What if I told you this giant concrete structure holds more than water? It holds history. This is the Penshurst Elevated Reservoir No.3. It is a vital part of Sydney’s water supply system. The Penshurst Reservoirs are heritage-listed. They are located in Penshurst. The NSW Public Works Department designed and built them in 1895.
Penshurst Reservoir No.3 was constructed in 1938. It met growing demands. This concrete elevated reservoir is huge. In 1891, an elevated cast iron tank was built in Penshurst. Its capacity was 0.09 megalitres. Only the brick stand survives today. The Upper Nepean Scheme supplied water. It used a pumping station at Carlton.
Penshurst Reservoir No. 1, a steel surface reservoir, was built in 1895. It augmented the water supply. By 1910, further growth demanded more water. The elevated Penshurst Reservoir No. 2 was built. It is a riveted steel elevated reservoir. The original Penshurst Tank was removed in 1914. It went to Campbelltown. Later, in 1942, it moved to Warragamba Township.
Lakemba Pumping Station took over supply for Penshurst in 1924. It also supplied Wiley Park and East Hills from 1930. Carlton pumping station remained for emergencies. It was decommissioned in 1939. Penshurst Reservoir No. 1 was removed in 1951. It was re-erected at Newport.
A main was planned to extend the Woronora Pipeline. It would connect to the Metropolitan System. Work started in 1958. It ran from Penshurst to Allawah. By 1961, plans changed. Warragamba water would supplement areas supplied by Woronora. This required more mains between the City Tunnel and Penshurst Reservoirs. A new main was built. It ran from the City Tunnel to Allawah. A new pumping station in Canterbury Park pumped the water. Another pumping station at Allawah pumped water to Penshurst. The scheme was completed in 1969. Warragamba water could now feed into the Woronora Pipeline. This assisted the supply of Sutherland and Cronulla.
Penshurst Reservoirs demonstrates Sydney’s rapid growth. It shows different reservoir construction technologies. It has been in continuous use for water supply since 1891. Penshurst Reservoir No.3 is the largest elevated reinforced concrete reservoir. It is in the Sydney Water Supply System.
Penshurst Reservoirs are a landmark. They have engineering expertise and architectural detail. The reservoirs accommodate structural needs and aesthetic qualities. The site connects Woronora and Warragamba water supply since 1942.
The reservoir was roofed in 1977. This safeguarded water quality. Penshurst Reservoirs are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. They were added on 18 November 1999. They demonstrate the course of cultural and natural history in NSW.
So, as you stand here remember the Penshurst Elevated Reservoir No.3 is not just a water tank. It is a testament to Sydney’s growth. It reflects innovation in water supply. It shows a commitment to serving the community for over a century.