Dam project could improve aquatic environment

Abstract

Originally completed in 1935, the Clanwilliam Dam is situated on the Olifants River upstream of Bulshoek Barrage. It is the major dam in the Olifants/ Doring Basin, and provides water to a number of towns, the Clanwilliam canal scheme, to irrigation farmers who draw water from the river, and especially to the Olifants River Government Water Scheme around Vredendal. Water is released from the Clanwilliam Dam to the Bulshoek Barrage, from where it is distributed by means of an extensive canal system to downstream towns and irrigation farmers. While about 85% of the total river flow occurs during winter months, more than 60% of the annual urban demand and 90% of the irrigation demand occurs in summer. The concrete gravity dam was raised between 1962 and 1964 by adding 13 crest gates and through the use of pre-stressed cables, giving the wall a present height of 43 m. The dam has a current net storage capacity of 122 million cubic metres.

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