Behold the Schwoonscher Wasserturm. Its aged brickwork stands tall a testament to Bremerhaven’s past. This isn’t just any water tower. This is a piece of history.
The Schwoonscher Wasserturm stands proudly in Bremerhaven-Lehe’s Stadtpark. It’s more than just a structure. It’s a symbol of innovation and resilience. Built over 150 years ago it played a vital role in Bremerhaven’s early water supply system. Melchior Schwoon a local entrepreneur deserves the credit. He’s the namesake of this magnificent tower.
Initially Bremerhaven faced a challenge. The newly developed city relied on brackish water unfit for drinking. The solution came from the neighboring town of Lehe. For years water was transported in barrels using horse-drawn carts. This was until a Maurermeister named Eits constructed a rudimentary water tower. This system involved a 15-meter wooden structure housing a water reservoir. Water was pumped into the reservoir then sent to Bremerhaven.
But demand grew. The Eits system proved insufficient. Enter Schwoon. He constructed a second waterline and a waterworks powered by steam. He also built the Schwoonscher Wasserturm right next to Eits’ well. The competition between Eits and Schwoon was fierce. It ended surprisingly with a marriage between family members. By 1870 the rivals had merged their water operations.
The Schwoonscher Wasserturm wasn’t always as we see it today. In 1881 its original brick reservoir was replaced by a larger iron one holding 500 cubic meters of water. Later in 1896-97 it was raised by about nine meters. A new 7.5-meter flat-bottomed reservoir was added. This expanded its capacity to 600 cubic meters. The reservoir was updated again in 1900. The increased height was necessary to provide sufficient water pressure for upper floors of Bremerhaven’s buildings. The Eits water tower was eventually demolished.
Today the Schwoonscher Wasserturm is no longer functional. It was sold in 1989. It’s a cherished landmark. Its enduring presence is a reminder of Bremerhaven’s ingenuity and the evolution of its water supply system. It stands as a symbol of the city’s growth and progress. The Schwoonscher Wasserturm is a Bremerhaven treasure. Its history is a story of innovation perseverance and ultimately cooperation.