Petersham Reservoir, Heritage water reservoir in Petersham, Australia
Petersham Reservoir is a rectangular water storage structure featuring brick walls, floors, and columns supported by cast iron beams throughout its interior. The roof consists of three concentric concrete barrel arches that span the entire facility.
The facility was built in 1888 by the New South Wales Public Works Department as the first new water storage project after the Upper Nepean Scheme was completed. This expansion became necessary to supply the rapidly growing population of Sydney.
The name comes from the nearby Petersham Church, reflecting how the area grew around essential infrastructure in the late 1800s. Today, locals recognize the site as a landmark that shaped how Sydney developed its urban water systems.
Access to the facility is best gained through the elevated reservoir tower, which provides the best vantage point of the entire structure. Visitors should check in advance which areas are open to the public, as some sections may have restricted access.
The original valve control gear remains intact within rectangular brick valve houses, offering a rare glimpse into preserved 19th-century water management technology. These mechanical systems show visitors how early engineers solved practical problems of water distribution.
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