Lake Canobolas Pumping Station

From Engineering Heritage Australia


In December 1915 the Orange Water Supply Act was passed authorising the Minister for Public Works to complete the Meadow Creek water supply scheme; it included a storage dam, a pumphouse, pumps and associated equipment, rising and service mains, a service reservoir and an extension of the reticulation system into the town of East Orange. The pumping station was built between 1915 and 1918 and pumped water to Orange until 1932.

The pump was driven by a gas engine with the gas being produced on-site. The scheme has been superseded and the storage reservoir – Lake Canobolas, given over to recreational uses, but the pumping station has survived intact and is in operable condition. It is one of very few intact examples of a producer gas powered pumping station in Australia, and is a rare example of the transition technology between steam-driven and electric-motor-driven machinery.


An unremarkable shed holds a unique engine and pump.


The pump is driven by belts from the gas producer engine.
Local Mayor and Engineers Australia representative unveil the plaque.
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Lake Canobolas Pumping Station location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM)
Award Date 14 November 2022
Heritage Significance Lake Canobolas Pumping Station is a rare example of the transition technology between steam-driven and electric-motor-driven machinery.
Nomination Document Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Not Available.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel None Installed.
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