Water flows high above us. That is because we are standing before the Brentenmaisaquädukt 1. It is an aqueduct that is part of Vienna’s historical water supply system.
The Brentenmaisaquädukt 1 soars 24 meters high. This makes it the highest point of the Second Viennese High Spring Pipeline. This vital pipeline ensures Vienna receives fresh spring water.
Let’s dive into the history a little. Vienna’s original water supply was not ideal. Groundwater quality was poor leading to diseases. The wealthy had better access to water pipes. The general population relied on wells and fountains.
The First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline was a game changer. It was opened on October 24 1873. This pipeline provided safe drinking water to Vienna. The 95 km long line delivered 62 million cubic meters of water per year. That was over half of Vienna’s total water supply in 2007. The water came from the Rax and Schneeberg areas. These are located in Southern Lower Austria and Styria.
Before this pipeline, Vienna tried other solutions. In the early 1800s, a water pipe brought water from Hütteldorf. Later, the Emperor Ferdinand Aqueduct filtered water from the Danube Canal. But this system’s quality declined over time. Demand for water kept increasing.
The search for a reliable water source was extensive. Engineers considered the Traisen, Pitten, Schwarza and Leitha rivers. The Fischa was also considered. Concerns about water temperature, purity, and potential contamination led to their rejection. Finally, the Rax, Schneeberg and Würflach areas were chosen.
The City Council formed a commission in 1862. This commission was tasked with surveying and planning the water supply project. Members included experts in various fields. They carefully examined potential sites. They ultimately selected the Höllental area.
Eduard Suess wrote the final report in 1864. The report highlighted Kaiserbrunnen, Stixenstein and Alta as high-quality water sources. The experts determined that this longer route would be more cost-effective. This was because it eliminated the need for a pumping station.
The project was divided into two departments. One focused on the pipeline’s source and reservoir. The other managed the pipeline route within Vienna. Civil engineer Carl Junker and City Engineer Karl Gabriel oversaw the work.
The plans were publicly displayed in 1865. Final approval came in June 1866. A new commission was formed to oversee construction.
Construction began in 1870. Emperor Franz Joseph I himself broke ground at Rosenhügel. Tunnel construction faced initial setbacks. The contractor Antonio Gabrielli hired Franz Schlögl but he was removed from the project.
The city contracted multiple companies to supply pipes. Some companies faced difficulties. The pipe thickness was increased to handle water pressure.
In 1873, the city asked Gabrielli to speed up construction. The opening ceremony occurred on October 24 1873. A jet fountain on Schwarzenbergplatz was dedicated by the Emperor.
The entire network was completed in 1874. Old wells were closed due to potential health hazards. By the 1880s, most homes in Vienna received water from the new pipeline.
The Brentenmaisaquädukt 1 stands as a testament to engineering. It also represents Vienna’s commitment to providing clean water to its citizens. As you stand here, imagine the innovative spirit of the 19th century. Consider the challenges overcome to bring fresh spring water to a growing city.