Waverley Reservoirs

Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

Waverley Reservoirs

General information
Completed| 1887, 1917, 1938
Owner| Sydney Water

Dam

Dam and spillways
Dam volume| 1,087,000 gallons[1]
4,260,000 gallons[2]
17,500,000 gallons[3]
500,000

One of the four reservoirs, located adjacent to Paul Street, Waverley

Location| Paul Street, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates| 33°53′41″S 151°15′23″E﻿ / ﻿33.8947°S 151.2564°E﻿ / -33.8947; 151.2564
Built| 1887
Architect| Public Works Department
Owner| Sydney Water

New South Wales Heritage Register

Official name| Waverley Reservoir No.1 (WS 0132); WS132; Waverley Reservoir (Elevated) (WS 0136); WS 0136
Type| State heritage (built)
Designated|

1. 18 November 1999
2. 15 November 2002

Reference no.|

1. 1353
2. 1646

Type| Water Supply Reservoirs / Dam
Category| Utilities – Water
Builders| Public Works Department

Location of Waverley Reservoirs in Sydney

The Waverley Reservoirs are four reservoirs, of which two are heritage-listed, located at Paul Street, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia. They were designed and built by the Public Works Department. The property is owned by Sydney Water.

## History

[edit]

Waverley Reservoir No. 1, completed in 1887, was the last of four reservoirs built to augment the Botany Swamps Scheme (1858–1886).[4] and 15 November 2002 respectively.[5] The other three reservoirs included:

* Crown Street Reservoir,[6] 1859
* Paddington Reservoir, 1864 (disused and no longer owned by Sydney Water), and
* Woollahra Reservoir,[7] 1880.

However Waverley Reservoir No. 1[4] was not supplied solely by Botany Swamps Water, because by 1886 the Hudson Scheme had come on line, supplying water from the Upper Nepean, prior to the completion of that Scheme in 1888. Water was pumped from Woollahra Reservoir for the first six years of its service, then from Crown Street Reservoir in 1893. From 1927 onwards Waterloo Pumping Station took over supply of the reservoir.[5] The Waverley Reservoirs[4][5] were the highest of the reservoirs intended to be supplied by Botany Swamps. However it soon became apparent that additional height was required for reticulation purposes. This led to the construction of two elevated steel tanks in 1894 (now demolished). With increasing demand, these tanks were eventually superseded by the present Waverley Reservoir (Elevated)[5] and Waverley Reservoir No. 2,[8] both completed in 1917. Final augmentation of supply took place in 1938 with the construction of Waverley Reservoir No. 3.[9][5]

The group of four reservoirs not only supply the Eastern Suburbs by gravitation, but also supply Bellevue Hill[10][11] by pumping station. The Waverley Reservoir Group not only demonstrates the dramatic increase in demand from 1887 through to 1938, but also the progression and development of reservoir construction techniques, rarely seen on any other Sydney Water site.[4][5]

## Description

[edit]

### Waverley Reservoir No. 1

[edit]

Waverley Reservoir No. 1 is a circular concrete covered reservoir.[4] It has a concrete floor and walls, though from the surface the upper part of the walls appear to be constructed of brick with a sandstone coping. The roof is covered with fill and grassed over. The cast iron ventilation caps and access chamber cover form a single line across the diameter of the roof and have given the reservoir its nickname of Stonehenge. The cast iron ventilation caps are used on a number of other reservoirs, including Randwick Reservoir and Petersham Reservoir.

### Waverley Reservoir No. 2

[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (May 2021)

|

[12]

### Waverley Reservoir (Elevated)

[edit]

Waverley Reservoir (Elevated) is a reinforced concrete reservoir, with ornate and decorative sides. It is constructed over the roof of Waverley Reservoir No. 2, with the roof support columns of the covered reservoir also supporting the sides and base of the elevated reservoir. Both reservoirs were built together in an integrated and innovative fashion. The elevated reservoir has an unusual feature, namely an attached rectangular antechamber or valve house, with its exterior walls decorated in a similar fashion to the circular reservoir. The decorative features include pilasters framing panels with blocked and arched false windows. Above the entrance doorway is a shield with gothic script, Sanitas est vita, and above that the following inscription "ERECTED / BY THE / METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY / AND SEWERAGE SYDNEY / 1918 AD".[5]

