Essential upgrades start on Tasmanian dam

7 April 2021


Essential infrastructure upgrades have begun at the Upper Reservoir Dam in the Waterworks Reserve, Tasmania-based water utility TasWater has announced.

The Upper Reservoir Dam is around 130 years old and is critical to water supply in Hobart.

TasWater Dam Safety Manager Fraser White said the works will include upgrading and improving the dam while maintaining its heritage elements.

“Modifications are being made to improve the safety of the dam, including improved flood capacity, modifying drainage to protect water quality and vegetation control measures to protect it,” he said. “We will also be upgrading the stormwater management, refurbishing outlet works and installing performance instrumentation so we may continue to monitor the dam and ensure it is operating correctly at all times.”

TasWater has been working closely with Heritage Tasmania on this project. A consultant has been engaged to recommend design changes to preserve the heritage significance of Waterworks Reserve. For example, stone kerbing along the Upper Reservoir dam crest will be removed by hand during construction to ensure no resultant damage. The stone kerbing will also be numbered, stored and carefully reinstalled in the pre-existing location, under supervision of a Heritage Stone Mason.

The Upper Reservoir upgrades are expected to be completed by October 2021.

 



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