Prospect Reservoir

Prospect Reservoir is a significant heritage-listed potable water supply and storage reservoir located in the Western Sydney suburb of Prospect, New South Wales, Australia.

It is Sydney's largest reservoir, covering approximately 2.2 km and holding a storage capacity of 50,200 megalitres of water. Completed in 1888 as part of the Upper Nepean Scheme, it was the first earth-fill embankment dam in Australia. The reservoir stores water from various sources to supply the water distribution system of the Sydney metropolis.

Initially owned by William Lawson in the early 1800s, the property on which Prospect Reservoir now sits was chosen as part of Sydney's future water supply plan in 1867. The reservoir played a crucial role in the Upper Nepean Scheme, providing storage for the system. Over the years, it has been expanded, remediated, and strengthened. Today, it remains an essential component of Sydney's water supply system, with recreational areas developed around it.

The reservoir is a zoned earth embankment dam, 26 meters high, and still operates similarly to its original design. It includes the reservoir itself, side spillway and channel, drainage and monitoring installations, access road, and outlet works. While it is no longer the primary water source, Prospect Reservoir is still part of Sydney Water's storage network and serves as an off-line storage service reservoir. It can supplement other inflows if needed and covers daily fluctuations in demand.

Prospect Reservoir holds historical significance as a central element of the Sydney water supply system. Its innovative and progressive design contributes to its heritage value. The reservoir and its surroundings, including parklands, landscaping, and bush, are aesthetically significant