East Perth Drainage
Urban Myths – Water Corporation Style
While urban myths are considered by many to be more indicative of American culture rather than ourselves, there are a number which float around the Water Corporation concerning our assets and former personnel. Recently one of these has been finally been laid to rest.
Over 30 years ago over morning tea (then called “smoko”) in the old Balcatta depot, the conversation turned to some of our more ornate assets from the early days (pre WWI). An old drainer told me about a foundation stone supposedly deep underground inside one of our main drains in East Perth. As somewhat of an amateur historian of the 'Met' this tale has remained with me over the years. There is no record on our earliest plans and numerous conversations and queries over the years since has never shed any further light on this tale.
The drains in East Perth are some of the Water Corporation's oldest assets, with the first works to drain the lakes through what is now Northbridge taking place in 1854. More substantial brick drains were constructed in 1877. A severe water shortage in the summer of 1896/97 and subsequent typhoid outbreak spurred the government and the Perth City Council to act and new water supply and drainage schemes were undertaken – one of which was the amplification of the Claisebrook and Wellington Main Drains. With extensions to the outlet in 1931 and the 1990 construction of the Claisebrook inlet, it meant that anything decorative relating to this work was thought either lost or deep underground.
Recently the Water Corporation's 'Skunk Works' at Shenton Park has expanded its capability to being able carry out long distance remote inspections of main drains, with its first major inspection program commencing this year. Having informed them of this urban myth in the past, they were on the lookout and bingo!
The plaque which is 5 metres below road level reads:
Main Drainage Works
S.H. Parker Esq.
Mayor 1901
E.H. Gliddon City Engineer
E.G Jeosted Res Engineer
Thos Hill Contractor
Since finding this plaque, information has come to light that there may be another one in the system – over to you Shenton Park!
Author: Perry Beor
7 April 2020
Water Corporation Update - 3 August 2020
