Risdon Brook Dam (Greater Hobart, TAS)

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Risdon Brook Dam is a dam in the Risdon Brook Reservoir, near Hobart, Tasmania.
The Risdon Brook Reservoir was built by Hobart Water's predecessor, the Metropolitan Water Board, in 1968. It is a rock-filled reservoir which holds up to 3,600 megalitres of water. The water in the reservoir is fully treated and has been piped from the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant at New Norfolk.

The reservoir and water catchment area it sits within are located in a richly historic region which was once home to the Moomaire-mener Aboriginal people.

In 1803 a small British party under the command of Lieutenant John Bowen of the Royal Navy landed at nearby Risdon Cove to found a colony in Van Diemen's Land. Lacking a plentiful supply of fresh water, they later relocated across the river to Sullivans Cove, the modern day site of Hobart City.

Risdon Brook Park plays a vital role - it holds one of Hobart's eight drinking water reservoirs.

Drinking Water Catchment
The water stored in Risdon Brook Reservoir begins its journey when it is collected from the Derwent River and treated at Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant to extract impurities. It is then piped to Risdon Brook Reservoir for storage. The water in the Risdon Brook reservoir goes directly to homes on the eastern shore.
Risdon Brook Dam is currently (April 2009) unsuitable for fishing due to low water levels as a result of high summer demand. Hobart Water apologises for the inconvenience this causes to people licensed and permitted to fish at Risdon Brook Dam.

As this dam is the primary water storage for treated water for Hobart’s eastern shore, the dam’s levels are subject to change according to seasonal consumption, water availability and drought conditions.

Water levels are expected to rise in May 2009 in time for the next angling season. For more information about alternative disabled fishing facilities, please visit the Inland Fisheries web site at www.ifs.tas.gov.au.