Saltwater Standpipe

This standpipe is relic of an elaborate saltwater reticulation system completed about 1916. The salt water was pumped from the Brisbane River and used to wash street gutters, flush drains and lay the dust from unpaved roads. The pump was located near the William Jolly Bridge and the reservoir at the junction of Leichhardt Street and Wickham Terrace. The service was later discontinued due to the corrosive effect of the river water on the undercarriages of motor cars and trams.

Parts of the underground piping from the river serving this standpipe may still exist.

This tapering cast iron standpipe stands on the Wickham Terrace footpath, beside Wickham Park. It is approximately 3m high and, above ground, comprises three sections of pipe with flanged connections. A section of the domed top piece appears to have broken off. The lowest section of pipe bears the inscription “Evans Anderson Phelan & Co, Brisbane” in relief lettering.