Myponga Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myponga Reservoir |
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| Location | Myponga, South Australia |
| Coordinates | 35°23′42″S 138°26′31″E / 35.395°S 138.442°E |
| Construction began | 1958 |
| Opening date | 1962 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Height | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Length | 226 m (741 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 26 800 ML |
| Catchment area | Myponga River |
| Surface area | 2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi) |
The Myponga Reservoir is a large reservoir in South Australia. It is located about 60 kilometers south of Adelaide, near the town of Myponga. This important reservoir collects water from the Myponga River and other smaller rivers in the area.
Myponga Reservoir
The Myponga Reservoir plays a key role in supplying water to people in South Australia. It provides about 5% of the water used by the City of Adelaide. It is also the main source of clean, filtered water for the southern parts of Adelaide and the nearby coastal areas.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a very large, artificial lake. It is built to store water, usually for drinking, irrigation, or generating electricity. Reservoirs are often created by building a dam across a river. This dam holds back the water, forming a big pool. The Myponga Reservoir is an example of this, storing water from the Myponga River.
Building the Reservoir
Plans to create a major water storage area in the Myponga River region began in 1945. Construction of the Myponga Reservoir started in 1958. It took four years to build, and the reservoir was finished in 1962. Before the reservoir was built, this area was known as "Lovely Valley" since 1840. The construction of the dam caused this valley to be flooded, creating the reservoir we see today.
Supplying Water
For many years, the water from Myponga Reservoir was used to add to the water supply of the Happy Valley Reservoir. This helped ensure there was enough water for everyone. In 1993, the Myponga Water Treatment Plant was built. This plant cleans and filters the water from the reservoir, making it safe to drink. Now, Myponga Reservoir is a direct source of clean water for many homes and businesses.
