Prospect Dam

When completed in 1888 this earth and clay-core embankment was the largest in Australia and was comparable with similar large dam projects overseas.

It was the first major component of the Upper Napean Scheme, an engineering plan devised and initiated by E O Moriarty, Engineer-in-Chief in the Public Works Department, to assure Sydney's water supply well into the 20th century.

The reservoir was the principal water distribution point for over 100 years.

As well as for Prospect Dam, Historic Engineering Markers have been installed recording the significance of the Prospect Valve Houses and the Lower Canal – two important and essential components of the Upper Nepean Water Supply Scheme.

Prospect Dam from the air.

The Engineers Australia plaque at the dam.

The Markers for the Prospect Valve Houses and the Lower Canal.

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Prospect Dam location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	17 April 1994
Engineering Heritage	Prospect Dam is a central element of the conduit of water from storage dams to the west of the city to its places of use in the urban areas.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Not available.
Interpretation Panel	None Installed.