Theewaterskloofdam

About Theewaterskloofdam

Theewaterskloof Dam, situated on the Sonderend River near Villiersdorp in the Western Cape, is an earth-fill dam established between 1978 and 1982 that serves as the largest reservoir in the Western Cape Water Supply System. Holding a maximum capacity of 480 million cubic metres across a surface area of 48 square kilometres, it provides approximately 41% of the water storage capacity for the City of Cape Town and surrounding agricultural areas.

The dam forms the core of the Riviersonderend-Berg River Government Water Scheme, utilizing a 7.9-kilometre bidirectional tunnel through the Franschhoek Mountains to link the reservoir with the Berg River catchment area for dynamic water distribution. Beyond its critical water supply function, the site operates as a major recreational venue hosted by the Theewater Sports Club, which facilitates public camping, angling for large-mouth bass, and water sports including sailing, powerboating, and kitesurfing.