Riveted steel. That’s what makes Chatswood Reservoir No 1 so special. Standing before this impressive structure you’re looking at a piece of Sydney’s history. Built in 1888 it’s one of the oldest and finest examples of riveted steel reservoirs in the entire Sydney Supply Area.
Chatswood Reservoir No 1 isn’t just a water tank. It’s a vital part of Sydney’s water story. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of the NSW Public Works Department. They designed and built this marvel of engineering. The reservoir is one of a pair. Its twin Chatswood Reservoir No 2 stands alongside. Together they formed a crucial part of the Upper Nepean Scheme. This scheme brought water from far away to thirsty suburbs.
Imagine the scene in 1888. Construction crews hard at work. The clang of hammers the hiss of rivets being set. It must have been a monumental task. The reservoir holds seven megalitres of water. That’s a lot of water to keep a growing city quenched. Its cylindrical shape is unique. The interconnecting walkway at roof level is unusual too. It linked both reservoirs.
The reservoir’s location is key. At 113 metres above sea level it could service Chatswood North Sydney Mosman and part of Ryde by gravity. That’s clever engineering. It saved a lot of energy. Later in 1904 water could even reach Manly through Mosman reservoir. The reservoirs also supplied a nearby steam pumping station. This station pumped water to elevated tanks in Wahroonga. It supplied the Upper North Shore. A new larger welded steel reservoir was built nearby in 1972.
Over time Chatswood Reservoir No 1 has changed. In the 1960s and 1970s a roof was added. This protected water quality. Some original features remain though. The concrete apron is still there. So are the davit the access ladder and handrails. You can even see remnants of ladder rungs. They were cut off at a low level. The depth gauge board however is gone.
Today Chatswood Reservoir No 1 stands as a symbol of Sydney’s past. It’s a reminder of the hard work and foresight that built this city. A heritage-listed structure it’s a testament to engineering excellence. It continues its essential role. It provides water to the area. Its story is woven into the fabric of Chatswood. It’s a story worth remembering.