KATANNING WATER SCHEME

Katanning Water Scheme

Situated on the worlds second driest continent, Western Australian country towns suffer extreme potable water shortages. Katanning is certainly no different and, in its earliest days, relied on rainwater tanks and small dams to get through the summer months. Nearly every store had underground tanks to collect water while families generally relied on above-ground tanks and a town well where the Great Southern TAFE now stands.

As the town’s population grew so did the demand for water. The first attempt at collecting large amounts of fresh water was with the construction of a town dam in the early 1900s. This dam was filled by water run-off during the winter months via creeks and channels. The dam still exists about five km’s north of Katanning adjacent to Climie Road and the Great Southern Railway line although many changes have occurred over the years.

it wasn’t long before the dam couldn’t cope with the demand as the town population continued to expand so in the late 1940’s, just after World War Two, it was decided to build a water pipeline from the Wellington Dam near Collie to the towns along the Great Southern Railway. The first leg from Wellington Dam to Narrogin commenced in 1949. After arriving in Narrogin, the pipeline was extended through Wagin to Katanning between July, 1957 and March, 1958.

.

THE EARLY DAYS

OPENING A FOUNTAIN.

Great Southern Herald
2 February 1910

In response to invitation from the chairman and members of Katanning Road Board a large company assembled at the Clive Street railway crossing on Saturday afternoon to witness the opening of the fountain about which there had been so much public discussion for months past.

The Chairman of the Road Board, Mr. C. F. Wanke, J.P., thanked the ladies and gentlemen present for their attendance and said that although the fountain itself was only represented by a jarrah stand for the present it supported a pipe which conveyed the purest available water, and which met a long-felt want. The Road Board had voted £50 toward the cost of tank, pipes, fencing, etc., and the public had subscribed a sum of £30. These amounts had provided the absolute necessaries.

Ornamental additions could come later on. He hoped when the season came round for planting trees and sowing grasses, to beautify the site as far as possible, and they would have the greatest pleasure in accepting an ornamental fountain from any “generous donor or donors. At the unanimous wish of the Road Board he had pleasure in asking Mr. Arnold Piesse, M.L.A., who had been chairman for ten years, to declare the fountain open.

Mr. Piesse said he had pleasure in attending there that day to join with the Board in the opening of the fountain. The town had excellent provision for watering horses at the town well, but up to that time there had been no public provision for human beings. The fountain would supply that deficiency, and would, he was sure, be greatly appreciated. He hoped soon to see further development in the way of water supply for the town. Mr. Piesse then formally turned on the water, and sampled it, amidst loud applause.

On motion of Mr. Wanke, seconded by Mr. Cullen, and supported by Messrs. Tree, Tucker, Mills, and King, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Piesse, and light refreshments were handed round, concluding a pleasant little ceremony.

KATANNING WATER SUPPLY.

Great Southern Herald
27 June, 1914

KATANNING Road Board is at last in a position to place before the townspeople what seems to be an adequate and practicable scheme of water supply. Shortly stated the proposal is to resume a catchment westward of the railway line some three miles from town, construct a 20,000,000gal. reservoir at a height of about 80 feet above the railway station, and give the residents of the townsite and suburban areas a gravitation water service at a rate of 1s 6d to 2s in the £ on annual values.

The estimated capital cost is £13,600, and the annual expenditure on interest, sinking fund, and working expenses is set down at £1,200. In the statement of the case by the Department only two items are regarded as unsettled. The Railway Department has been asked to guarantee custom to the extant of £400 worth of water per year, and the Departmental estimate is based on an expectation of getting the land in the catchment area at a moderate cost.

The first thought that will occur to most people is that from a Departmental point of view this scheme might just as well have been put forward ten years ago. Why these ten years deprivation through looking only at the Eastern side of the railway line? It cannot be said that the resumption scheme is easier now, for values have at least doubled during the last decade Yet ten years have been wasted in vainness and lower levels of the eastward catchment with the towns people’s desire for a gravitation scheme.

However, from the ratepayers’ point of view the ten years during which the townspeople suffered deprivation have entirely altered the financial aspects of the water supply question. Population and rateable values have more than doubled. Schemes that would then have involved intolerable burdens might now be entirely practicable.

