Sewerage Vent, West Perth

Statement of Significance

The group provides rare evidence of the earliest establishment of a deep sewerage system for Perth (operational from 1911), a significant milestone in the development of Perth as a modern city.
The group is a small sample of surviving c.1911-1930 sewerage ventilation shafts, a once-common piece of infrastructure that appears to have largely been removed and/or forgotten across the country.
The group comprises six representative examples of the standard natural ventilation shafts erected for the Perth and Fremantle sewerage systems from 1911 to 1930, when decorative but functional cast iron work was used for these items of public infrastructure.

Physical Description

A discontinuous group of Metropolitan Sewerage Vents. Each vent is similar in design, comprising an ornate circular cast iron base with fluting and moulding which contains the letters M S (Metropolitan Sewerage) in the lower portion. An access panel, measuring approximately 20cm by 10cm and secured by a bolt in each corner, provides visual access into the vents.

History

In 1900 the Perth City Council serviced residences with a pan collection system for outside toilets. In 1903 plans were developed by the State Government to form a deep sewerage system for Perth. One problem with this system was the creation of hydrogen sulphide gases in the pipes which needed to be vented so oxygen could enter the pipes.
The collective group of Metropolitan Sewerage Vents on Cook Street, Arthur Street and Royal Street were erected between c.1911 and 1928 to assist in reducing odours associated with the completion of Perth's new sewerage system. The disconnection of the sewer vents is unknown, however in the opinion of Water Corporation the changes to the system between the 1950s and 1970s led to many vents being unnecessary.

Integrity/Authenticity

Metropolitan Sewerage Vents has a moderate level of authenticity. Most of the original fabric of the individual vents appears to remain, although the cowl at the apex of the vent appears to have been removed from each vent, with the exception of the Cook Street vent. It is possible that some upper segments of the pipes have also been removed. Some corrosion has been observed, but this has been managed by the repainting of the cast iron bases.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.