The reservoir's full service level is 121 metres (397 ft), with a capacity of 2.3 megalitres (81×10 ~~^~~ 3 cu ft). During the 1960s-1970s, the reservoir was roofed to safeguard water quality. The reservoir is in service and is in good condition.[5]

### Waverley Reservoir No. 3

[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (May 2021)

|

[13]

## Heritage listing

[edit]

As at 9 June 2005, the group of four reservoirs at Waverley demonstrates the progressive development of different construction techniques for reservoirs, the rapid growth of demand in the Sydney suburbs, and the need for greater elevation in order to connect reticulation mains to the higher suburban areas. Waverley Reservoir No.1 (covered)[4] is the last of four reservoirs, three of which are still in service and owned by Sydney Water, associated with the Botany Swamps Scheme, 1858–1886. All covered reservoirs are highly significant within the Sydney Water system, since all differ in construction technology, design and architectural detailing. All therefore contribute to our understanding of the development of covered reservoirs in NSW.[4]

### Waverley Reservoir No.1

[edit]

Waverley Reservoir No.1 was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 November 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.[4]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

Waverley Reservoir No.1 (covered)[4] is the last of three reservoirs, still in service, associated with the Botany Swamps Scheme, 1858–1886. This reservoir and site demonstrates particularly well the amplification in demand due to growing population.[4]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The recreational and open space usage of the roof of the reservoir is a historical and important feature of this and most other covered reservoirs.[4]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The group of four reservoirs at Waverley demonstrates the progressive development of different construction techniques for reservoir and the need for greater elevation in order to connect reticulation mains to the higher suburban areas. All covered reservoirs are highly significant within the Sydney Water system, since all differ in construction technology, design and architectural detailing. All therefore contribute to our understanding of the development of covered reservoirs in NSW.[4]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

One of a small group of large covered reservoirs in brick or concrete in the Sydney Water system, each demonstrating differences in construction, design and architectural detailing. It is one of only four reservoirs associated with the Botany Swamps Supply.[4]

### Elevated reservoir

[edit]

Waverley Reservoir (elevated)[5] is one of the most ornate and decorative of the reinforced concrete reservoirs, either elevated or surface, in the Sydney Water system. The construction of the elevated over the covered reservoir indicates the high level of engineering expertise available in the MWS&DB; in the early 20th century.[5]

Waverley Reservoir was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 15 November 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.[5]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

This reservoir and site demonstrates particularly well the amplification in demand due to growing population.[5]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

Waverley Reservoir (elevated)[5] is one of the most ornate and decorative of the reinforced concrete reservoirs, either elevated or surface. The construction of the elevated over the covered reservoir indicates the high level of engineering expertise available in the MWS&DB; in the early 20th century.[5]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The group of four reservoirs at Waverley demonstrates the progressive development of different construction techniques for reservoirs and the need for greater elevation in order to connect reticulation mains to the higher suburban areas.[5]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

One of a small group of elevated concrete reservoirs on a concrete pier stand in the Sydney Water system. One of only two sites in the Sydney Water Supply System where the structure of one reservoir is integrated with another using innovative technology.[5]

## See also

[edit]

* Water portal

* Bankstown Reservoir
* Balmain Reservoir
* Paddington Reservoir

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "The Waverley Reservoir". The Evening News. No. 5450\. New South Wales, Australia. 3 November 1884. p. 6 - via National Library of Australia.
2. ^ "WAVERLEY'S NEW RESERVOIR". The Evening News. No. 15, 847. New South Wales, Australia. 28 March 1918. p. 10 - via National Library of Australia.
3. ^ "NEW RESERVOIR". Sydney Morning Herald. No. 31, 555. New South Wales, Australia. 18 February 1939. p. 12 - via National Library of Australia.
4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Waverley Reservoir No.1 (WS 0132)". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01353. Retrieved 2 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence.
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Waverley Reservoir (Elevated) (WS 0136)". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01646. Retrieved 2 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence.
6. ^ "Crown Street Reservoir WS 0034". Sydney Water. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
7. ^ "Woollahra Reservoir WS 0144". Sydney Water. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
8. ^ "Woollahra Reservoir No. 2 WS 0133". Sydney Water. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
9. ^ "Woollahra Reservoir No. 3 WS 0134". Sydney Water. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.WS 134
10. ^ Bellevue Hill Reservoir WS 0010
11. ^ "BELLEVUE HILL RESERVOIR". The Sun. No. 643\. New South Wales, Australia. 20 July 1912. p. 6 - via National Library of Australia.
12. ^ "Waverley Reservoir No.2 (Covered) (WS 0133)". New South Wales Heritage Database. Office of Environment & Heritage.
13. ^ "Waverley Reservoir No.3 (WS 0134)". New South Wales Heritage Database. Office of Environment & Heritage.