The Road Board has very properly decided to prepare and submit to the ratepayers concerned in the water supply question, the fullest possible data. The rateable value of properties within the area to be reticulated will be estimated with the greatest possible accuracy. On the other side of the question the Department of Water Supply will no doubt be able to report definitely the minimum quantity of water to be bought annually by the railways, and an approximation of the cost of land resumption. The rate payers will then be asked to say “yes” or “no” to the scheme.

Regarding the question raised by the Board as to the range and basis of voting on such a question it will be found on dispassionately weighing the matter that the equities of the case lie between the views that have been most prominently put forward in connection with water supply in certain other places. There are the conservatives who say that only owners should vote on such an issue. At the other extreme are people with still shorter sight who claim that every person residing, however temporarily, within the area to be supplied should have a vote in deciding whether a water supply is to be carried out or not.

Not a single argument has ever been attempted for the last-mentioned view, and it need not therefore be discussed. On the other hand, if the water rate were a mere tax on the property owners of the town, there might be strong ground for leaving the issue with the property owners. But the water rate will be a charge for services rendered, and the occupiers will have to pay the rate.

On the principle that everyone who helps to pay the piper should have a say in calling the tune, the occupiers of property should have a vote on this question. The question is not to be lightly decided. It may be taken as practically certain that for some time to come the rate will be nearer 2s than 1s 6d, and that is a heavy charge.

But Katanning is a solid and steadily advancing town. Within the next ten years the increase of population and rateable values will be far greater than the necessary increases in cost of meeting the enlarged demand for water. So, the first years will be the heaviest in water supply costs. If the scheme is started at under 2s there are the soundest grounds for expecting a decrease to 1s 6d or less as time goes on.

The advantages of an abundant supply of good water can hardly be overstated. In addition to the actual savings in health, there are the enjoyments which come of beautified home gardens and parks. The people of Katanning are hardly likely to refuse these great advantages if the cost is at all compassable.

KATANNING WATER SCHEME.

Great Southern Herald
27 February, 1924

Rather severe criticism of the catchment drains of the water scheme were made at the recent meeting of the Katanning Road Board, the subject being brought before the meeting by a letter from Mr. A. F. Watts, writing on behalf if Mr. Eli Quartermaine; refusing the Board permission to cut any more drains through his land.

The matter was also dealt with in the Supervisor’s report on the catchment area, which stated that because the reservoir  filled during the past winter he was not so sanguine as to think the Board was over its troubles, although the problem was capable of solution.

There were two methods of improving the water supply, by (a) making provision for greater holding capacity, (b) improving the drainage system. The Supervisor recommended the latter method, his contention being that unless the drains were in good order it was useless to increase the holding capacity.

Mr. Garstone supported this contention. He stated that last year several breaks occurred in the drains, rendering them useless so far as filling the reservoir was concerned. Also, although the drains had been extended in length, the original portion had not been given increased capacity and water was thereby wasted.

Mr. Richardson moved that no more work be done in regard to extensions in Mr.  Quartermaine’s, pending an interview with owner. In seconding the motion, Mr. Hobbs stated that much of the data given at the ratepayers’ meeting was valueless because the drains were not in good condition. He believed that if the drains were made fully adequate there would be no need to extend them. Mr. Garstone concurred. He said that if the drains were kept in proper order, the reservoir would fill in a normal year.

KATANNING WATER SUPPLY.
Correspondence.

Great Southern Herald
4 April 1928

To the Editor.
Dear Sir, Considerable discussion has taken place lately, and more will assuredly follow, on the question of a more suitable water scheme for Katanning. It is understood that the Departmental estimate for a catchment scheme some miles to the north-east of Katanning is £54,000, and that the matter is being considered by the Engineer-in-Chief.

If this scheme were proceeded with the estimate would in all probability, as frequently happens, be exceeded to a considerable amount by the actual costs, and before any such scheme is proceeded with any other likely avenue should be carefully explored. If the scheme mentioned was proceeded with it might result with a plentiful supply of good water, but there is, as in all such cases, a grave doubt as to its ultimate success.

