The Drakensberg Source of Johannesburg's Water
Johannesburg receives most of its potable water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, via the Vaal dam. However, another significant inter-basin water transfer scheme, the Thukela-Vaal Transfer Scheme, also! feeds into the Vaal.
This scheme is one of the country's great engineering feats, featuring an underground power station, the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme, which can function as a backup in case of total grid failure.
The Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme will function as the "on" switch if South Africa ever experiences total grid failure.
Despite its importance, the scheme is a source of grievance for many Drakensberg communities, who are bypassed by its waters and rely on rivers and boreholes for their needs.
- The Thukela River rises on Mont-Aux-Sources, a peak in the Drakensberg range.
- The river flows eastwards down the South African side of the range.
Author's summary: Johannesburg's water source is a feat of engineering with a complex history.