back to South African Dams index
Gauteng, the economic hub of South Africa is also dependent on municipal and industrial water supply from dams in the neighbouring provinces, Northwest and Mpumalanga.
Bronkhorstspruit Dam
| Constructed | Capacity (mil.cub.m) | Wall type | River |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 57.4 | Concrete arch type dam | Bronkhorstspruit |
Notes: Supplies Bronkhorstspruit and the Western Highveld Region in the Elands River catchment with water for domestic and industrial use. There is also a supply for irrigation.
Hartbeespoort Dam
Hartbeespoort Dam, situated on the border between North West and Gauteng, is one of the oldest and most interesting dams constructed in South Africa.
| Constructed | Capacity (mil.cub.m) | Wall Type | River |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 186.4 | Arch Dam – The arch built on the wall symbolises a gateway. | Crocodile River |
Notes: The design of the bridge was taken from Roman architecture, and built in an odd shape known as a “Triomfboog”, renowned for its strength in retaining water. The arch built on the wall symbolises a gateway, and is a stark copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
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Roodeplaat Dam
Roodeplaat Dam is a concrete arch dam situated on the Pienaars River, a tributary of the Crocodile River, which flows northwards into the Limpopo River.
| Constructed | Capacity (mil.cub.m) | Wall type | River |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | 43.5 | Arch | Pienaars River |
Vaal Barrage
This reservoir was used to supply water to the Witwatersrand but no longer does so because the quality of its water is deteriorating due to pollution. It is used for many recreational activities, such as boating, skiing, fishing, swimming and many holiday resorts have grown up on its banks.
| Constructed | Capacity (mil.cub.m) | Wall Type | Rivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 | 63 | Earth and Rockfill | Vaal River |
