Krugersdrift Dam
The Krugersdrift Dam in the Modder River is 35 km northwest of Bloemfontein, Free State Province of South Africa with a capacity of 73.2 million cubic metres. It was built in 1970 with a wall length of 3114 m, height of 26 m and a surface area of 1 853 ha. The huge dam is very shallow and can lose its water in a short period of time due to usage and evaporation. The dam is situated in the Soetdoring Nature Reserve and holds yellowfish, Orange River mudfish, barbel and carp.
| Krugersdrift Dam | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Krugersdrift Dam |
| Country | South Africa |
| Location | Free State |
| Coordinates | 28°53′1″S 25°57′0″E |
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Opening date | 1970 |
| Owner(s) | Department of Water Affairs |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Arch-gravity dam |
| Impounds | Modder River |
| Height | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Length | 4,956 m (16,260 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Krugerdrift Dam Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 66,000,000 m3 (54,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Catchment area | 6,331 km2 (2,444 sq mi) |
| Surface area | 1,853 ha (4,580 acres) |
It is a popular birding venue with large numbers of South African shelduck, Spur-winged geese and Egyptian geese. Access to the reserve is from the Bloemfontein-Bultfontein road (R700) or from the Bloemfontein-Kimberley road (R64); the reserve is about 40 kilometres from Bloemfontein's city centre.
See also
- List of reservoirs and dams in South Africa
- List of rivers of South Africa