Cataract Dam, Cataract River

Cataract Dam was the first large dam for city water supply in Australia, the fourth largest of its type in the world, and the first of the four Upper Nepean storages that provided Sydney with a buffer against the effects of long droughts. It was designed by L.A.B. Wade and T.W. Keele of the NSW Public Works Department and is comprised of sandstone-block masonry faced with basalt concrete. It was completed by contactors Lane and Peters between 1905 and 1907.

Flood passing over the dam wall.

Construction of wall.

The dam wall nearly completed.

The Engineers Australia plaque at Cataract Dam.

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Cataract Dam, Catarat River location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	National Engineering Landmark (NEL)
Award Date	April 1995
Heritage Significance	Lane and Peters completed this sandstone-block masonry dam faced with basalt concrete between 1905 and 1907, for the NSW Public Works Department, to a design by L.A.B. Wade and T.W. Keele. It was the first large dam for city water supply in Australia, the fourth largest of its type in the world and the first of the four Upper Nepean storages that provided a buffer against the effects of long droughts.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Not Available
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	None Installed.