management agencies across all levels of government.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to “responsible water resource management and maintaining a secure, reliable supply throughout the Integrated Vaal River System.”