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Overflowing Dams, Yet Johannesburg Faces Persistent Water Supply Issues
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has been forced to release water from the Vaal Dam, which reached a staggering 107% capacity, while the Bloemhof Dam also stood at 103.23% full. Despite the significant rainfall replenishing the dams, residents in Johannesburg continue to face daily water supply challenges.
On Saturday morning, the Vaal Dam’s storage levels were at 107.82%, prompting the department to open a fourth sluice gate at 10:00, increasing the outflow from 400mᵌ/s to approximately 500mᵌ/s. This water is being redirected to downstream dams, including the Bloemhof Dam, which is also experiencing overflow. At a maximum flow rate of 1000mᵌ/s, water from Bloemhof is directed to other reservoirs.
Also Read: Vaal Dam Levels Surge Past 106%, Prompting Authorities to Release More Water
While the DWS assures that the opening of a fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam won’t cause riverbanks downstream to overflow, the situation is different at Bloemhof, where overflow is expected. Despite the impressive storage capacity in Gauteng, water availability in the province looks positive.
The DWS explains that these controlled water releases are necessary safety precautions to protect dam infrastructure and maintain full storage capacity for the rest of the rainy season.
#JoburgUpdates #ManagementOfSystems ^BN pic.twitter.com/B7T49dexWk
— Johannesburg Water (@JHBWater) April 6, 2025
However, despite the full dams, Johannesburg is struggling with ongoing water supply issues. Johannesburg Water has been forced to throttle water supply twice this past weekend to “build capacity and promote equitable water distribution” to all reservoirs. These throttling measures are also a daily occurrence at various reservoirs across the city.
The city’s water woes continue beyond throttling, as Johannesburg residents face frequent interruptions due to burst pipes, leaks, and electricity supply problems. A glance at Johannesburg Water’s social media accounts reveals a never-ending list of issues, but a drive through the city reveals even more visible leaks left unattended for hours or days.
Ferrial Adam, executive manager of the Water Community Action Network, expressed frustration with the city’s mismanagement of water issues, pointing to poor communication and a lack of leadership from city officials. “The real issue is our crumbling infrastructure, which urgently needs repairs and replacement,” Adam said. “Blaming demand is a weak excuse when people have had no water for days. The city must address leaks instead of relying on ineffective short-term solutions like water tankers.”
Despite the full dams, the city’s infrastructure problems make water conservation efforts largely ineffective. Leaks and power supply issues result in water being wasted before it even reaches residents. Even after efforts to improve supply last year, residents in various parts of the city were left without water for days.
While Johannesburg residents are urged to use water sparingly, it’s clear that the city’s infrastructure issues must be addressed before any real progress can be made in solving its water problems. With no guarantees of more rainfall in the near future, Johannesburg’s ongoing water supply issues remain a serious concern.
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Picture: OFM
