William Davidson

Background

Davidson was born on 6 December 1844 at Moy, County Tyrone, Ireland. His father, John Davidson, was an architect, and his mother was Eliza, née McCudden.

Education

Davidson was educated at the local National school, until age 13 and then worked as a clerk in Belfast.

Career

Davidson obtained his surveyor"s certificate in 1864, and then spent some years surveying farm selections, mines and roads in north-west Victoria and Gippsland. Davidson was appointed assistant to the superintending engineer of the Melbourne water supply, Charles Taylor in April 1873 and was made inspector-general of public works in 1889 becoming chief engineer of the Melbourne water supply where he supervised the improvements and extensions to the Yan Yean Reservoir and water supply system. When a major flood on 16 March 1878 destroyed the bluestone viaduct carrying the Yan Yean water across the Plenty River, and so severed Melbourne"s drinking water supply, Davidson, worked for three days and nights with a gang of carpenters, to built a replacement timber flume.

He was subsequently appointed superintending engineer "for the outstanding part he had played in expediting repairs and restoring water to Melbourne in three days" by the minister of public works, (Sir) James Patterson.

In August 1886 Davidson commenced the Watt"s River Scheme - the precursor to the Maroondah Aqueduct and Maroondah Reservoir, and then, by bringing in a new water source from a reservoir on the O"Shannassy River, above the junction of the Yarra, he was instrumental in conceiving and designing a system which provided Melbourne with an additional 20 million gallons of high quality drinking water each day, with the added benefit that the system could be expanded later to take in the entire upper Yarra catchment. Davidson, was a tireless and vigilant protector of water catchments, ensuring that any freehold was resumed, subdivision opposed and forests protected.

Achievements

• Davidson was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) on 4 December 1888, and later became the chairman of the Institute of Civil Engineers Victorian branch 1914-1919. He was awarded the Imperial Service Order in 1911. He retired from the public service in 1912.

Membership

Davidson was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (London) on 4 December 1888, and later became the chairman of the Institute of Civil Engineers Victorian branch 1914-1919.