Launceston Water Supply

Background

In 1857 the fledgling municipal council gave Launceston its first reticulated supply by diverting water from the St Patricks River.

Still in operation, this gravity scheme consisted of a diversion weir, water race and tunnel delivering water into Distillery Creek whence it was piped to the High Street and Hill Street reservoirs.

Reticulation served the town centre, surrounding suburbs and the Prince’s Square fountain which was erected to celebrate the opening. Public drinking fountains, volunteer fire brigades and a sewerage system quickly followed.

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Waterfall in Princess Park

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	October 2007
Nomination Document	Available here