It has frequently been said that for a successful and permanent supply of water recourse must be had to the westward where the rainfall is heavier, and the permanent and semi-permanent rivers of this State are situated. Of the rivers in the vicinity of this district the Blackwood and the Gordon are the best known.

These take their rise among, or draw a large proportion of their water from the salt and brackish lakes to the east of the Great Southern Railway, and the risk of the water (even if it were available) being spoilt by becoming brackish or otherwise contaminated is so much the greater.

In the course of a trip in company with two other local men I took the opportunity of visiting the Tone River, which rises approximately 12 miles south-west of Kojonup and is a tributary of the Warren River. Residents of the district informed me, and my own knowledge bears out their statements, that in any year other than a dry one such as this, the Tone River runs for 10 months out of the 12. This year it ran till the end of December.

Some 31 miles from Kojonup there is today, dry as the season has been, a pool surrounded by high banks in plentifully timbered country, at least half a mile long and a chain and a half wide, and of considerable depth throughout (safely estimated at 20 feet), from which I drew a bottle of the water. This water is perfectly clear, contained no sediment after standing, is not brackish and is almost tasteless, and I have sent a sample to the Government Analyst for his report.

The banks of the spot in question lend themselves to the erection of a small weir within which an almost unlimited supply of water could be retained after the river had ceased to run. If steps were taken to preserve a quantity of growing timber in the vicinity there should be no danger of the water being adversely affected in the course of settlement of the surrounding country. If such a scheme could be taken, in hand the water could, in my opinion, be pumped to Holly Siding on the Kojonup railway line, which is 236 feet above Katanning station, and reticulated from there to town.

Such a scheme would be available to supply the town of Kojonup, which is in a direct line. In my opinion the expenditure would not be very much greater than for the suggested local scheme in view of the assured supply to be obtained and the quality of the water and probable aid from Kojonup. The question should be put before the Government eminent after the Analyst’s report is available, and earnest consideration given to bringing it to fruition.

Yours faithfully,
M. Balston.

Katanning Water Supply;
ENGINEER’S REPORT.

Great Southern Herald
25 April 1928

The report has been received by the Katanning Road Board of the proposed water conservation scheme at “Dunbar,” seven miles north-east of Katanning, which was investigated some months ago by an engineer of the Water Supply Department. The estimated cost of the scheme is £p4,000. which includes a reservoir with a holding capacity of 861 million gallons, pumping plant and pipelines, but not the cost of land to be resumed in connection with the scheme.

The report is as follows:
Following a great deal of inspection and investigation, the best available site for a water supply has been located nine miles north-east of Katanning. Inspection was made on the west of Katanning, but no more promising supply could be located, while a great number of creeks and water courses nearer the town, are salt. The scheme outlined is, therefore, as far as can be seen, the best available in the immediate district.

2. The area of the catchment is 5,400 acres, the water from it being of excellent quality having a salinity of seven grains per gallon. The catchment is, however, alienated, and the cost of resumption will be high

3. The best site that could be found for the reservoir is unfortunately salt, and excavation within, the basin will therefore be necessary. In order to supply a population of 2,500 a reservoir capacity of 861 million gallons is required, and to obtain this, 70,000 cubic yards of material must be excavated. This will provide for a total annual consumption of 20 million gallons and makes no allowance for sewage requirements.

4. The site is not sufficiently high to permit of gravitation to supply, a pumping plant and service reservoir are therefore necessary, and no site for the latter close to the storage reservoir is obtainable. A long length of rising main cannot therefore be avoided.

5. The best site for the service reservoir is Location No. 75; it would have a capacity of 250,000 gallons and a pumping plant capable of delivering 10,000 gallons per day.

6. The estimated cost of the reservoir, headworks, pumping plant and pipe lines required to deliver the water info the Katanning reticulation is £54,000 approximately.

