Scarborough Reservoir (WS 0108)

  • Number
    4575726
  • Other name
    (WS 0108)
  • Primary address

    357, Off Railway Avenue Scarborough, 2510. NSW
    LGA: Wollongong City
    LGA region: Illawarra
    DUAP region: Illawarra & Macarthur

  • Owner
    Sydney Water
  • Current use
    Reservoir.
  • Former use
    Reservoir.
  • Item type
    Built
  • Item group
    Utilities - Water
  • Item category
    Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam
  • Parcels

    Parcel code: LOT
    Lot number: 1
    Section number:
    Plan code: DP
    Plan number: 938813
    Updated: 17 February 2003

  • Curtilage/Boundary
    The curtilage is defined by the boundary of Lot 1 in DP no.938813, as shown on the curtilage plan.
  • AMG easting
    312559113
  • AMG northing
    6206756885
  • Statement of significance
    Scarborough Reservoir (WS 108). One of a small group of cylindrical concrete reservoirs with concrete roof, serving the needs of small local communities. The listing includes the reservoir and all associated pipework, valves and valve houses to the property boundary.
  • Endorsed significance
    Local

  • Builder
    NSW Department of Public Works
  • Year completed
    1913
  • Circa
    No
  • Physical description
    Scarborough Reservoir (WS 108) is a small circular concrete reservoir, with concrete roof, the only one of its type in the South Coast supply system which has not needed repair to its roof. The sides of the reservoir are largely covered with earth. There is no concrete apron. Standard features include: concrete access steps, inlet and outlet valve chambers. Full Service Level: 144 m. Capacity: 0.67 ML.
  • Modifications made
    No modification to roof, as on other similar reservoirs.

  • History
    The Metropolitan Water Supply and Drainage Board initially used water from the Cordeaux River, the nearest of the Upper Nepean tributaries to supply the South Coast, Wollongong and its suburbs. A series of dams were constructed on the Cordeaux River, the principal dams being completed in 1903, 1915 and 1926 respectively. Because of the height of the ridge (O’Briens Gap) above the coastal area, pressure in the trunk main was too high to be directly connected to reticulation mains. The pressure was broken down by the construction of 5 service reservoirs at the highest points on the coastal plain. The initial supply scheme from the Cordeaux River to Wollongong was constructed by the NSW Department of Public Works in 1902-1903. It was transferred to the MWS&DB in 1903. The second major stage of development occurred in 1909 with extension to Port Kembla and Unanderra. The third stage of expansion was completed in 1915 with water supplied to Figtree, Mount Kembla, Kembla Heights, Mount Keira, Keiraville and towns to the north of Wollongong, namely Balgownie, Corrimal, Bellambi, Russell Vale, Woonoona, Bulli, Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale, Scarborough and Clifton. The extensions of supply to Dapto in 1920 and to Mount Drummond (now Mangerton), Tarrawanna, Reidtown, Fern Hill and Fairy Meadow, all in 1922, were supplementary to the third stage of expansion. Since that date, expansion has occurred in all of the South Coast water supply, although Kiama, Jamberoo and other southern areas were not connected to the Avon supply until after 1961. In the 1960s, supply was made available from Avon Dam, this dam being originally completed in 1928. Water is now supplied from Avon Dam, via filtration plant, to Mount Keira, Berkeley and Dapto, from whence all other reservoirs receive their supply.

  • National
    Settlement
  • State
    Utilities
  • Local
    Water Supply
  • Local description
    Relates to the planning, development, expansion and provision of water supply.

  • a) Historical
    This reservoir demonstrates the low level of demand for a suburban or historical community.
  • f) Rarity
    One of a small group of concrete reservoirs in cut and embankment with a concrete roof.

  • List name
    Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register
  • Date listing listed
    01 January 2000

  • WS 108, showing original concrete roof.
    WS 108, showing original concrete roof.
    Created by: Edward Higginbotham
    Creation date: 01 June 2000
  • WS 108
    WS 108
    Created by: Edward Higginbotham
    Creation date: 01 June 2000
  • The physical curtilage plan for Scarborough Reservoir (WS 0108).
    The physical curtilage plan for Scarborough Reservoir (WS 0108).
    Created by: Sydney Water
    Creation date: 01 June 2006
  • Location Plan
    Location Plan
    Created by: Edward Higginbotham
    Creation date: 01 January 2000

  • Data entry status
    Basic
  • Entered
    18 December 2000
  • Updated
    05 December 2014