Water set to be released from Sterkfontein into Vaal Dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation is preparing to release water from the Sterkfontein Dam into the Vaal Dam when its levels reach 18%.
Currently, the Vaal Dam is 28.2% and has been decreasing by 1.5% to 2% weekly due to the hot weather and increased evaporation losses.
The wide and shallow surface of the dam has also been named as a contributing factor.
Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says the drop in levels is due to low inflows into the Vaal Dam, as a result of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel closure for planned maintenance work.
"Water releases from Sterkfontein to Vaal Dam, when the analysis was done in May 2024, there was a low probability for release from Sterkfontein Dam to augment Vaal Dam. This low risk was assessed at 5%. It is currently observed that this 5% probability has now materialised due to below-normal rainfall and high evaporation rates.
"The department has since issued a notice to water users and the general public along the Nuwejaarspruit and Wilge rivers of possible release of water from Sterkfontein Dam and has advised for removal of movable equipment such as irrigation pumps and to also avoid low-lying bridges by 15 December 2024. It takes about three to four days for water released from Sterkfontein Dam to reach Vaal Dam."
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel transfers 780 million cubic metres of water per year into the Integrated Vaal River System.
ALSO READ
