 Part of the Victorian Loch Katrine water project, construction was started in 1855 and the works was opened by Queen Victoria in 1859, replacing the previous water supply sourced from the River Clyde at Cuningar Loop in Dalmarnock.Its completion led to the virtual eradication of typhoid and cholera, diseases which were widespread at the time, from the city.The success of the project was marked by the erection of the Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove Park.