We are happy to give heritage listing to Sydney Observatory, Fort Denison and the Conservatorium of Music, so why not the same accolade for Ryde Water Pumping Station? This grand old lady of Victorian engineering has kept Sydney's taps running despite numerous and prolonged droughts since 1891.

The thirst of the growing population of North Sydney was quenched by addition of a second pump facility in 1921. Such was the occasion that the top brass of the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage convened at the steps for an official photograph. Waistcoats were obligatory. No ladies were in attendance. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald of October 5, 1921, said the upgrade cost exactly £250,000.

The top brass of the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage outside Ryde Water Pumping Station in 1921. Credit:Sydney Water Archives

On Tuesday, with heritage status newly conferred, dignitaries once again assembled in front of the slightly foreboding but freshly painted facade to mark the auspicious occasion. The original steam-powered plant has been recognised for its national engineering heritage by Engineers Australia at the Engineering Heritage National Marker ceremony.

Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin (no waistcoat) joined representatives from Engineers Australia and Sydney Water to recognise the station's impact on Sydney life. He said that in the early 1900's, Sydney was not only in continual drought, but water was particularly scarce north of the harbour.