7. The capital cost of the present Katanning Water Supply is £19,000 (the cost of the reservoir and 6in. wood main was £10,800, and reticulation and services £8,200), Assuming that the Hallway Department took over the present reservoir and 6 in. wood main at the above cost £10,800 the position would be:
Capital cost of both schemes .. .. .. £54,000, £19,000, Total £73,000
Less reservoir and Wood Main £10,800
Cost of new Water Supply £62,200

Estimated annual expenditure:
8% interest and sink fund on £54.000 .. £4,320
7% interest and sink fund on £8,200 .. £574 = £4,894
Pumping expenses and maintenance .. … £1,000 = Total £5,894
Estimated revenue on £19,344, net annual value 1926-27, at maximum 3/-.. £2,902
Excess water sales, say, £200 = £3,102
Estimated annual loss £2,792

KATANNING WATER SUPPLY.
Difficulties Not Yet Solved.

West Australian
27 February, 1937

To the Editor.
Sir, In your issue of the 22nd of this month, under the heading of “Country Water Supplies: A Diviner’s Success,” appears an account of water supplies at Katanning. As the member for the electoral district of Katanning, of which the town of Katanning is, of course, a part, I have over the past few months endeavoured to keep in touch with the efforts of local authorities and others concerned in various areas of this large district to cope with the serious water shortage that prevails in a great portion of the district, seeking wherever possible to assist in ameliorating the difficulties that exist.

Dealing more particularly with the town of Katanning, as that is the subject of the paragraph under discussion, I feel I cannot allow your readers to grasp the idea that the difficulties of the town have been solved either wholly or in part by the water supplies referred to therein. I say this without for one moment wishing to detract from the efforts of Mr. Renfree, for whose ability I may say I have considerable respect, nor do I intend to do other than give the highest praise to the Katanning Water Board, which has done its utmost to cope with an extremely difficult situation.

Let it first be borne in mind that the Katanning reservoir (after some months of stringent restrictions) was completely dried up at the end of last December. The difficulty of keeping septic tanks and other essential services going was then overcome at considerable expense by the erection of a tank on the top of the Town Hall, to which water was pumped from a well in Baker Street which has been available for many years, and from which tank the water gravitated to the main business block. From this well also water for stock has been available for a considerable period to farmers and other owners of livestock.

The analysis of this water taken in September, 1936, will be of interest, and is as follows:-Alkaline chlorides, 156.66 grains per gallon; magnesium chloride, 30.98 grains per gallon; magnesium carbonate, 7.42 grains per gallon; calcium chloride, 0.78 grains per gallon; calcium sulphate, 13.18 grains per gallon; total solids, 210 grains per gallon.

The report concludes: – “This water is quite unsuitable for boiler or domestic purposes.” Subsequently bores were put down in the Katanning Park and on the water reserve, and to these your correspondent makes particular reference in the paragraph under review. The reports of the analyst on the water obtained at these places are as follows: Katanning Park – This sample contains 252 grains of total solids per gallon. These solids contain chlorine equal to 205 grains of sodium chloride (salt) per gallon. It is unnecessary to go any further with a sample containing such a large quantity of total solids and salt. Although this sample is great improvement on the last sample of water submitted to me, it is, in my opinion, suitable for stock only: (January 26, 1937.)

Sample of water taken from bore at the water reserve, Katanning. – This sample contains 492.8 grains per gallon of total solids, of which chlorine calculated as sodium chloride (salt) equals 4462 grains per gallon. This sample is so saline that horses would have difficulty in managing on it. However, cattle and sheep would take it without suffering. The sample is quite useless for irrigation. It could be used for bathing. If you used it for washing clothes it would consume a large amount of soap, and I am afraid the articles washed would display dampness unless rinsed in a good soft water, before drying. (February 16, 1937.)

I admit, of course, that these waters will be of great use to those with live stock to look after and will help when used for bathing to eke out totally inadequate supplies of rain water; but I believe that however useful in these respects they may be, they do not justify the observations of your correspondent, as on the analyst’s report they are only little better than or inferior to (respectively) the water available for some years from Baker Street well, which apparently has not improved with the years. So much for quality. The question arises is the quantity yet a certainty? In discussing this aspect of the matter with the secretary of the board on February 23, he informed me that work had not progressed far enough to enable a fair estimate of quantity to be made. I regret to have to ask for so much space in your columns, but feel you will appreciate the necessity for a statement of the facts, as known to date, to be made public.

