Wyalkatchem Well - WA

Wyalkatchem Well, otherwise known as Wyalkatchem tank due to it being uniquely rectangular in form with sloped granite sides to create a stone tank, was constructed by John Haywood for the Toodyay Roads Board in 1881. Haywood was an expiree who farmed at Toodyay.Wyalkatchem Well is located 10 meters from the south side of the Wyalkatchem-Koorda Road within the Wyalkatchem Golf Course. It was originally gazetted in 1884 as a stopping place for teams. The tank is of stone construction that is regular in form and size. On the north side of the tank extensive sheets of granite adjoin a creek. The tank is approximately 5 metres wide and 7-8 metres long.In 1915 the reserve was vested in the minister for Railways as a railway water supply. In 1917 the Chief Engineer of Railways wanted the Wyalkatchem Well closed to prevent teamsters and stock from polluting water running into the railway dam. Steam locomotives required high quality water for their boilers.