Is it true that Lake Medlow hides a world-leading secret? This isn’t just any lake. Lake Medlow’s dam boasts one of the thinnest dam walls ever built. Let’s delve into the story of Medlow Dam and its beautiful reservoir, Lake Medlow.
In 1907, the Public Works Department of NSW constructed Medlow Dam. The purpose of Medlow Dam was simple. It ensured a reliable water supply for the upper Blue Mountains region. The dam impounded Adams Creek, creating what we know today as Lake Medlow. It was initially known as Adams Creek Dam. Other names include Medlow Bath Dam and Medlow Bath Reservoir.
Medlow Dam is a concrete arch dam. It stands as a testament to innovative engineering. L. A. B. Wade designed it. The dam’s design pushed the boundaries of engineering. Its thin-wall construction sparked controversy. Some engineers voiced concerns about its safety. One engineer quipped they would be nervous sleeping downstream of it. Another admired the designer’s pluck.
Despite the initial skepticism, Medlow Dam proved successful. It became a model for thin-walled concrete arch dams. The dam’s design was daring and unorthodox. Small towns could not afford expensive gravity dams. It was a case of building a cheap dam or not giving a water supply.
Medlow Dam’s dimensions are striking. The dam wall is only 1.1 meters wide at the top. It is 2.74 meters at the bottom. The dam is 20.6 meters high. Its length spans 38.2 meters. Lake Medlow holds 304.5 megalitres of water. The lake’s surface area covers 5 hectares. The catchment area is 4.8 square kilometers.
Lake Medlow continues to serve its original purpose today. It supplies water to the Blue Mountains. The dam also features a small corrugated iron pumping shed. Some pumps date back to 1927.
Medlow Dam is recognized for its historical and engineering significance. The Institution of Engineers, Australia, placed a historic engineering marker in 1994. It’s also listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
So, next time you gaze upon Lake Medlow, remember its hidden secret. It stands as a symbol of engineering ingenuity. It’s a reminder that sometimes the boldest designs yield the greatest rewards.