One of Hobart’s oldest water assets is getting an upgrade, with TasWater draining the Waterworks Upper Reservoir at Ridgeway to carry out essential construction works.
The reservoir was built between 1885 and 1888 and still plays a key role in Hobart’s Waterworks Reserve system, which captures water from creeks and rivers flowing off the higher slopes of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
TasWater said they have kicked off the final stage of a long-term program to keep the reservoir safe and reliable for years to come.
Earlier upgrades were finished in 2000, with further water security improvements delivered between 2019 and 2021.
The latest works focus on improving the reservoir’s outlet system.
Now that the reservoir’s been drained, construction will include replacing pipework inside the intake tower, upgrading pipework at the entrance to the lower intake tunnel and improving internal access within the tower to make future maintenance safer.
TasWater’s warned locals to expect some temporary disruption during the project, including more construction activity, traffic, noise and dust.
Parts of the Waterworks Reserve may also be closed off temporarily for safety reasons.
TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Callan Paske said keeping locals in the loop was a priority.
“We know how much Waterworks Reserve means to Hobartians, it’s part of many people’s routines, whether that’s a walk, a run, barbeque, or just getting out in nature, so we’ll keep sharing updates as the work progresses,” he said.
“This reservoir has been quietly doing its job for well over a century, and these upgrades are about making sure it can keep doing that for generations to come.”
Paske said TasWater understood the work could be disruptive at times.
“We understand the draining and construction works can be noticeable, and at times disruptive, so we really appreciate the community’s patience while we get this important work done,” he said.
Construction is expected to run through to late July with standard working hours wbeing Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm.
