Prospect Reservoir Valve House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prospect Reservoir Valve House
Location	East of Reservoir, Prospect, City of Fairfield, New South Wales, Australia
Architect	The Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage
Owner	Sydney Water; Water NSW
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Prospect Reservoir Valve House
Type	State heritage (complex / group)
Designated	18 November 1999
Reference no.	1371
Type	Other - Utilities - Water
Category	Utilities - Water
Builders	Water Board
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The Prospect Reservoir Valve House is a special building with a long history. It is a heritage-listed waterworks located in Prospect, Australia. This important building sits within the Prospect Nature Reserve. It was designed and built by The Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage. Today, it is owned by Sydney Water and Water NSW, which are government groups in New South Wales. The Valve House was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 November 1999. This means it is protected because of its historical importance.

A Look Back: History of Prospect

Early Aboriginal Life in Prospect

The land around Prospect Reservoir has been home to Aboriginal people for a very long time. They found good places to camp near the creeks and on higher ground. Even after Europeans arrived, Aboriginal people continued to live on these lands. Evidence like mixed glass and stone tools shows this continued presence.

European Settlement and Changes

European settlers arrived in the Prospect area around 1789. Prospect Hill is a large, rocky hill that stands out in the landscape. It became a very important landmark for the early settlers. In 1788, Governor Phillip climbed Prospect Hill. From there, he could see the Blue Mountains for the first time. This hill helped explorers figure out distances and find their way.

In the early 1790s, Governor Phillip started giving land to convicts who had finished their sentences. This was to encourage farming. In 1791, many settlers received land grants on the slopes of Prospect Hill. The soil there was richer, which was good for growing crops.

The arrival of settlers led to conflicts with the local Aboriginal people. Pemulwuy and his Bidjigal clan were central to this resistance. In 1801, Governor King ordered that Aboriginal people near Parramatta and Prospect Hill should be "driven back." This led to a difficult period.

However, in 1805, a very important meeting took place near Prospect Hill. Aboriginal leaders and European settlers met to discuss peace. This meeting helped end the conflict in the area. It was a major step towards better relations between Aboriginal people and settlers.

Farming continued on Prospect Hill from 1791. By the 1820s, much of the land was cleared. Later, the area was mostly used for raising livestock. Many of the first settler homes were gone by the time maps were made. The land was farmed until 1888, when the Prospect Reservoir was built.

Building the Prospect Reservoir

By the mid-1800s, Sydney needed a better way to get water. In 1867, a group was formed to plan Sydney's water supply. By 1869, they decided to build the Upper Nepean Scheme. This huge project involved building weirs (small dams) on the Nepean River and its branches. Water would then flow through tunnels, canals, and aqueducts. This system was designed to bring water by gravity to a large reservoir at Prospect.

The NSW Public Works Department designed and built Prospect Reservoir. Construction happened in the 1880s, and it was finished in 1888. Edward Orpen Moriarty, a chief engineer, is largely credited for this important scheme.

The Upper Nepean Scheme was Sydney's fourth water supply system. It collected water from the Nepean, Cataract, Cordeaux, and Avon Rivers. The water traveled through the Upper Canal to Prospect Reservoir. From there, the Lower Canal carried water to a basin at Guildford, called Pipehead. Then, pipes took the water to other reservoirs around Sydney. The Valve House was a key part of this system. It helped control the water flow and gave Sydney a reliable water source from 1888.

What the Valve House Looks Like

The Valve House is an eight-sided building, about 10 by 6 meters wide. Its design is inspired by the Victorian Free Classical style. It is mainly built from sandstone bricks, with sandstone foundations and decorative parts. Even though its main job is practical (holding the electrical valve gear), it was designed to look good.

The building mixes its industrial purpose with nice architectural features. It has elements from classical architecture, like the formal decoration on the parapet (the low wall at the edge of the roof). However, it also has simple walls and windows. This shows a common trend at the time: making useful engineering buildings look better with simple decorations.

Inside, the valve chambers have carefully crafted brickwork. Much of the valve gear is original, though some parts have been replaced. When parts were replaced, they were made to look like the originals. The Valve House also has what are believed to be the original "Kent" flow meters. These meters were known for being very accurate.

The Valve House is a central control point for the Upper Nepean Scheme. It manages how much water flows from Prospect Reservoir to the Lower Canal, and then to Sydney. Since 1960, Prospect has received water from Warragamba Dam, not the Upper Nepean Dams. A plaque on the Valve House says: "The Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage, Nepean Water Supply - Completed AD 1889- E.O.Moriarty, M.Inst.C.E. Engnieer In Chief, P.W.D."

Current Condition and Changes

The Valve House is mostly in its original state and is in good condition. It still controls the water supply from the Reservoir to Pipehead today.

Why the Valve House is Important

The Prospect Reservoir Valve House was a very important part of the Upper Nepean Water Supply Scheme. It played a direct role in supplying and controlling water for Sydney after the scheme started in 1888. This gives it high historical importance.

The building is a good example of the Free Classical style used for buildings owned by the Water Board. It looks nice without being overly decorated. Its classical parapet, lintel details (the top part of a door or window frame), symmetrical front, and plain walls make it special. The Valve House continues to be a key part of Sydney's water supply system.

The Prospect Reservoir Valve House was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 November 1999. This is because:

• It is a rare example of its kind in the history of New South Wales.
• It shows important features of cultural places in New South Wales. It is a good local example of its architectural style.

Images for kids

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  Prospect Reservoir (1895) by Arthur Streeton