Pumpwerk Nettebach

In the shadow of Schloss Westhusen, a quiet giant hums. This is Pumpwerk Nettebach, a vital organ in Dortmund’s circulatory system. Pumpwerk Nettebach isn’t just a concrete structure. It’s a testament to Dortmund’s resilience against the effects of coal mining. Built in 1951, Pumpwerk Nettebach addressed a pressing issue. Mining activities had caused the ground to sink. This left 150 hectares of land perpetually flooded. The Nettebach, despite earlier improvements between 1913 and 1932, couldn’t cope with the changing landscape. Constructing Pumpwerk Nettebach on unstable ground presented a unique challenge. Engineers employed a massive 10.6-meter-high caisson made of 530 cubic meters of concrete. This was sunk 10 meters deep to provide a stable foundation. Today, Pumpwerk Nettebach stands as a symbol of engineering ingenuity. It tirelessly manages the water levels across the 1,032-hectare catchment area of the Nettebach. This powerful pump can move an impressive 6,500 liters of water per second. It’s a key part of the region’s flood prevention system, ensuring the surrounding areas remain dry and usable. Pumpwerk Nettebach is more than just a functional structure. It’s a reminder of how human intervention can mitigate the environmental impact of industrial progress. The pump is a vital part of Route 13 of the Industrial Heritage Trail. This shows its significance in the region’s industrial history. While a new, more modern pump now handles wastewater, the original Pumpwerk Nettebach continues its important work. It manages the clean water from the Nettebach until its planned decommissioning around 2022. Even after its retirement, Pumpwerk Nettebach’s legacy will remain. It will serve as a symbol of Dortmund’s ability to overcome challenges and protect its environment.