“Fresh water streams”. Can you imagine a time when access to fresh water defined a city’s very location? That’s Brisbane’s story. The Historic Well reminds us of the vital role water played here.
Brisbane’s origins are deeply intertwined with the search for a reliable water source. The first Moreton Bay settlement was at Redcliffe. But the water supply dried up quickly. So, the settlement moved to Brisbane. Here, a creek emerging at Yorks Hollow provided that vital water. Yorks Hollow is near the present Brisbane Grammar School. The creek flowed through the city’s heart, entering the Brisbane River near Creek Street.
In 1838, Captain Logan directed the construction of an earth dam. This dam augmented the creek. This reservoir served as the city’s only public water supply until 1866. It underwent some improvements, but the basics stayed the same. The Brisbane River was too salty for drinking. Tidal flows affected it far past the city.
However, the water supply wasn’t without problems. The newspapers voiced many complaints. An 1850 editorial in the Moreton Bay Courier criticized the neglect of fresh water. Vital projects were ignored. The editorial was a damning assessment of the Brisbane Reservoir’s state.
The reservoir was open to cattle, pigs, dogs and horses. It was also used for “filthy ablutions of greasy blackfellows”. The editorial predicted the source’s speedy annihilation. It noted that Brisbane’s population increased. But the means of supplying fresh water grew indifferent.
In 1863, the Queensland Parliament acted. It passed a bill enabling Brisbane’s Municipal Council to construct waterworks. They could lay pipes or erect public fountains and wells. They were also allowed to charge for the service. The Council secured a loan of 50,000 pounds from the Treasury. They prepared plans for a water supply at Enoggera Creek.
On August 18, 1864, Mr. A. C. Gregory, the Surveyor-General, turned the first sod. The works finished in August 1866. But the State Government took control. They appointed the Brisbane Board of Waterworks to run the service.
Additional pipes were laid in 1869. This created an 11-mile pipe service within the city boundaries. It served up to 6,000 people. The first service reservoir was built in 1871. This underground brick structure would later echo with music. The service reservoirs received water from Enoggera. Then, the water was distributed. This ensured no interruption due to excess demand.
As the city grew, so did the need for water. A new dam was built at Gold Creek. It was completed in 1885. Gold Creek Dam allowed for water supply improvements for South Brisbane. A service reservoir was built on Highgate Hill. It was supplied by a branch from the mains coming from Gold Creek. The pipes passed under the Brisbane River.
The Brisbane Courier described the reservoir’s construction on October 10, 1889. The reservoir was a large tank. It was excavated in the rock. Then it was lined with concrete and divided into four compartments. It was 207 feet long and 152 feet wide. The water depth was 12 feet 3 inches when full. The walls were 7 feet thick where the strain was greatest.
The sides rose just inches above the surface. The whole thing was protected by a roof. It was made of matched boards covered with galvanized iron. Felt was placed between the iron and timber to keep out the heat. Iron principals supported the roof. They rested on the walls and iron columns. This excluded dust and heat, preventing evaporation.
Similar reservoirs were built on high points around the city.
Soon after Highgate Hill reservoir, the Board constructed an improved pumping station. They also built a storage reservoir at Mount Crosby on the Brisbane River. This was completed in 1892. Mount Crosby reservoir was Brisbane’s main water source in 1909.
Brisbane’s population continued to grow. New water sources were needed. Lake Manchester Dam was completed in 1916. In 1935, work began on Somerset Dam. It was completed in 1959 after a World War Two interruption. North Pine Dam finished in 1976. Wivenhoe Dam was finished in 1985.
The Historic Well stands as a reminder. It is a symbol of Brisbane’s dependence on fresh water. It connects us to the challenges and solutions of a growing city. It is a tribute to Brisbane’s history.