Yours, etc.,
ARTHUR F. WATTS, M.L.A.
Katanning.

KATANN1NG WATER SCHEME:
The Case for the Premier

Great Southern Herald
14 December 1940 – P6

When the ever-recurring subject of the Katanning Water Scheme came up for discussion at Wednesday’s meeting of the Katanning Road  Board. The Chairman intimated that the Government had not confirmed the report submitted by Messrs. Balston and Synnott, on their return from a deputation to the Minister and Under-Treasurer. The report in question was a summary of the Government’s proposals as interpreted bythe delegation. It was sent to the Government for examination, so that no misunderstandings might arise.

Anticipating a reply the Board had appointed town members as a committee to go fully into the proposals, and report back at this meeting, but lack of confirmation or otherwise, resulted in a deadlock. This was some what embarrassing in view of the visit of the Premier on Saturday, for one of the board’s foremost intentions was to approach him regarding proposals to improve the scheme.

Mr. Richmond questioned the advisability of proceeding with the scheme as outlined in the deputation’s report, whereby the whole expense of the project would be born by the ratepayers. He suggested that the Government be asked to put down 50 acres of bltumenising on the catchment area on a £ for £ basis with the Water Board.

Finally it was agreed, on a motion moved by Mr. C. R. Harris, to approach the Premier for a £ for £ subsidy on the total scheme as outlined by the deputation or, alternatively, for a £ for £ subsidy to put down 50 acres of bitumen catchment as suggested by Mr. Richmond. The Chairman, Mr. Bowden, and Mr. Balston were appointed speakers to put the case to the Premier.

.

WATER – THE 1950’s

WATER RESTRICTIONS LIMIT CONSUMPTION TO 7 GAL DAILY
Minister Regrets Necessity for further Reductions

Great Southern Herald
22 October, 1954

In a special Press statement this week, the Minister for Water Supplies, Mr. John T. Tonkin, announced the immediate imposition of further water restrictions in Katanning to limit the daily water consumption to seven gallons per head. Mr Tonkin advised he would give further consideration to the request for local rating concessions to see what financial relief could be given.

Mr Tonkin, referred this week to the very serious position of many country water supplies which relied on local catchments and had been affected by the low rainfall of recent months.

He said he was particularly concerned with the storage at Katanning. On the 15th September it was necessary to announce the prohibition of the use of water on gardens. The reservoir which has a capacity of 55 million gallons contained only 12 million gallons – as compared with 33 million gallons at the same time last year.

Notwithstanding this restriction, which was observed by an understanding public, the storage had decreased to 10.6 million gallons and the daily draw had been greatly in excess of what the available water supply would stand. During the period 19th-27^th September of comparatively cool weather the consumption had been in the order of something like 50,000 gallons per day, which was approximately 17 ½ gallons daily per head of population. It was considered that the safe draw was seven gallons per day and there was necessity to take some steps to reduce the consumption to this figure. He regretted therefore having to impose further general restrictions limiting the consumption to seven gallons per day per head which would become effective immediately.

WATER COMMITTEE SUGGESTED
Mr Tonkin added that with a view to keeping the Katanning residents fully advised as to the water position and to promote co-operation and mutual understanding of all the problems involved he had asked the Road Board to form a Committee comprising local representatives and officers of the Department and from the preliminary approach which had been made he felt sure that the Katanning Road Board would fully co-operate.

CONSIDERATION OF RATING CONCESSION
Mr Tonkin further stated that he had recently discussed the financial implications with the Parliamentary representatives from the District. The Hons A. L. Loton, H. L. Roche and J. Thomson, Ms L.C., and Mr C. D. Nalder, M.LA., had submitted a request for some concession in the water supply rating at Katanning because of the water shortage.

He appreciated the viewpoint of the consumers but felt it would be difficult to agree in principle. Any approval at Katanning would be followed by requests from other districts and the revenue of the undertakings would soon be in a chaotic state.

