Wahroonga Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wahroonga Reservoir |
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Wahroonga Reservoir, 1678 Pacific Highway, Wahroonga
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| Location | 1678 Pacific Highway and Woonona Avenue, Wahroonga, Ku-ring-gai Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1915 |
| Built for | Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage |
| Architect | Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage |
| Owner | Sydney Water |
| Official name: Wahroonga Reservoir (Elevated) (WS 0124) | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 18 November 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1352 |
| Type | Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam |
| Category | Utilities - Water |
| Builders | Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage |
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The Wahroonga Reservoir is a special old water tank in Wahroonga, Sydney, Australia. It's located at 1678 Pacific Highway. This reservoir was built in 1915 by the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage. It's also known as Wahroonga Reservoir (Elevated) (WS 0124).
Today, Sydney Water still owns this important site. It's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's a protected historical place. It was added to the list on November 18, 1999.
Contents
History of Wahroonga Reservoir
How Sydney's Northern Suburbs Got Water
When the Sydney Water Board took over water supply in 1888, the northern suburbs of Sydney didn't have much water. Water only came from Paddington Reservoir through an underwater pipe to Milsons Point. This pipe could only supply water to lower areas.
To fix this, the Board built a pumping station in North Sydney in 1888. It had two large storage tanks. These helped supply water to the higher parts of North Sydney. However, this system was taken down in 1892. The pump moved to Carlton, and the tanks went to Wahroonga.
In 1892, the Ryde Pumping Station started working. It brought water from Potts Hill to areas like Ryde and Chatswood. Two reservoirs had already been built in Chatswood in 1888.
Growing Need for Water
As more people moved to the North Shore, especially with the new railway, more water storage was needed. The tanks that were once in North Sydney were moved to Wahroonga in 1896. A steam-powered pumping station was built at Chatswood in 1895 to send water to Wahroonga.
Then, a new steel reservoir was built in Wahroonga in 1898. This was called Wahroonga Reservoir No. 1. From Wahroonga, water pipes stretched out to Hornsby, Thornleigh, and Beecroft.
By 1905, the pipes from Chatswood to Wahroonga were getting old. So, new pipes were built directly from Ryde to Wahroonga. The Wahroonga Reservoir (Elevated) WS 0124, which is the one we're talking about, was built in 1915.
Later, in 1935, a pumping station was built at Wahroonga just for this elevated tank. New pipes were also built from Ryde to Wahroonga in 1937 for a new reservoir, Wahroonga Reservoir No. 3.
What the Wahroonga Reservoir Looks Like
The Wahroonga Reservoir (Elevated) WS 124 is very unique. It's a large, round steel tank that sits high up in the air. It has a rounded bottom and a roof, all made from strong steel plates joined together.
The tank is held up by a frame made of eight steel legs. These legs are connected with strong metal bars. You can climb a stairway inside the frame to reach the top of the reservoir. There's a walkway up there, and another stairway goes to the roof. This whole structure is a great example of old steel building techniques. It has lasted for over 85 years! It's a well-known landmark in the area.
Next to the main reservoir, there's another storage tank made of steel plates. Across the road, there's a large brick building. This building likely houses the pumping station that helps move water into the reservoir.
Around the reservoir, you can see some special trees. These include cypress, jacaranda, and Illawarra flame trees. The reservoir can hold about 1.1 million litres of water. Its highest water level is 237 metres above sea level.
Condition of the Reservoir
The reservoir is in very good condition. It looks much like it did when it was first built.
Why Wahroonga Reservoir is Important
The Wahroonga Reservoir (Elevated) WS 124 is a very special and rare reservoir in Sydney's water system. Its design, with the round steel tank held high on a steel frame, is unique. It shows how skilled engineers were back then. It's also a clear landmark in the area.
The reservoirs in Wahroonga show how much the northern suburbs grew from 1898 onwards. They have been very important in supplying water to these areas for over 100 years.
The Wahroonga Reservoir was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register because it meets several important rules:
- It shows how history unfolded in New South Wales. The reservoirs in Wahroonga show the increasing demand for water as the northern suburbs grew. They have played a big role in supplying water to these areas.
- It shows great design and technical skill. The Wahroonga reservoirs show the different ways water tanks were built and the engineering skills of the time. They are a noticeable landmark.
- It can teach us about history. The design and construction of this reservoir are not found anywhere else in the Sydney Water system. This makes it a valuable source of information.
- It is rare or uncommon. This reservoir is unique in the Sydney Water Supply Area. Its riveted cylindrical tank and steel support frame make it one of a kind.
