Woollahra Reservoir

Woollahra Reservoir supplies water to elevated parts of Sydney from 1880.

Together with Crown Street Reservoir and Waverley Reservoir No.1, it is the only other service reservoir, still in use, which was originally supplied as part of the Botany Swamps Scheme, 1858-1886. It is the second oldest reservoir still functioning in Sydney (after Crown Street).

Woollahra Reservoir was originally supplied by pump from Crown Street Reservoir and serves the higher parts of the Eastern Suburbs. It also now receives water from Centennial Park No.1 Reservoir by its associated pumping station.

The date engraved above the reservoir doorway says 1878, but no water was supplied until 1880 due to delays in pipe installation.

In all, the Botany Swamps Scheme supplied water to four reservoirs at increasing elevation. Crown Street Reservoir has an elevation around 50m, Paddington Reservoir was around 70m, Woollahra Reservoir is around 85m and Waverley Reservoir is around 110m.

Woollahra Reservoir is a rectangular covered reservoir. The roof is covered with fill and grassed over. An unusual feature is the puddled clay membrane on the exterior face of the brick walls, the clay being covered by earth embankment. The puddled clay has been a successful method of enhancing the watertight requirement of the walls.

In March 2023, Woollahra Reservoir received an external makeover in preparation for WorldPride with a fresh coat of paint in the progress pride colours. The reservoir was previously covered in graffiti, but now stands as a symbol of inclusion and acceptance.

WorldPride is all about celebrating diversity and promoting equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, and Sydney Water Corporation believe this project is a great way to show their support.