### Bibliography

[edit]

* Aird, W. V. (1961), The Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage of Sydney, Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board, retrieved 1 May 2016
* Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd (1996). Sydney Water Heritage Study.
* Henry, F. J. J. (1939). The water supply and sewerage of Sydney (PDF). Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
* Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage (1913). Official Handbook.
* Miller, S. P. (July 1961). "Eastern suburbs water supply". Sydney Water Board Journal.
* National Trust of Australia (NSW) (May 1986). Listing Card.
* NSW Department of Commenrce, Heritage Design Services (2004). Alexandra Canal Conservation Management Plan.
* Pollen, Frances; Healy, Gerald, eds. (1988). "Waverley". The Book of Sydney Suburbs.

### Attribution

[edit]

* This Wikipedia article was originally based on Waverley Reservoir (Elevated) (WS 0136), entry number 01646 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.
* This Wikipedia article was originally based on Waverley Reservoir No.1 (WS 0132), entry number 01353 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.

## External links

[edit]

Media related to Waverley Reservoirs at Wikimedia Commons

* v
* t
* e

Waterways of the Sydney Metropolitan catchment, New South Wales, Australia

Major inlets and harbours|

* Botany Bay
* Broken Bay
* Middle Harbour
* Port Jackson
* Port Hacking

Minor bays and coves|

* Akuna
* Balls Head
* Bantry
* Berrys
* Blackwattle
* Burraneer
* Canada
* Careening Cove
* Cockle
* Dolans
* Double
* Elizabeth
* Gwawley
* Gymea
* Hen & Chicken
* Homebush
* Iron Cove
* Lavender
* Mosman
* Neutral
* Oatley
* Rose
* Rozelle
* Rushcutters
* Towlers
* Watsons
* Weeney
* White
* Woolooware

Lagoons|

* Dee Why
* Curl Curl
* Manly
* Narrabeen

Rivers|

* Cooks
* Duck
* Georges
* Hacking
* Hawkesbury
* Lane Cove
* Lennox (proposed)
* Nepean
* Parramatta
* Pittwater
* Woronora

Creeks|

* A'Becketts
* Angus
* Archer
* Badgerys
* Bardwell
* Bare
* Bedford
* Bellamy Farm
* Bellbird
* Bells
* Berowra
* Bidjigal
* Bilgola
* Blacktown
* Blaxland
* Blue Gum
* Boggywell
* Bonds
* Breakfast
* Brennans
* Brickmakers
* Bunbury Curran
* Bungarribee
* Burdekin
* Byrnes
* Cabramatta
* Caddies
* Cahill
* Camp
* Careel
* Carroll
* Charity
* Claremont
* Clear Paddock Creek
* Coal and Candle
* Coopers
* Cosgrove
* Cowan
* Coxs (Belfield)
* Cup and Saucer
* Darling Mills
* Deadmans
* Devlin
* Duck
* Eastern
* Erskine
* Eskdale
* Excelsior
* Finlaysons
* First Ponds
* Forbes
* Green Valley
* Frenchs
* Glenbrook
* Gore
* Grantham
* Greystanes
* Haslams
* Hunts
* Iron Cove
* Johnstons
* Kemps
* Knapsack
* Lalor
* Little
* Lowes
* Marsden
* McCarrs
* McKenzies
* McMahon's
* Maxwells
* Middle Harbour
* Mill
* Minchinbury
* O'Hares
* Orphan School
* Orphan School (Fairfield)
* Pendle Hill
* Powells
* Prospect
* Punchbowl
* Quakers
* Reedy
* Rileys
* Ropes
* Saleyards
* Salt Pan
* Sawmill
* Scout
* Second Ponds
* Smalls
* Smiths
* South
* Still
* Stoney
* Subiaco
* Tarban
* Terrys
* Thompsons
* Toongabbie
* Two
* Vineyard
* Werrington
* Whites
* Williams
* Wolli

Canals and streams|

* Alexandra Canal
* Busby's Bore
* Guildford West pipehead and water supply canal
* Hawthorne Canal
* Tank Stream
* Upper Canal System