It had to be remembered also, that the cost of running the water supply was just as high – if not higher – during periods of shortages and the Departmental revenue was reduced because of no return from excess water sales.

He felt that the present rate at Katanning was very reasonable even though the valuations had recently been increased, and mentioned that even on the ratings as fixed it was estimated that there would be a considerable loss in the conduct of the undertaking this financial year.

However, in view of the further very severe restrictions he would give further consideration to the position to see what financial relief could be given at least to those ratepayers who are most affected by the shortage of water.

SUPPORT FOB COMMITTEE
The Minister’s request for the formation of a Local Water Committee will be considered by the Katanning Road Board at its meeting an October 27. It is understood members are very much in favour of the suggestion made by Mr Tonkin.

CURRENT RESERVOIR READING
The official reading of the Katanning reservoir, taken on October 18, showed the depth of water to be 22ft 6in. The holding was 10,140,000 gallons. On October 19, 1953, the reservoir held 32ft 2 1/2 in, representing 40,362,000 gallons.

FAIR PLAY NECESSARY
While the over-all rate of consumption indicates that the majority of residents are conscientiously observing the urgent appeals to restrict the use of scheme water, there still remain the few who ignore the seriousness of the position.

The Departmental decision to govern the use of water to seven gallons per head daily can only be implemented by regular meter readings. It is understood those who continue to ignore the direction to reduce consumption will be arbitrarily disconnected from the service.

GOVERNMENT HAS NOT USED ALL
MONEY AVAILABLE FOR WATER
Requests Not Made for Additional Steel

Great Southern Herald
3 December, 1954

Speaking to members of the Katanning Road Board last week, the Federal Member for Forrest, Mr Gordon Freeth, M.P., stated the State Government had never made application for the full amounts of Commonwealth grants available for the Comprehensive Water Scheme and at present was under-drawn by over £1,000,000.

Mr Freeth had attended, the meeting for the purpose of presenting loan pennants won by the Katanning Broomehill Loan district in the 19th and 20th Security Loans. Mr Freeth informed the Board some interesting information had been presented to the House of Representatives as the result of questions asked concerning the Comprehensive Water Scheme in Western Australia.

The questioner had asked what amount of money the Western Australian Government had asked for in addition to the £2,500,000, which was being allowed on a £ for £ subsidy to construct the scheme.

The House was informed that each year, various accounts were set aside for the Commonwealth subsidy towards the construction of the Comprehensive Water Scheme. In every year, the State Government had under-drawn the amount available and at present the aggregate amount under-drawn was over £1,000,000.

Mr Freeth stated the money was available on the basis of a £ for £ subsidy, and it was no fault of the Commonwealth Government that greater progress had not been made with the scheme, and it was obvious the State Government had not done what it could.

The question had also been asked in the House if the State Government had ever asked for assistance to obtain additional steel supplies for the manufacture of pipes. The reply was given that the Government of Western Australia had never made any request for steel specifically for the manufacture of pipes.

ADMISSION BY STATE
By co-incidence, similar questions regarding the financial position in connection with the Comprehensive Water Scheme were asked last week in the Legislative Council by the Hon H. L. Roche, M L.C.

The Governmental reply indicated that although Commonwealth subsidies of £1,141,561 had been received for the various agricultural, Goldfields and Great Southern water schemes, expenditure on the Wellington Dam and Narrogin main had been so slight, that to-date only £617,732 had been recouped from the Commonwealth.

The questions asked by the Hon H. L. Roche, and the replies given by the Government, were as follows:
(i) Has the State Government made any request to the Federal Government, or the Federal Treasurer, for any payment on work completed on the Wellington-Narrogin main?

(ii) If the approach has been made:
(a) When was it made?
(b) What was the reply?
(c) What amount, if any, was received?
(iii) Has any approach been made to secure additional financial aid as a result of the high additional cost of the scheme:
(a) When was the approach made?
(b) What was the result?
(iv) Has the Federal Government been advised that the scheme is held up owing to the shortage of finance available to the State Government?
(v) What is the total estimated cost to complete the scheme from Wellington to Narrogin?

REPLIES
(i) Yes. Requests for recoup of 50 per cent of the actual expenditure are made monthly.

