Eikenhof Dam is an impressive earth-fill embankment dam situated on the Palmiet River near Grabouw in the Western Cape, completed in 1977. Standing around 47 metres high and stretching roughly 300 to 450 metres in length, the dam was originally built with a capacity of 22 million cubic metres, later expanded to its current 29 million cubic metres, with a reservoir surface area of about 270 hectares at full supply level. Its primary purpose is to provide vital irrigation to the Elgin and Grabouw region, supporting the valley’s world-renowned orchards and fruit farms, while also supplying water for domestic and industrial needs. Under certain conditions, Eikenhof plays a further strategic role by contributing to Cape Town’s water supply through an inter-basin transfer scheme. Positioned in the upper catchment of the Palmiet River—close to the confluence of the Wesselsgat and Keeroms Rivers—the dam is part of a broader river system spanning some 500 km², which includes several dams working together to harness seasonal flows and secure water storage for the dry months.

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Historical Development & Upgrades

Here’s how Eikenhof’s story unfolded over time:

1. Precursor Local Water Schemes
   Before the dam, water supply in Elgin/Grabouw was managed via smaller irrigation and pumping schemes (e.g. Palmiet River Scheme, Groenland Winter Water Pumping Scheme). 

2. 1960s Push for a Dam
   As fruit farming expanded, existing water supply became insufficient. In 1966, a steering committee of farmers began exploring options for a large, sustainable irrigation scheme. 
   The Department of Water Affairs indicated that state‐built solutions would be delayed, so the committee opted to build their own dam and later seek subsidy or loans. 

3. Design & Construction (1970s)

   • Consulting engineers Ninham Shand were appointed for design. 

   • The dam was completed in 1977. 

   • After completion, powers for water supply in the region were formally assigned to the Groenland Irrigation Board in 1978 (via government notice) to manage the distribution to users. 

4. Upgrades Over Time
   The dam didn’t stay static — it underwent upgrades to increase capacity and improve spillway design:

   • 1988: Enlarged to ~ 25 million m³. An auxiliary spillway was added then. 

   • 1998: Further upgrade to its present ~ 29 million m³. The service spillway and auxiliary spillway sill were modified — the original sills were replaced with a reinforced concrete labyrinth spillway and “Hydroplus vertical fusegates.”

   • Safety inspections and regulatory oversight (DWAF / Dam Safety Office) have been periodically carried out.

5. Water Allocation & Inter-Basin Transfer

   • The dam’s yield is allocated among agricultural, industrial, domestic uses. 

6. Management & Institutional Evolution

   • The original Groenland Irrigation Board (GIB) eventually transitioned into Groenland Water User Association (GWUA) in 2005, to align with the National Water Act’s requirements. 

   • The GWUA is responsible for water resource management, allocation, maintenance, monitoring, and liaising with users. 

   • The dam is considered a Category III (high hazard) dam, given its size and potential downstream risks. 

 

Significance & Recent Role

• Agricultural Backbone: Eikenhof is often cited as the largest dam in the region supporting fruit orchards, supplying a major share of irrigation for Elgin/Grabouw farms. 

• Drought Aid: During severe droughts, the owners/operators have even released water to supplement municipal supply to Cape Town. (For example, a widely publicised donation of water in 2018 during Cape Town’s water crisis.) 

• Recreation & Venue Use: The area around Eikenhof Dam is used for outdoor recreation, guest cabins, nature stays, etc. 

• Strategic Development Potential: There are ongoing discussions and visions for redevelopment of adjacent land (country club, community, eco-tourism) while preserving the dam and its environs.