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Free State

Dam · Free State · South Africa · DWS

Vaalrivier Barrage Dam

96.8% full

Total capacity

53.7 Mm³

River

Vaal River

Basin

Unknown

Primary use

water supply

Operator

DWS South Africa

Coordinates

-26.765°S, 27.684°E

Last updated

2026-06-29

Data older than 14 days — last reading 2026-06-29. Shown for reference; it may not reflect current levels.

Current fill

96.8%
High

vs 7 days ago

-1.2%

losing

vs 1 year ago

N/A

7-day trend

stable

Weekly storage

Fill history — multi-year

About this dam

Data source

official

Storage data: Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Weekly State of Dams report, South Africa.

Catchment Weather

Past 30 days + 14-day forecast · Open-Meteo

About Vaalrivier Barrage Dam

As of June 29, 2026, Vaalrivier Barrage Dam is filled to 96.8% of its total capacity, holding roughly 52 Mm³ of water out of a maximum 54 Mm³. At this level the reservoir is high.

Over the most recent week on record the fill level has held broadly steady (-1.2 pts).

Across the readings we hold for Vaalrivier Barrage Dam — 8 data points between May 31, 2026 and June 29, 2026 — the level has ranged from a low of 94.2% (June 9, 2026) to a high of 99.5% (June 3, 2026).

It is operated by DWS South Africa primarily for water supply. It lies within the Unknown basin at 26.765°S, 27.684°E.

Key facts

Current fill level
96.8%
Water stored
52 Mm³
Total capacity
54 Mm³
7-day change
▼ 1.2 pts
Primary use
Water supply
River
Vaal River
River basin
Unknown
Operator
DWS South Africa
Coordinates
26.765°S, 27.684°E
Last updated
June 29, 2026

Recent readings

DateFill levelVolume (Mm³)
29 Jun 202696.8%52
22 Jun 202698.0%53
16 Jun 202694.2%51
9 Jun 202694.2%51
8 Jun 202699.5%53
7 Jun 202699.5%53
3 Jun 202699.5%53
31 May 202695.6%51

Frequently asked questions

What is the current water level of Vaalrivier Barrage Dam?

As of June 29, 2026, Vaalrivier Barrage Dam is at 96.8% of its capacity, holding approximately 52 Mm³ of water, according to DWS South Africa data.

Is Vaalrivier Barrage Dam reservoir full?

Vaalrivier Barrage Dam is essentially full, sitting at 96.8% of capacity as of June 29, 2026.

Is the water level at Vaalrivier Barrage Dam rising or falling?

The level at Vaalrivier Barrage Dam has been broadly stable over the latest week on record (-1.2 points).

How much water can Vaalrivier Barrage Dam hold?

Vaalrivier Barrage Dam has a total capacity of 54 Mm³.

Where is Vaalrivier Barrage Dam reservoir located?

Vaalrivier Barrage Dam is located in Free State, South Africa, within the Unknown basin (coordinates 26.765°S, 27.684°E).

What is Vaalrivier Barrage Dam used for?

Vaalrivier Barrage Dam is used primarily for water supply, and is managed by DWS South Africa.

Nearby reservoirs

See also: South Africa dam levels, explained — how the DWS Weekly State of Dams report becomes the national and provincial figures.

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