About Kouga Dam

Kouga Dam forms the centrepiece of the Gamtoos water scheme, which Gamtoos Water operates under contract with the Department of Water and Sanitation. A vigilant approach to management and maintenance has ensured that water losses amount to less than 8% from this open system. Kouga means ‘hippopotamus’ in the Khoi language.

FAST FACTS

FIRST:

Kouga Dam is the first double curvature (cupola) arch dam in South Africa.

1957

Construction started

1969

Opened in 1969

FORMER NAME:

Paul Sauer Dam

CATCHMENT AREA:

388 700ha

34km

Length of dam basin.

555ha

Surface area (full)

133 million m³

Total capacity

94.5m

Height

53m

Maximum water depth

10.2m

Maximum wall thickness

125.5 million m³

Dam capacity when full

59.9 million m³ per annum

Water supply to farmers