Up until 2008, Redland City Council managed its own water infrastructure. This included bores, dams and reservoirs called ''bulk water'' and water distribution (pipes), and billing for these services. Redland City was one of the few local governments entirely self-sufficient when it came to water and wastewater.
In 1968, the Leslie Harrison Dam at Capalaba was completed and the shire's first houses were connected to town water at the end of the year.
In 1983 when the shire's population was about 52,000, and the Leslie Harrison Dam wall was raised, doubling the dam's capacity.
In 1990, council began supplying water to the mainland via a pipeline from Herring Lagoon on Eighteen Mile Swamp on North Stradbroke Island to supplement the Leslie Harrison Dam.
In 2008, Redland's water was transferred to the state government with council receiving $82.3 million for its bores, dams and reservoirs (bulk water).
At full capacity, Leslie Harrison Dam holds 24,868 ML of water and its catchment area covers 87sq km.
The dam an earthfill embankment construction with a 525m dam wall and a vertical lift gated spillway.
IF you have an historical Redlands photo you would to share, or would like to know more about the history of where you live or work in the Redlands, email mail.bbulletin@ruralpress.com