Hobart Upper Reservoir Dam Upgrades Underway

TasWater has commenced essential infrastructure upgrades at the Upper Reservoir Dam in the Waterworks Reserve, to bolster water supply for Hobart customers.

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

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,” Fraser 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.

An exclusion zone will also be maintained around heritage items during the works. Throughout the upgrades, some walking trails will be closed and there will be some areas that are not accessible, including Dam Crest Road, Depot Road, and the Upper and Lower Reservoir circuits.

“These closures ensure the community and users of the reserve remain safe during construction,” Mr Fraser said.

“We thank the community for their patience while these vital works are carried out, which will help to ensure the southern Tasmanians have a continued security of water supply.”

Routine investigation works have also commenced at Lower Reservoir, Waterworks Reserve as part of a separate proactive dam safety project.

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

Community impact

To ensure the safety of the community while these construction works are undertaken, there are some areas and walking trails that will not be accessible for the duration of the project. These include:

• Dam Crest Road;

• Depot Road;

• Upper Reservoir circuit; and

• Lower Reservoir circuit.

During this period, reserve users can expect an increase in construction traffic at the reserve entrance and reserve road, traffic management, some noise and a visual change in the reserve.

Please see the diagram below about the walking trail closures: