Water Conservation

East Bundaberg Water Tower

The history

Local contractor NC Steffensen began work in April 1900 on the cylindrical brick tower and was completed by September 1902.

The East Bundaberg Water Tower is considered a brickwork masterprice and the only circular brick water tower known in Queensland providing an intact example of late 19th century technology. The exterior suggests a Renaissance influence due to the red-brown glazed tuck pointed bricks, arched actual and blind windows circuling each floor level.

The interior timber floors are supported by timber framing and linked with a timber staircase.  The interior walls is plastered with timber framed doors and sandstone window sills.

The tower supports a 40,000 gallon circular steel water tank resting on a sandstone plinth where a timber framed access walkway with a handrail surrounds the base of the tank.

The system brought water from Baldwin Swamp lagoon using a steam pump to push water up the tower to the holding tank.  The height provided gravity pressure to supply water to major sections of Bundaberg when pipes and hydrants were constructed in the Bourbon Street in 1902.  Bundaberg Foundary was commissioned to make the tank, pipes and fittings for the tower.

Due to the flat nature of the terrain, in the early years, the tower was a landmark where people climbed the tower to obtain views of the local area.  Proof of this unofficial public use remains with graffiti scratched on the interior walls of the tower.

In October 1992, East Bundaberg Water Tower was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

The present

Today the East Water Tower has been decommissioned but remains relevant through its continued use as a communications tower, cutting an imposing and iconic figure on the Bundaberg CBD skyline.

Standing eight storeys high, the tower's unique design ensures it continues to be adored by residents and visitors alike as a state heritage listed building and engineering marvel.

Take a look at the drone footage below that was taken during a structural assessment in 2019.

You can read more about how Council is using drone technology to survey assets in the resources below.

 

Resources

Celebrating National Water Week in the Bundaberg Region.