Practical and Recreational
The largest dam in the Western Cape, Theewaterskloof provides the biggest proportion of that region's water. It is also favoured by fishermen (bass and trout) and water-skiers, given its idyllic location, surrounded by plantations and vineyards in the lee of the Hottentots Holland Mountains near the town of Villiersdorp.
Theewaterskloof Dam is also home to one of the country's strongest inland sailing clubs, and its team has won the Lipton Challenge Cup more times than any other in recent years - hardly surprising given that the wind blows there pretty much year-round. There is a very pleasant and safe campsite in the sailing club grounds, with very reasonable rates and direct access to the lake.
More recently, the Western Cape was caught in the grip of extreme drought, leading to the dam’s levels dropping to 12.9% (with the last 10% mostly unreachable) at the end of 2017’s dry season. Media coverage sparked action in the surrounding areas to conserve as much water as possible, as the dam provides the largest amount of water to the Western Cape region. It is predicted that at least 3 years (past 2020) of good winter rainfall is necessary for the dam to return to previous healthy levels.