(ii)       (a), (b), and (c) On April 28, 1948, the Commonwealth Government agreed to share the cost of the Agricultural Areas, Great Southern Towns and Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (which includes the Wellington Dam – Narrogin main) on a £1 for; £1 basis but not exceeding a maximum contribution of £2,150,000.
To June 30, 1954, an amount of £1,141,561 has been recouped to the State by the Commonwealth Government.
To October 31, 1954, an amount of £1,239,002 has been spent on the Wellington Dam – Narrogin main and appurtenances, of which £616,732 has been recouped by the Commonwealth Government.

(iii)      (a) The first approach for additional financial aid was made in Jane 1950. Since then there have been several discussions with the Commonwealth on the subject at ministerial level and with responsible officers.

(b) The Commonwealth expressed the view that the claim would only be considered when the expenditure approached the approved total contribution.
(iv) The Scheme is not at present ‘held up’, but it has been retarded and still is by shortage of Loan funds. Strong representations have been made to the Commonwealth and also to the British Treasury.
(v) The total estimated cost of the Wellington Dam – Narrogin pipeline and appurtenances is £2,075,000.

.

KATANNING’S BIGGEST DAY

Great Southern Herald
Friday 28 March, 1958

Friday, March 21, 1958, was described at the official opening of the Comprehensive Water Scheme as Katanning’s biggest day – and not only was the day memorable one from the purely historic point of view but it became memorable also by virtue of the lighthearted celebrations which followed in the evening.

A huge crowd packed close around the newly constructed garden area at the corner of Austral Terrace and Clive Street where the centre of picturesque attraction was the Rotary wishing well. The focal point of interest was the official dais from where the chairman of the Katanning Road Board, Mr. P. Ladyman, described the new spirit evident in the town; where the Minister for Works and Water Supply, the Hon. J. T. Tonkin, traced the history of the scheme and paid tribute to the fine effort of the men responsible for its construction; and where the Hon. the Premier, Hon. A.R.G. Hawke, M.L.A. at 3.28pm, turned the valve which shot water high in the well and so officially opened the Comprehensive Water Scheme in Katanning.

Premier, The Hon. A.R.G. Hawke turns the valve to officially open the Scheme in Katanning

He then unveiled a plaque set in the well to commemorate the occasion on which was inscribed:

Public Works Department
Katanning Town Water Supply
This plaque was unveiled by the Hon. A.R.G. Hawke, M.L.A.
Premier of Western Australia
21st March, 1958.
To commemorate the supply of water
From Wellington Dam under the Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme.
The Hon. John T. Tonkin, M.L.A. Minister for Works
J.W. Young, B.C.E. M.I.E. Aust. Director of Works
E. Parker B.C.E. A.M.I.E Aust. Deputy Director of Works

Residents of Katanning were keenly aware of the deep significance of the pipe line from Wellington Dam to their town. To them it was not merely 138 miles of somewhat prosaic steel and concrete but a vital thing which will mean the end to repeated summer privations and bring new life and vitality to their home town.

P.W.D. Inspector W. Patrick applies torch and rod to make the final weld to the Comprehensive Water Supply in Katanning. Watching him from left are Mr. C.E. Courtis and Mr. F.M. Bowden with P.W.D. Resident Engineer, Mr. H.K. Permain.

The water from Wellington Dam flows into the Katanning reservoir. Mr. J.W. Old watches granddaughters Anthea and Glenda McQuarrie cup their hands for a drink of water.

Like all major projects there where protracted arguments which greeted the original presentation of the Comprehensive Water until the Modified Comprehensive Water Scheme was adopted in official circles.

The first pipe of the scheme was put in position on 19 August, 1949. After reaching Narrogin and the completion of the northern branch, work commenced on the southern branch at Narrogin in July 1957 with the 12-inch main reaching Wagin in 13 December, 1957 and finally reached Katanning on March 11.

How it worked

Construction of Wellington Dam commences

The cost of constructing the main from Narrogin to Katanning, together with auxiliary works, was £600,000 and was subject to £ for £ subsidy from the Federal Government and was finished three months ahead of schedule..

