Newcastle's Water System - Walka Scheme

The water supply scheme for Newcastle and surrounding towns was initiated in 1876 with the appointment of a Commission to investigate the needs of the area, was kicked along by the appointment of the eminent English Civil Engineer William Clark in 1877, constructed by the NSW Department of Public Works and the first stage completed in 1886.

The construction of the scheme by the State government led directly to the formation of the Hunter District Water Board to allow management of the scheme when completed. It also gave insight into the political machinations of the time when it is seen that the construction of the two major reservoirs was completed well before the pumping station at Walka and even before the pipes to convey the water from Walka to the reservoirs had even been ordered from England.

The scheme appears to have included the first filtration plant built in Australia for the whole of the supply. Unlike most others at the time it was entirely piped, with no open channels, and the reservoirs were roofed, ensuring a supply that was clean from the start and could not be contaminated along the route.

The major elements of the scheme are remarkably intact including the pumphouse (but sadly not the pumps), the filter beds and tanks, the holding lagoon and the major distribution reservoirs.

Entrance to Newcastle Reservoir No. 1 in Brown Street..

Inside Newcastle No. 1 Reservoir, completed in 1882.

Imported cast iron pipes, some still found in service (Maitland City Council collection).

Original plan showing the scheme from William Clark’s report to the NSW Government in 1877.

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Newcastle's Water System - Walka Scheme location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM)
Award Date	December 2015
Heritage Significance	The scheme appears to have included the first filtration plant built in Australia for the whole of the supply. Unlike most others at the time it was entirely piped, with no open channels, and the reservoirs were roofed, ensuring a supply that was clean from the start and could not be contaminated along the route.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Not available.
Interpretation Panel	Available here.