The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on Thursday issued an urgent public notice regarding the critically high-water levels across multiple dams in Limpopo.

This followed persistent rainfall and strong inflows which have resulted in 14 of 19 monitored dams exceeding 100% capacity, with several structures operating significantly above full supply level.

“This presents a tangible safety risk to communities, infrastructure and recreational users in proximity to these dams,” the DWS said, warning that dams operating above full capacity create unpredictable hazards, including sudden, powerful water releases from spillways and gates; unstable shorelines prone to collapse; and strong undercurrents and submerged debris.

The DWS is implementing rigorous measures to mitigate risks such as real-time tracking of water levels, weather patterns and structural integrity, aligned with dam operating rules; strategic water releases to create buffer capacity while minimising downstream impact; and fully operational emergency preparedness plans.

The department listed a variety of dams that are “severely overfull”, with storage above 105%, including Nsami (128.54%); Merensky (120.59%); Nzhelele (114.47%); Tzaneen (108.64%); Vergelegeng (106.99%); Modjadji (105.60%); Thabina (105.46%); Nandoni (105.25%); Magoebaskloof (105.22%); and Mutshedzi (105.39%).

Further, dams that are at, or above, full capacity, with water levels between 100% to 104.9%, included Glen Alpine (103.72%); Luphephe (102.07%); Nwanedzi (102.20%); Dap Naude (100.00%); and Ebenezer (103.04%).

The DWS is also actively releasing water from the Albasini dam (95.60%), with 35 m³ being discharged through five open gates to manage pressure, while Doorndraai dam (98.85%) remains stable with all gates closed.

Middle Letaba dam remains below capacity at 20.25% and poses no flood risk.

Earlier on Thursday, the DWS noted that the Tzaneen dam structure, where the wall dam was currently being raised, was not at risk of failure.

While construction resulted in the reduction of the existing dam wall by 4 m in preparation, with the construction of a new spillway structure under way, the temporary reduction in dam wall height is currently beneficial, as it allows water to flow over the reduced dam wall.

“In addition to the spillway discharge, diversion pipelines remain operational and are actively monitored by the appointed professional service provider (PSP) and controlled by DWS. Controlled releases are also being undertaken through the sluice valves under continuous supervision.”

Following inspections after the rainfall, localised downstream embankment erosion was identified and, in response, the engineer issued immediate instructions for emergency temporary protection works.

These interventions are temporary emergency measures intended to stabilise the embankment and preserve structural integrity until permanent works can be safely implemented.

“The approved professional person and the PSP have confirmed that there is no immediate risk of structural failure of the dam, nor any threat to downstream homesteads,” the DWS assured.

Meanwhile, the DWS urged the public to avoid all recreational activities near dam walls, spillways and downstream riverbanks; heed all warning signs, barriers and instructions from dam officials; to never attempt to cross flooded roads or streams near dam infrastructure; to keep children and livestock at a safe distance from water’s edges; and to be careful of the aquatic animals that are carried over by the heavy water flows

“Water security and public safety depend on collective vigilance. DWS relies on communities living near dams to report unusual water releases, structural concerns or blocked spillways immediately, [as well as] share early warnings with neighbours, especially vulnerable households and respect restricted zones around dam infrastructure.

“Please take note that, while we manage water resources with technical precision, community awareness is our strongest defence against tragedy. Together, we can work together to avoid any catastrophic incidents.”

The DWS stressed that while it manages dam operations and flood forecasting, evacuations, search-and-rescue and emergency relief fall under the mandate of provincial and municipal disaster management authorities.

All flood alerts issued by DWS will be actioned by these structures.