Olifantsnek Dam

Olifantsnek Dam
Aerial view of Olifantsnek Dam taken during ISS Expedition 19
Official nameOlifantsnek Dam
CountrySouth Africa
LocationNear Rustenburg, North West
Coordinates25°47′03″S 27°15′36″E / 25.78417°S 27.26000°E / -25.78417; 27.26000
PurposeIrrigation
Opening date1929
Owner(s)Department of Water Affairs
Dam and spillways
Type of damArch dam
ImpoundsHex River
Height30 m
Length129 m
Reservoir
CreatesOlifantsnek Dam Reservoir
Total capacity14 200 000 m3
Catchment area492 km2
Surface area272 ha

Olifantsnek Dam, is an arch type dam located on the Hex River, near Rustenburg, North West, South Africa. It was established in 1929.[1] The dam has a capacity of 14,200,000 cubic metres (500,000,000 cu ft) and a surface area of 272 hectares (670 acres), the wall is 30 metres (98 ft), and has a length of 129 metres (423 ft).[2] The dam serves mainly for irrigation purposes and its hazard potential has been ranked high (3).

  1. ^ "Olifantsnek Dam – history and today".
  2. ^ "Catalogue of South African Dams". Department of Water and Sanitation. Archived from the original on 26 August 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2004.