Reservoirs|

* Balmain (disused)
* Botany Swamps
* Centennial Park
* Lake Burragorang
* Manly Dam Reserve
* Paddington (disused)
* Penshurst
* Petersham
* Lake Parramatta
* Prospect
* Prospect Hill Reservoir
* Upper Nepean Scheme
* Waverley

Adjoining rivers and bays|

* Akuna
* Brisbane Water
* Burke
* Cataract
* Colo
* Cordeaux
* Coxs
* Grose
* Hollanders
* Jenolan
* Jooriland
* Kedumba
* Kowmung
* Macdonald
* Mooney Mooney
* Mulwaree
* Nattai
* Tarlo
* Warragamba
* Wollondilly

* v
* t
* e

Water supply in New South Wales, Australia

Dams and reservoirs
in Sydney|

* Ashfield Reservoir
* Bankstown Reservoir
* Centennial Park Reservoir
* Chatswood Reservoirs
* Crown Street Reservoir
* Penshurst Reservoirs
* Petersham Reservoir
* Pymble Reservoirs
* Upper Nepean Scheme comprising:
* Avon
* Cataract
* Cordeaux
* Nepean
* Prospect Reservoir
* Prospect Hill Reservoir
* Potts Hill Reservoirs 1 and 2
* Upper Canal System
* Guildford West pipehead and water supply canal
* Wahroonga Reservoirs
* Warragamba / Lake Burragorang
* Waverley Reservoirs
* Woollahra Reservoir
* Woronora

Sewerage and
other water infrastructure
in Sydney|

| Aqueducts|

* Cooks River
* Johnston's Creek
* Lewisham
* Mosman Bay
* Old Como
* Whites Creek
* Wolli Creek

|

Pumping stations|

* Annandale (#3)
* Camilia (#67)
* Mascot (#38)
* Rozelle (#27)
* Rushcutters Bay
* Ryde
* Sydenham Pit and Drainage (#1)
* Ultimo (#1)

Vent stacks|

* Bondi
* Burwood
* Croydon
* Lewisham
* Marrickville
* North Sydney
* Stanmore

Other infrastructure|

* Bondi Ocean Outfall Sewer
* Double Bay Compressed Air Ejector Station
* Middle Harbour Syphon
* Western Outfall Main Sewer

Regional dams and
reservoirs|

* Bendeela
* Blowering
* Brogo
* Burrendong
* Burrinjuck
* Carcoar
* Cascade Creek
* Chaffey
* Chichester
* Chifley
* Clarrie Hall
* Cochrane
* Copeton
* Deep Creek
* Eucumbene
* Fitzroy Falls
* Geehi
* Glenbawn
* Glennies Creek
* Googong
* Grahamstown
* Greaves Creek
* Guthega
* Happy Jacks Pondage
* Hume
* Island Bend
* Jindabyne
* Jounama
* Keepit
* Khancoban
* Lostock
* Mangrove Creek
* Medlow Dam
* Menindee Lakes
* Murray Two
* Oberon
* Pejar
* Pindari
* Rocky Creek
* Rydal
* Shoalhaven Scheme
* Snowy Mountains Scheme
* Split Rock
* Spring Creek
* Stephens Creek
* Suma Park
* Talbingo
* Tallowa
* Tantangara
* Tareelaroi
* Tooma
* Toonumbar
* Tumut Two
* Tumut Pond
* Winburndale
* Windamere
* Wingecarribee
* Woodford Creek
* Wyangala
* Yellow Pinch

Other water sources|

* Sydney Desalination Plant

Companies and
government agencies|

* Essential Energy
* Hunter Water
* Murrumbidgee Irrigation
* Riverina Water County Council
* Sydney Water
* WaterNSW

Regulators|

* Energy & Water Ombudsman
* NSW Department of Primary Industries

Historical|

* 1998 Sydney water crisis

* Sydney Catchment Authority

* Balmain Reservoir
* Boothtown Aqueduct
* Botany Swamps
* Busby's Bore
* Lake Canobolas
* Cooks River Dam
* Gosling Creek
* Lachlan Swamps
* Liverpool Dam
* Liverpool Weir
* Lower Prospect Canal Reserve
* Manly Dam
* Mosman Bay Sewage Aqueduct
* Paddington Reservoir
* Lake Parramatta
* Tank Stream

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template