Water and Sanitation warns local authorities regarding water releases upstream impacts in Northern Cape

Water Releases Upstream to Impact Northern Cape

Flooding due to heavy rainfall in many parts of the country and water releases from upstream by the opening of sluice gates is expected to spike water levels in the Northern Cape. The situation currently is that the eight (8) open sluice gates at the Vaal Dam will be maintained.

Provincial Disaster Teams, District and Local Authorities should be on high alert to put measures in place to avoid loss of human lives, livestock, and damage to property. No fishing or swimming is allowed under these circumstances.

The Vanderkloof Dam located on the border of the Free State and the Norther Cape is currently at 105.95% full, with an outflow of 519.68 m3/s. The Spitskop Dam in the Northern Cape is at 113.17%, while the Vaalharts storage dam is at 97.84%.

Gauging stations indicate that Katlani, which is just below the Orange-Vaal confluence, is currently at a height of just above 5.8 metres, outflowing at 2415.81 m³/s. At Prieska, the Orange River is at a height of just above 5.1 metres and flowing at 2509.58m3/s. In Upington, the Orange River is at a height of 5.762 metres with a flow of 2530.77 m3/s, and water levels are expected to increase to approximately 5.9 metres by Saturday, 23 April 2022.

Blouputs in the Orange River nearby to the Augrabies Waterfalls, is currently at 3.142 metres with a flow of 1754 m3/s.

Water levels in the Vaal and Orange River systems will differ depending on the width and depth of the river. It is therefore critical for all to be vigilant and not to take chances over low-lying bridges and possibly eroded roads.

Source: Government of South Africa