Water and Sewer Services
Wtare Supply
During the early years of European setlement in Illawarra, the provision of water and the disposal of waste, including sewerage, was the responsibility of individuals and thier households. Many relied on the same springs and waterholes used by the Aborigal groups they had replaced. After the town of Wollongong was surveyed in 1834. a freshwater lagoon at the eastern end of Market St was designated as the town's water supply. Individual households and businesses also used wells and rainwater tanks.
By 1900, residents of the town of Wollongong and its surrounding villages were agitating for a more reliable supply of water. A plan to dam the Cordeaux River and to pump water over the escarpment was implemented. The scheme was extended over time to deliver water throughout the area now encompassed by the City of Wollongong and the City of Shellharbour.
Power Supply
Many buildings in central Wollongong were connected to the gas mains developed by the Wollongong Gas Company which manufactured coal gas from its works at the western end of Smith St, Wollongong. Gas was used for street and interior lighting as well as cooking from