"Kal" is a long way from a consistent water supply and since gold was first discovered there in 1893, it still has a population at the 2011 census of over 31 thousand. To provide a supply of water, this pipeline was constructed for 330 miles from Perth and runs along the highway for many miles. It was constructed by Charles Yelverton O'Connor, who was a noted engineer. Sadly, in later years he committed suicide. Along the 330 miles of pipe there were a number of steam pumping stations although nowadays, of course, the power is provided by electricity. I have sampled the water at Kalgoorlie and it tastes vile, but I suppose you can get used to anything! Seemingly, it takes between 5 to 11 days for the water to make the journey from the intake near Perth, to "Kal".
This photograph is by Dickie Bird and was uploaded January 30th 2015. © Dickie Bird please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.
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