Historic Waterworks at Hochablass

The modern water supply began with the new waterworks in Augsburg in 1879/80. Groundwater replaced spring water, and pressure vessels replaced the old water towers for the first time. This established new hygienic and technical standards for the drinking water supply of a large city.

In 1871, the search for larger deposits of pure drinking water in the south of the city began. Finally, in the Siebentischwald, where the Augsburgers still obtain their excellent water, they finally found what they were looking for. Well-known chemists from all over Bavaria examined the groundwater and certified it an excellent quality and on top of that a quantity that was sufficient even with a significant increase in population.In the spring of 1878 began the construction of the new waterworks. At the same time, all households were obliged to join the newly laid pipe network. In the summer of 1979, the waterworks were completed and inspired not only with the groundbreaking technology in its interior. Even from the outside, the castle-like building designed by the architect Karl Albert Gollwitzer assumed its epoch-making significance.The technology was supplied completely by Maschinenfabrik Augsburg (today MAN). She demonstrated her innovative power by not only bundling the previously known technologies in this project, but also incorporating completely new ideas.Source and further information: augsburg.de/kultur/welterbe-bewerbung/augsburger-wasserwirtschaft/das-wasserwerk-am-hochablassThe historic waterworks opens its doors on certain dates for visitors. There is also a very interesting tour, but you should call in advance. Admission and guidance are free. I think the building and the technology are very impressive, even though they are still fully functional today, but they are no longer economical.
Further information about dates and guided tours: sw-augsburg.de/wasser/rund-ums-wasser/standorte-fuehrungen

Due to the power of the Lech and Wertach canals, Augsburg became an industrial city early on in the mid-19th century, and the population grew rapidly. Soon the water towers of the water works along the eastern city wall were no longer sufficient to supply Augsburg with drinking water: the water works at the Hochablass were built. It went into operation in 1879 and the technology attracted attention throughout Europe. Behind the Neo-Renaissance facade is the technology of the Augsburg machine factory. The water from the Lech in the Neubach drove the turbines and thus – until they were shut down – three double-piston pumps. They sucked drinking water from pools under the machine house, which flowed in from collector wells in the Siebentischwald. The water was pressed into the pipes via intermediate, ten meter high pressure air tanks.