Old Water Tank

Statement of Significance

Old Water Tank, Atkinson Street, Collie has cultural heritage as part of Collie’s water supply scheme from 1916. The place has social significance for its role in improving the living conditions in the Collie townsite.

Physical Description

Reinforced concrete tank with 500,000 gallon capacity, 65ft in diameter, with walls 72ft high.

History

There was no formal water supply in Collie for many years. Residents obtained their water from the river or from rainwater. The need for a water supply had long been felt, with dry summers, health and hygiene concerns and a rising population increasing the demand.
The Southern Times of 11 October 1904 reported on the proceedings of the previous meeting of the Collie Municipal Council at which a water supply for the Collie townsite was discussed. Three alternative water sources had been proposed by the Public Works Department, being from pools in the river; from local water (well water); and from artesian sources. A further PWD report proposed water supply from a flooded and abandoned mine on Reserve 4919. A service reservoir was proposed for ‘a suitable site…just outside the Townsite boundary…at this site a 100,000 gallon concrete lined tank could be set in the hill side’.
In 1908 though, the matter of a water supply in Collie was still a point of concern with householders compelled to purchase water. The Bunbury Herald of 21 March 1908 (p3) noted that ‘the water question assumes very serious proportions, and the need for a water supply in Collie is very apparent…there are plenty of hills where overhead tanks could be erected’ and ‘if an artesian supply could be obtained in the vicinity of the tanks the water question would be settled once and for all’.
It would appear that little progress had been made with the Southern Times of 13 February 1915 reporting ‘the Minister’s intention to proceed with the work to provide a water supply for the townsite and railway department of Collie. The schedule of works comprise: - 1. Enlargement and improvement of a mining shaft on 5 acre reserve in Patterson Street. 2. Erection of a pumping plant at same. 3. Laying a cast iron rising main to connect to the reticulation and distributing reservoir. 4. Construction of a 500,000 gallon reinforced tank on ML 246. 5. Laying reticulation pipes with necessary valves, hydrants, etc through townsite as shown on plan’.
In May 1916, the Minister for Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage, (Mr Collier) announced that the water supply for Collie had been completed (The West Australian 13 May 1916, p7). The water supply was obtained from the abandoned mine shaft which was pumped to a distributing reservoir ‘of 500,000 gallons capacity, constructed of reinforced concrete: This reservoir is 65ft in diameter, with walls 72ft high and it is situated on the highest portion of the town, near the corner of Atkinson and Venn Streets. From this reservoir the whole of the town will be supplied by gravitation’. The cost of the work was approximately £17,000 with annual maintenance costs of less than £2000. A water rate of ‘9d in the pound’ would be levied from July. Water would be charged at a cost of 4s per thousand gallons.
In 1935, the Mungalup Dam was constructed, with water pumped to the Atkinson Street tank and distributed to the townsite.
The site was later acquired by the Shire of Collie and the tank, was used to support SBS television antennas. This was discontinued in the early 2000s.
The tank is extant although the site is currently unused. There has been some modification to the tank in recent years, and there is evidence of graffiti and other vandalism.

Integrity/Authenticity

2016:
Integrity - Poor
Authenticity - Medium

Condition

Poor

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.