Gariep Dam Level Today
On the Orange River, Free State. Full supply capacity 4903 million m3. Current as of 2026-10-12.
This dam is over 100% of its full supply capacity - the level officially counted as "100% full". The extra water is held in flood-reserve storage above the normal full level, so water is usually spilling over the spillway or being released through the sluice gates to protect the dam wall, and rivers downstream can run high. It is the opposite of a shortage: the dam is full and overflowing.
Recent trend: Over the last 5 weeks, Gariep Dam has risen 1.5 percentage points - about 0.3% per week.
Gariep Dam Level History
Showing 18 weekly readings from 2025-10-13 to 2026-10-12.
About Gariep Dam
Gariep is the largest dam in South Africa by full supply capacity, holding roughly 5.3 billion cubic metres when full. It is the anchor of the Orange River system and supplies irrigation, hydropower, and downstream flow to Vanderkloof.
Gariep Dam has a full supply capacity of 4903.4 million cubic metres (Mm3) and sits on the Orange River in Free State. At 100.8% full, the dam currently holds roughly 4942.7 Mm3 of water, equivalent to about 4942678 million litres.
Which Towns and Cities Does Gariep Dam Supply?
Gariep Dam supplies water to Bloemfontein (via Orange-Riet transfer) and Lower Orange irrigation.
Key supply areas: Bloemfontein (via Orange-Riet transfer), Lower Orange irrigation.
Other Dams on the Orange River
Gariep Dam is one of 2 dams we track on the Orange River. Sorted by capacity:
| Dam | Province | Cap (Mm3) | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderkloof Dam | Free State | 3137 | 104.5% |
Gariep Dam - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gariep Dam running dry?
No, Gariep Dam is not running dry. At 100.8% full, the dam has adequate water reserves.
When was Gariep Dam last full?
Based on available weekly data, Gariep Dam most recently reached 99%+ full around 2026-10-12.
What cities does Gariep Dam supply?
Gariep Dam supplies water to Bloemfontein (via Orange-Riet transfer) and Lower Orange irrigation. Gariep is the largest dam in South Africa by full supply capacity, holding roughly 5.3 billion cubic metres when full. It is the anchor of the Orange River system and supplies irrigation, hydropower, and downstream flow to Vanderkloof.
What river is Gariep Dam on?
Gariep Dam is on the Orange River in Free State. Other dams on the Orange River include Vanderkloof Dam.
How is the Gariep Dam level trending?
Gariep Dam is currently at 100.8% full. The level is falling, down 6.4% from last week. Compared to this time last year (94.5%), the dam is in a significantly better position.
Other Dams in Free State
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