Pause for a moment. Imagine the year is 1912. The Ashfield Reservoir stands tall. It is a testament to engineering innovation.
Welcome to the Ashfield Reservoir. This reservoir is more than just a water tower. It is a landmark and a piece of Sydney’s history. Let me share its story.
In 1912, the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage built this reservoir. It was a crucial part of Sydney’s growing infrastructure. The Ashfield Reservoir was designed to supply water to the higher areas of the Inner West.
The Ashfield Reservoir is one of four similar elevated reservoirs in Sydney. The others are in Bellevue Hill, Drummoyne, and Penshurst. Each reservoir features a cylindrical steel tank. This tank rests on a concrete apron. It is supported by a steel girder frame. Concrete columns and arches decorate the steel stand. These are more decorative than structural.
Originally, the Woollahra Reservoir fed water back to the Ashfield Reservoir. This supplied the higher areas in the Inner West. By 1927, an additional main from Potts Hill also supplied the Ashfield Reservoir. Today, the City Tunnel supplies the reservoir.
At its full service level, the Ashfield Reservoir holds 1,000,000 imperial gallons. That is about 4.5 million liters. The maximum water depth reaches almost 12 meters. The normal elevation is 67 meters.
Over the years, modifications have been made to the Ashfield Reservoir. In the 1960s and 1970s, the reservoir was roofed to safeguard water quality.
The site also includes workshops and offices. Two skid huts are located in the grounds. They demonstrate former working conditions.
The Ashfield Reservoir is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. It was added on 15 November 2002. The reservoir demonstrates engineering expertise and architectural detail. It accommodates both structural requirements and aesthetic qualities.
The Ashfield Reservoir demonstrates the high level of technical expertise. This expertise was available for reservoir construction at the time. It is one of four riveted steel elevated reservoirs. These stand on a steel girder stand with a concrete surround. The “skid huts” are a rare survival.
Take a moment to appreciate this structure. The Ashfield Reservoir has stood for over a century. It has reliably provided water to the community. It is a reminder of Sydney’s past and a symbol of its enduring spirit.