Constructing the water pipeline

Two pumping stations forced water through the 30 inch main from Collie to Narrogin. For the next few years’ water gravitated through the 59 miles of main to Katanning but, in the summer months, pumping from Narrogin was necessary.

As the demand increased further pumping from Narrogin became necessary and, ultimately, as the population grew a booster pump was installed at Woodanilling to take water over the Moojebing rise.

The construction of Wellington Dam near Collie
to provide the water for the water scheme.

.

THE ROTARY WISHING WELL

From the inHerit website

The Rotary Wishing Well
Sadly it has been vandalised and damaged over the years. The top has long gone and the inside of the well has been filled with concrete

The well is a memorial to the arrival of the Comprehensive Water Scheme to the Shire of Katanning in 1958. It also serves as a tourist attraction. It has high social significance also because of the community effort involved in its construction.

The wishing well, located on the intersection of Austral Terrace and Clive Street, was unveiled on Friday 21st March 1958, to commemorate the official opening of the Comprehensive Water Scheme at Katanning. This was made possible through the connection of Wellington Dam to the town scheme water supply.

The well was erected in response to the need to have a cairn or similar structure to commemorate the occasion. The Rotary Club of Katanning put in a proposal and undertook to finance the cost of the well and its appurtenances, while the Road Board carried out all construction work and provided the well surround and constructed the gardens.

The Rotary Club provided the design for the well and Board engineer, J C Tozer, carried out the layout for the area. Varis Bros constructed the emblem and Wakes Garage made the wrought iron supports. The erection of the well, its immediate surround, and the garden wall was the responsibility of Italian migrants and local residents, John Palumbo and Tony Coletta. Several other Board employees were associated with the work.

The plaque was unveiled by the then Premier of Western Australia, A R G Hawke, with John Tonkin MLA and Minister for Works and Water Supply also in attendance. The words “This wishing well was erected by the Rotary Club of Katanning” were inscribed on another brass plate on the top of the well.

UPDATE

In 2020, the Wishing Well and the park underwent a makeover as part of the Shire of Katanning’s town beautification scheme. On November 23, the park was rededicated by Rotary Club of President President, Keith Ohlson and Katanning Shire President, Liz Guidera.

Katanning’s 60 years of piped water

Great Southern Herald
22 March 2018
by Sjanna Sandalova

The words “This wishing well was erected by the Rotary Club of Katanning” were inscribed on another brass plate on the top of the well. The iconic wishing well situated opposite the Premier Mill symbolises a revolutionary part of Katanning history.

This week marks 60 years since scheme water from Wellington Dam reached Katanning and the well continues to be a historic symbol of what was described as Katanning’s biggest day. Thousands of people attended the event which occurred in Katanning on Friday, March 21, 1958, to celebrate the official opening of the Comprehensive Water Scheme. A huge crowd packed close around the newly constructed garden area at the corner of Austral Terrace and Clive Street where the centre of picturesque attraction was the Rotary wishing well.

Unfortunately, like many of the historical monuments in Katanning, this had also been allowed to deteriorate over the years

Wellington Dam was built in the early 1900s to supply water to the Great Southern Towns Water Supply system — the pipeline system that supplies water to the Wheatbelt towns. The dam is responsible for supplying towns as far north as Northam, east to Lake Grace, and south to Katanning. To the residents of Katanning, it was a significant milestone as it meant the end to repeated summer privations and it would bring new life and vitality to their home town.

Photos from various sources.

.

More Reading…

The Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme
K.J. Kelsall
W.A.Department of Agriculture – 1 January, 1977

Problem Districts for On-farm Water Supply in South Western Australia
I. A. F. Laing, R. G. Pepper, A. F. McCrea
W.A. Department of Agriculture – 1 January 1988

Collie and towns in the upper Great Southern to benefit from new water pipeline
Water Corporation of Western Australia
21st July, 2017
Climate change is no match for the Water Corporation, as it moves another step closer to securing water supplies for 44 towns connected to the Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (GSTWSS) with completion of an eight kilometre pipeline. Continue reading

Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme. Katanning Water Scheme.