From Streams to Reservoirs

The 213 Year journey of Water Supply in George

When Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel was appointed to establish the town of George in 1811, he made securing a steady water supply his top priority. Along with land surveyor JH Koopman, van Kervel explored the Outeniqua mountains and discovered a perennial stream, laying the foundation for George's water supply.

READ THE FULL STORY

The History of George’s Water Supply George’s water supply has always originated in the mountain towering above the city. In 1811, Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel, the founder of George, explored the Outeniqua mountains along with land surveyor JH Koopman in search of a water source.

A year later, a network of furrows was constructed to channel water from a perennial stream into Caledon Street and down York Street, creating a basic network for the town’s water supply. In 1850, the Van Kervel Dam, which still exists in the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was built to store water from the furrow. Although this water became polluted, it was the main water source for the town for 71 years.

The Waterhouse stone reservoir was completed in 1883, from which water was piped for the first time.

Development and Expansion

As the population of George grew alongside a burgeoning timber industry, the first arch-type concrete Westkloof Dam was completed in 1925. This dam still exists and can be visited by hikers.

Just 14 years later, the George Dam, also known as the Swart River Dam, was built in 1939, coinciding with the onset of World War II. The George Dam was raised in 1955 but faced issues with leaks. It wasn’t until 1980, during a severe drought, that the Garden Route Dam was constructed at a cost of R2 million. Remarkably, shortly after its completion, heavy rains filled the dam to capacity.

The wall of the Garden Route Dam was raised by Zutari in 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. The raising of the wall required innovative design of its spillway to allow for the increased capacity while improving the safety of the dam. The new duckbill spillway is curved, creating a spillway that is 80 m longer than the original one.

Challenges and Rehabilitation

Crime and Environmental Degradation

The area around the Garden Route Dam became plagued by crime, with squatters using the adjacent municipal pine forest for shelter. Following incidents of violence, the dam became a no-go zone for years.

To address safety concerns, the George Active Recreation Development and Action Group (GARDAG) organized various community events to turn the area into a valuable recreation area. In 2005, the municipal pine trees were harvested, leading to a significant reduction in vagrants.

However, this also resulted in illegal dumping, including medical waste, prompting GARDAG to push for the dam to be declared a National Key Point. This never succeeded, but the Municipality did eventually improve security to reduce crime in the area. Environmental Rehabilitation

The dam’s island, initially overrun by invasive black wattle, became a focus for environmental rehabilitation. During a drought, GARDAG collaborated with local schools to remove the invasive species and plant indigenous trees, although challenges with water access hindered early efforts.

Water Supply Crisis and Pollution

Droughts and Diversification

George has faced significant droughts over the past two centuries, with the most severe occurring in 2009. In response, the municipality sought to diversify water sources, pumping water from nearby rivers and drilling boreholes on mountain slopes.

Controversially, the municipality also attempted to recycle sewage water, which sparked public outcry due to health concerns. Despite opposition, the recycling plant was established but later mothballed due to high operational costs. Pollution and Legal Actions Pollution from the Kat River, a major feeder for the dam, has been a long-standing issue.

Reports highlighted toxic runoff from the Denneoord Purification Works. Thanks to advocacy from local environmental groups, the municipality was compelled to address these pollution issues by constructing new settling dams.

Recent Developments

After delays due to environmental concerns, the raising of the dam’s spillway and wall was completed in January 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. This project received accolades for its engineering excellence. However, proposals for commercial development around the dam raised alarms about potential pollution risks.

Despite public opposition, development plans were approved, leading GARDAG to seek legal recourse to challenge these decisions. As of mid-2024, the George community awaited the outcome regarding the environmental authorizations granted for these developments.

GARDAG WINS!

There were cheers and applause as Desiree du Preez, GARDAG Chairperson, Delivered a Surprise Announcement at their annual Golf Day fundraising event hosted by the George Golf club. Victory for GARDAG in the ongoing Court Battle to Protect the Garden Route Dam from proposed development by the George municipality and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, in a landmark ruling by the Cape Town High Court.

Looking Ahead

As George continues to grow, the pressure on its water supply intensifies. The municipality must prioritize sustainable water management strategies and consider the long-term impacts of climate change on the region’s water resources. There is a pressing need for innovative solutions to ensure a pollution-free water supply and to preserve green spaces for future generations, reflecting a commitment to both environmental stewardship and community well-being.

