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<p>The Barossa Reservoir was built between 1899 and 1902 to supply water to Gawler and outlying northern areas.  Built at a cost of almost £170,000 the reservoir was hailed on completion as an engineering marvel, and at a total of 36 metres, was the highest in Australia. The arch of the retaining wall curved against the pressure of the water and was considered to be progressive at the time. The Barossa Reservoir was formed by damming the Yettie Creek gorge in the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, a feat that took over 400 men. 
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Large stones and old tram rails were used to strenghten the dam wall. This photograph was taken after its completion.</div>
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State Government Photographer</div>
The History Trust of South Australian,  South Australian Government <br> Photo <a rel="nofollow" class="external autonumber" href="http://data.history.sa.gov.au/sagpc/media/preview/9686?maxsize=1000">[1]</a> <br> Object record <a rel="nofollow" class="external autonumber" href="http://data.history.sa.gov.au/sagpc/getitem/9686">[2]</a>