The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has notified the public that operators of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso are planning a controlled spillage of water from the reservoir if water levels continue to rise.

In a press release dated August 4, 2026, the Commission said it had received an update from SONABEL, the operators of the Bagre Dam.

According to the WRC, the reservoir water level at the Bagre Dam stood at 232.93 metres as of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with the dam currently 62.77% full.

The Commission said SONABEL intends to begin a controlled water spillage from Tuesday, August 11, 2026, if the reservoir water level reaches 234.00 metres.

In view of the planned exercise, the WRC has advised communities along the White Volta River and adjoining areas to take the necessary precautions.

It also urged residents to comply with safety guidelines issued by their local assemblies and the appropriate agencies.

The notice was issued by the Water Resources Commission.

Communities along the White Volta River in the Upper East, North East, Northern and Savannah regions, including Pwalugu, Buipe and Yapei, are among those that have historically been vulnerable during Bagre Dam spillages and may be required to take precautionary measures if the controlled release proceeds.