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Barossa Reservoir is a reservoir in the Australian state of South Australia, built between 1899 and 1902 to supply water to Gawler and other northern country areas. Built at a cost of almost A£170,000 the reservoir was hailed on completion as an engineering marvel, and with the reservoir wall rising to a height of 36 metres (118 ft), it was, at the time of its completion, the highest dam wall in Australia.[2]
Barossa Reservoir | |
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![]() The reservoir from its arch dam | |
Country | Australia |
Location | Williamstown, South Australia[1] |
Coordinates | 34.650°S 138.849°E |
Purpose | water supply |
Construction began | 1899 |
Opening date | 1902 |
Built by | Engineering and Water Supply Department |
Owner(s) | SA Water |
Dam and spillways | |
Type of dam | Arch dam |
Impounds | Yettie Creek |
Height | 36 metres (118 ft) |
Length | 144 metres (472 ft) |
Reservoir | |
Total capacity | 4,515 megalitres (159.4×10 6 cu ft) |
Surface area | 0.62 km2 (0.24 sq mi) |
Website http://www.sawater.com.au/community-and-environment/our-water-and-sewerage-systems/water-sources/reservoir-data/barossa-reservoir |
The thin arch of the dam retaining wall, curved against the pressure of the water, was an innovation considered radical, and attracted the Reservoir international attention.[3] It was featured in the Scientific American and caused the American Engineers News to remark that its "boldness of design deserves to rank with the most famous dams in the world".[3] The dam is notable for its parabola effect, where a voice can be heard clearly from one side to the other – over 140 metres (460 ft), end to end. This unusual acoustic phenomenon is a popular tourist attraction, and has earned the dam the title "Whispering Wall" (see Whispering gallery).[4]
During construction large stones were used in the wall to save concrete and tram rails were used to reinforce the upper section.[5] The Barossa Reservoir was formed by damming the Yettie Creek gorge in the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, a feat that took over 400 men.[2] Its water comes through a two-kilometre (one-mile) tunnel, carved by horse power, from the South Para River and Reservoir, and is supplemented by the Warren Reservoir and the River Murray. In addition to Gawler and country, a filtration plant constructed in 1982[6] allows the Reservoir to supply the suburbs of Munno Para and Elizabeth.[citation needed]
The dam's vegetated surrounds are also protected. Aside from its acoustic attraction, the Whispering Wall offers great views of both the Barossa Reservoir and the surrounding, well-preserved natural bounty. The area abounds in thick scrub, tall red gums, and pines, and a flourishing bird and animal life. It is a popular destination for picnics and bird-watching.[citation needed]
In 2008, its engineering heritage was recognised by the installation of a marker provided by the Engineers Australia's Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.[7]
At approximately 4:30 PM on Wednesday 21 April 2021, Henry Shepherdson jumped from the wall with his 9-month-old daughter, Kobi, strapped to him, amongst disturbed onlookers. The father was pronounced dead upon arrival of paramedics and the child later died at the scene. The incident was deemed a murder-suicide as there were witnesses who testify that Henry jumped as opposed to falling. There was a history of domestic violence between Kobi's mother and father.[8][9][10]
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