Remember Irishtown? That was the original name for this area north of Bankstown. But today we are standing in front of Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2. It is a crucial part of Sydney’s water supply.
Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2 isn’t just a body of water. It is a testament to Sydney’s growth. It reflects the ingenuity of hydraulic engineering. Completed in 1923, Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2 doubled the capacity of the original Potts Hill Reservoir. This ensured a steady water supply for Sydney’s expanding population.
Joseph Hyde Potts is the namesake of Potts Hill. He was an accountant who received a land grant here in 1833. He called his property Hyde Park.
Back then, Prospect Reservoir was the main storage. Potts Hill Reservoir No. 1 was the service reservoir dealing with daily water demand. Today, both Potts Hill Reservoirs still operate as key service reservoirs. They supply water to a large part of southwestern Sydney.
Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2 has a triangular shape. It is built with strong concrete walls and a solid floor. Palm trees line the north east and west banks. They act as windbreaks and add to the site’s beauty.
In 1867, a commission was appointed to improve Sydney’s water supply. The Upper Nepean Scheme was recommended. It included weirs, tunnels, canals and aqueducts. Water flowed by gravity into Prospect Reservoir. This was Sydney’s fourth water supply system.
Edward Orpen Moriarty is credited with the Upper Nepean Scheme. He was the Engineer in Chief of Harbours and Rivers. He oversaw the construction of Prospect Reservoir in the 1880s.
Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2 has undergone many changes over the years. In 1999, Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2 was reconstructed. It was lined and covered to protect the water quality. This reduced evaporation and eliminated UV effects. It also prevented contaminants from entering the water.
Potts Hill Water Reservoirs 1 and 2 store drinking water. They are managed by Sydney Water. Originally, these were open lagoons holding 900 million liters. After re-engineering, the total capacity was reduced. Geosynthetic lining materials and floating covers were installed.
Reservoir No. 2 is inside Reservoir No. 1. Reservoir No. 2 has concrete walls and a floor. An under-cover baffle curtain mixes chlorine-treated water. Each reservoir holds about 300000000 liters of water. Together they hold about 600 mega liters. This is the largest water reservoir with a floating cover system in the Southern Hemisphere.
Between April 2022 and February 2023, Water Reservoir No. 2 was relined and covered. It was critical to finish on time. This avoided using an expensive desalination process. Reservoir No. 1 was more challenging. The bottom geomembrane had to connect to the 8m high concrete wall separating the two reservoirs.
Potts Hill Reservoirs played a vital role in Sydney’s development. They showcase hydraulic technology. The site contains evidence of water reticulation. The reservoirs continue to serve as an important distribution center.
Potts Hill Reservoirs combine industrial design with natural elements. The reservoirs are rare due to their size and construction. The site is cherished by many generations of Water Board workers.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and engineering here at Potts Hill Reservoir No. 2. It stands as a symbol of Sydney’s commitment to providing clean water for all.