Kiama Reservoirs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kiama Reservoirs (WS 0231 and WS0232) |
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Heritage boundaries
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| Location | Irvine Street, Kiama, Municipality of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia |
| Architect | NSW Department of Public Works ? |
| Owner | Sydney Water |
| Official name: Kiama Reservoir (WS 0231); WS 0231 | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 15 November 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1626 |
| Type | Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam |
| Category | Utilities - Water |
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The Kiama Reservoirs (WS 0231 and WS 0232) are two special water storage tanks in Kiama, New South Wales. They are located on Irvine Street and are owned by Sydney Water. These reservoirs are important because they help supply water to the local area. They were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 15 November 2002, which means they are protected for their historical value.
Contents
How Kiama Got Its Water
For a long time, the South Coast area, including Wollongong, got its water from the Cordeaux River. This river is part of the Upper Nepean system. Big dams were built on the Cordeaux River in 1903, 1915, and 1926 to collect water.
The land around the coast, like O'Briens Gap, is quite high. This meant the water pressure in the main pipes was too strong for homes. To fix this, five smaller reservoirs were built at high points along the coast. These reservoirs helped to reduce the water pressure.
The first water supply system for Wollongong was built between 1902 and 1903. Over the years, the water supply expanded to many other towns. However, Kiama and Jamberoo were not connected to this main water system until after 1961.
Later, in the 1960s, water also started coming from Avon Dam, which was finished in 1928. Today, water from Avon Dam goes through a special cleaning plant. Then it travels to other reservoirs, which then supply water to homes. The Kiama Reservoirs became part of this larger water network after 1961.
What the Reservoirs Look Like
The Kiama site has two main reservoirs, WS 0231 and WS 0232, and a newer steel reservoir.
Reservoir WS 0231
This reservoir is located at the south end of the site. It is a simple round tank made of reinforced concrete. This means it's concrete with metal bars inside to make it extra strong. It has a thicker edge around the top.
You won't see a concrete "apron" (a flat area around the base) on this reservoir. It has standard features like a metal handrail, a small crane-like tool called a davit, and ladders for access. There are also special rooms for the water valves.
Reservoir WS 0231 can hold about 1.1 million litres of water. Its full water level is 90 metres high. A modern brick building is located near this reservoir. To keep the water clean and safe, a roof was added to this reservoir between the 1960s and 1970s.
Reservoir WS 0232
This reservoir is located to the north of WS 0231. It is also a round tank made of reinforced concrete. Its sides are stepped or tapered, and it also has a thicker edge at the top. Like WS 0231, it does not have a visible concrete apron or foundation around its base.
It has similar features to WS 0231, including a metal handrail, a depth gauge to show water levels, a davit, and access ladders. It also has special rooms for the water valves.
Reservoir WS 0232 is larger than WS 0231. It can hold about 2.3 million litres of water. Its full water level is also 90 metres high. This reservoir was also covered with a roof in the 1960s or 1970s to protect the water quality.
Why They Are Heritage-Listed
The Kiama Reservoirs are special because they are part of a small group of round concrete reservoirs. These types of reservoirs were built to supply water to smaller local communities.
The Kiama Reservoirs (WS 0231 and WS0232) were officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 15 November 2002. This means they are important for several reasons:
- They show how history unfolded: These reservoirs are linked to how Kiama first got its own water supply. They also show how the demand for water grew as more people moved into the area.
- They are unique or rare: These reservoirs are part of a small group of concrete reservoirs that do not have a visible concrete apron around their base. This makes them a bit unusual.
