The centre of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, it became a municipality in April 1960.

It takes its name from the Harts River which passes to the west of the town.

There is a monument built in the shape of a miniature church dedicated to the women of Vaalharts for their contribution towards building and developing the Vaalharts irrigation scheme located in the town of Hartswater.

The town has its own wine cellar and also a newly built olive processing business.

Hartswater is centrally located to Jan Kempdorp, Pampierstad, Ganspan, Taung and Christiana.