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Vaal Dam

Vaal Dam is a major water-storage reservoir on the Vaal River in South Africa, located approximately 80 km south of Johannesburg. The dam was constructed between 1934 and 1938 and is one of the largest dams in the country, with a capacity of about 2 603-million cubic metres when full. It serves as a critical water source for Gauteng province, supplying municipalities including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni through bulk water utilities such as Rand Water. The reservoir also provides water for industrial users, including power generation by Eskom and steel production by ArcelorMittal. Water from Vaal Dam is treated at facilities including Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant and Vereeniging Water Treatment Plant before distribution. The dam wall stands 59 m high and stretches 762 m across the Vaal River, creating a surface area of approximately 320 square kilometres. Vaal Dam is managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation and plays a strategic role in South Africa's integrated water-resource system. The reservoir's levels are closely monitored, particularly during drought periods, as they directly affect water security for the economic heartland of Gauteng. Beyond its utility function, Vaal Dam supports recreational activities and local tourism around its shoreline.

Vaal Dam Updates


South Africa map/flag
Vaal River Eastern Sub-System Augmentation Project, South Africa – update
5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

As at May 2026, the yearly tariff-setting process with the Department of Water and Sanitation continued to function as expected. 


More stakeholder consultations on the cards as DWS responds to input on proposed dam management regulations
21st May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will embark on additional and more extensive stakeholder and public consultation and engagement on its proposed Draft Regulations for the Management and... 


Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo
Water is not endless, let’s protect this precious resource
10th April 2026

By Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo  Water is life. It really is that simple, yet it is something we often take for granted. Every person, every animal, every plant on this planet depends on... 


Collaborative approach needed to solve South Africa’s water challenges
Collaborative approach needed to solve South Africa’s water challenges
12th March 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

South Africa cannot take the same path to resolve its water challenges as it did with the energy sector during the period of loadshedding, as the structure of the water sector is fundamentally... 


Image of Helen Zille
DA says it will not remove ‘Lesufi shower billboard’, as ANC threatens legal action
5th March 2026 By: Thabi Shomolekae

The Democratic Alliance said on Thursday it will not be meeting the African National Congress’ 12-hour deadline to remove the party's billboard that plays on recent remarks made by Gauteng Premier... 


The Vaal dam
Rand Water abstraction volumes slightly above DWS's temporarily boosted allocation
26th February 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

Rand Water on Thursday said it is currently abstracting slightly above its new allocation provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) of an additional 200 Mℓ/d. Earlier this month, the... 


Rand Water assures tap water safe to drink
26th January 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

Bulk water services provider Rand Water has assured that the water it supplies is safe to consume, categorically dismissing claims suggesting otherwise as false and misleading. The utility was... 


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