The second stop on our tour are the Montpelier Barwon Water service basins. This complex is located on both sides of Scenic Road with basins 1, 2 and 3 on the eastern side and basin 4 located to the west. Basins 1, 2 and 3 are considered to be significant for historical and scientific reasons at the local level, that is they are significant to Geelong but not the broader state or region. For this reason, they are protected by the heritage overlay under the planning scheme.
The statement of significance describes the basin’s as being historically significant because of the role they played in the development of the Geelong water supply between 1900 and the 1970s. The basins are also of scientific significance because they embody early 20th century construction techniques that are still in use today but were creative and advanced processes for their time. Early exotic planted vegetation, sand filter, the valve house and pump room structures also contribute to the basins’ significance.
This very limited extent of information available on the basins from the statement of significance leaves out important context. It may surprise Geelong locals that before modern pumping technology the Montpelier basins were essential to maintaining adequate water pressure throughout Geelong. The role of the sand filter is mentioned in the official statement but does not describe how the sand filter was essential in providing clear drinking water, eliminating water quality concerns that saw silt from earthen channels piped into the reticulated supply as late as the 1960s. Further the basins were an important source of employment during their construction, providing jobs and supporting families. So when you’re enjoying a clear glass of water, you’re drinking the heritage of these basins.
Links:
Barwon Water Montpellier Basin & Water Reserve Basins 1, 2 & 3 Statement of Significance https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/21897/download-report
L Edmonds, Living By Water: A history of Barwon Water and its predecessors, Barwon Region Water Authority, 2005, https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/6259/Living-By-Water_-a-history-of-Barwon-Water-and-its-predecessors.pdf
