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The development of embankment dam engineering in South Africa over the last century has been met with many challenges, one of which was the use of geotextiles as filters. The historical design philosophy and use of geotextiles is reviewed. ,’. Recent investigations into design practice and insitu geotextile filter performance at various dam sites are described. It is concluded that geotextiles may be used as filters where replacement is practicable and as adjuncts to the filter system of embankment dams where replacement is impracticable.