Vaalkop Dam

25°18′37″S 27°28′33″E / 25.31028°S 27.47583°E / -25.31028; 27.47583Opening date1972 (renovated 2008)Operator(s)Department of Water Affairs and ForestryDam and spillwaysType of damgravity & earth-fillImpoundsElands River and Hex RiverHeight33 metres (108 ft)Length2,491 metres (8,173 ft)ReservoirCreatesVaalkop Dam ReservoirTotal capacity53,500,000 cubic metres (1.89×10⁹ cu ft)Catchment area6 115 km²Surface area1,110.5 hectares (2,744 acres)

The Vaalkop Dam is a combined gravity and earth-fill type dam located in North West Province, South Africa. Its reservoir is located at the confluence of the Elands River and the Hex River, part of the Crocodile basin.^[1] The dam was established originally in 1972 and was renovated in 2008 in order to supply water for the platinum and associated metals mining operations in the area.^[2] The dam mainly serves for irrigation purposes, municipal water supply and industrial uses. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high.

The Vaalkop Dam lies near Pilanesberg, 23 km (14 mi) ESE from the outer perimeter of the ancient crater formation.^[3]

See also

• List of reservoirs and dams in South Africa

References

External links

• R264m water scheme flows on
• Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve Archived 19 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine
• Vaalkop Dam Species Diversity Report, October 2009^{[permanent dead link]}