Ever wondered how Amsterdam keeps its feet dry? The answer lies partly in structures like the Boezemgemaal Spaarndam.
Welcome to the Boezemgemaal Spaarndam. This monumental pumping station has been working since 1844. It helps to manage the water levels in this region. Its existence tells a tale of Dutch ingenuity in their battle against water.
Before this impressive structure existed, excess water was released through locks. These locks were in Spaarndam and Halfweg directly into the IJ. The IJ was still connected to the Zuiderzee. The water level fluctuated with the tides. Imagine the challenges this posed.
The creation of the Haarlemmermeer polder between 1848 and 1852 significantly reduced Rijnland’s capacity to store water. The government then commissioned a solution. They proposed building a steam-powered pumping station in Spaarndam. Jan Anne Beijerinck designed the pumping station. It was equipped with a steam engine of 180 horsepower. The machine powered ten water scoops.
Interestingly, the Boezemgemaal Spaarndam also served a strategic purpose. It could flood the Spaarndammerpolder as part of the Position of Spaarndam defense line.
Early tests in 1844 and 1845 proved disappointing. The initial contractor was dismissed. British engineers then helped to get the pumping station operational in 1846.
In 1936, the original steam engines were replaced with diesel motors. However, the characteristic water scoops remained. The diesel engines were again replaced in 1992. Two Mirrlees Blackstone diesel engines then powered the scoops. One engine was sufficient to drive all the water scoops. The second served as a backup or was used when less water needed to be pumped.
A significant upgrade occurred in 2017. The diesel engines were replaced with electric motors. The control system was automated and remotely operated.
Each water scoop has a diameter of 5.70 meters. The Boezemgemaal Spaarndam can pump 1,890 cubic meters of water per minute. This is with a lift height of 60 centimeters. Flaps prevent backflow when the pumping station stops.
The building itself is T-shaped. The former boiler house and machine room run parallel to the water flow. Two wings house the water scoops.
Originally, a smaller screw pump stood next to the main building. It was replaced by a fish passage in 2020. Water flows from the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeerpolder. It also comes from the Spaarne and the Mooie Nel to reach the pumping station. After passing through it, the water enters the Boezemkanaal Spaarndam. It then flows via Zijkanaal C into the Noordzeekanaal.
The Boezemgemaal Spaarndam is more than just a pumping station. It is a provincial monument. It represents the history of water management.
So, next time you appreciate the well-managed waters of Amsterdam. Remember the Boezemgemaal Spaarndam. It stands as a symbol of Dutch innovation and resilience.