Bundaberg Waterworks

In 1877, the Bundaberg settlement's water supply was provided by an interim scheme consisting of an in-ground circular brick tank built around a spring in Tantitha Park, and hand-filled water carts for delivery. When the settlement was constituted a municipality in 1881, the Municipal Council moved to provide a supply to better meet the health, comfort and safety requirements of its citizens.

The 1902 Bundaberg waterworks scheme comprised a steam powered pumping station, a water tower with a 182 kilolitre mild steel tank on a 8.76 m diameter, 32.31 m. high cylindrical brick tower, and a cast iron trunk delivery main with a network of smaller mains. The Water Tower, intact and in service today, is the only relic of this scheme. Built to a design by Queensland Hydraulic Engineer J.B. Henderson, it is a “masterpiece of bricklaying”. The mild steel tank was constructed by riveting plates in position at the top of the tower, a most difficult task, but successfully completed.

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM)
Award Date	March 2011
Heritage Significance
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Not Available
Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image	Available here.

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References:
Bundaberg Waterworks East Water Tower General Arrangement (Drawing 11233)