 

The History of George’s Water Supply

Nurturing George: The 213-Year Evolution of Water Management

George’s water supply has always originated in the mountain towering above the city. In 1811, Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel, the founder of George, explored the Outeniqua mountains along with land surveyor JH Koopman in search of a water source. A year later, a network of furrows was constructed to channel water from a perennial stream into Caledon Street and down York Street, creating a basic network for the town’s water supply. In 1850, the Van Kervel Dam, which still exists in the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was built to store water from the furrow. Although this water became polluted, it was the main water source for the town for 71 years. The Waterhouse stone reservoir was completed in 1883, from which water was piped for the first time.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THE GEORGE WATER SUPPLY TIMELINE

Development and Expansion

As the population of George grew alongside a burgeoning timber industry, the first arch-type concrete Westkloof Dam was completed in 1925. This dam still exists and can be visited by hikers. Just 14 years later, the George Dam, also known as the Swart River Dam, was built in 1939, coinciding with the onset of World War II. The George Dam was raised in 1955 but faced issues with leaks. It wasn’t until 1980, during a severe drought, that the Garden Route Dam was constructed at a cost of R2 million. Remarkably, shortly after its completion, heavy rains filled the dam to capacity. The wall of the Garden Route Dam was raised by Zutari in 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. The raising of the wall required innovative design of its spillway to allow for the increased capacity while improving the safety of the dam. The new duckbill spillway is curved, creating a spillway that is 80 m longer than the original one.

Challenges and Rehabilitation

Crime and Environmental Degradation

The area around the Garden Route Dam became plagued by crime, with squatters using the adjacent municipal pine forest for shelter. Following incidents of violence, the dam became a no-go zone for years. To address safety concerns, the George Active Recreation Development and Action Group (GARDAG) organized various community events to turn the area into a valuable recreation area. In 2005, the municipal pine trees were harvested, leading to a significant reduction in vagrants. However, this also resulted in illegal dumping, including medical waste, prompting GARDAG to push for the dam to be declared a National Key Point. This never succeeded, but the Municipality did eventually improve security to reduce crime in the area.

Environmental Rehabilitation

The dam and its surroundings is environmentally significant.
It provides a natural habitat for diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the region’s biodiversity.

The natural green area around the dam is popular for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and rowing.
The dam’s island, initially overrun by invasive black wattle, became a focus for environmental rehabilitation. During a drought, GARDAG collaborated with local schools to remove the invasive species and plant indigenous trees, although challenges with water access hindered early efforts.
Water Supply Crisis and Pollution
Droughts and Diversification

George has faced significant droughts over the past two centuries, with the most severe occurring in 2009. In response, the municipality sought to diversify water sources, pumping water from nearby rivers and drilling boreholes on mountain slopes. Controversially, the municipality also attempted to recycle sewage water, which sparked public outcry due to health concerns. Despite opposition, the recycling plant was established but later mothballed due to high operational costs.

Pollution and Legal Actions

Pollution from the Kat River, a major feeder for the dam, has been a long-standing issue. Reports highlighted toxic runoff from the Denneoord Purification Works. Thanks to advocacy from local environmental groups, the municipality was compelled to address these pollution issues by constructing new settling dams.

Recent Developments

After delays due to environmental concerns, the raising of the dam’s spillway and wall was completed in January 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. This project received accolades for its engineering excellence. However, proposals for commercial development around the dam raised alarms about potential pollution risks. Despite public opposition, development plans were approved, leading GARDAG to seek legal recourse to challenge these decisions. As of mid-2024, a court ruling is awaited regarding the environmental authorizations granted for these developments.
 

GARDAG WINS!

There were cheers and applause as Desiree du Preez, GARDAG Chairperson, Delivered a Surprise Announcement at their annual Golf Day fundraising event hosted by the George Golf club. Victory for GARDAG in the ongoing Court Battle to Protect the Garden Route Dam from proposed development by the George municipality and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, in a landmark ruling by the Cape Town High Court.

Looking Ahead

As George continues to grow, the pressure on its water supply intensifies. The municipality must prioritize sustainable water management strategies and consider the long-term impacts of climate change on the region’s water resources. There is a pressing need for innovative solutions to ensure a pollution-free water supply and to preserve green spaces for future generations, reflecting a commitment to both environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Working together with local communities, the municipality and businesses, the GARDAG team of committed volunteers seeks to educate others about the importance of protecting the natural water sources in George, South Africa, particularly the Garden Route Dam, the main water source for this thriving town.

GARDAG is grateful for the support of the local George business community. As a non-profit organisation, GARDAG relies on the donations provided by our generous sponsors in order to monitor water quality in our rivers and dams around the area.

Your support goes a long way in helping us to monitor water quality in George.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THE GEORGE WATER SUPPLY TIMELINE