Vals River

The Vals River (Afrikaans: Valsrivier) is a tributary of the Vaal River in the Free State, South Africa. It is a strong seasonal river.

Vals River
Valsrivier
Sarel Cilliers Bridge over the Vals River in Kroonstad
Location of the Vals River mouth
EtymologyTranslated into Afrikaans from its Khoekhoe name Enta, Nta or Entaap, meaning 'false or treacherous river'; possibly referring to unexpected depths in its stream bed or to changes in its course during floods.[1]
Native nameEnta
Location
CountrySouth Africa
RegionFree State
CitiesLindley, Kroonstad
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationNear Paul Roux
 • elevation1,880 m (6,170 ft)
MouthVaal River
 • location
Vaal Dam
 • coordinates
27°40′37″S 27°12′40″E
 • elevation
1,337 m (4,386 ft)
Basin size7,870 km2 (3,040 sq mi)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • leftBlomspruit
 • rightLiebenbergstroom

This river of the Middle Vaal System is a good place for fishing, especially the local Largemouth Yellowfish.[2]

Course

The river source is about 20 km southeast of Paul Roux and about 25 km southeast of Bethlehem. It flows under the N5 road shortly after its source. In its upper course the Vals River flows roughly northwards, bending northwestwards across the highveld towards Lindley and meandering across the plain.

In its middle course there are a number of weirs as it flows mostly through areas of dryland crops and its waters are used for irrigation. The Vals receives a number of small tributaries, the most important of which are the Blomspruit and the Liebenbergstroom. It finally meets the Vaal after crossing the city of Kroonstad.[3]

Dams in its basin
  • Serfontein Dam, near Kroonstad
  • Barend Wessel Dam, by Kroonstad
  • Bloemhoek Dam, in the Jordaan Spruit

See also

References
  1. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names
  2. "Steynsrus - Waterfall Guest Farm". Archived from the original on 2006-09-26. Retrieved 2012-04-08.
  3. Middle Vaal WMA 9
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