Ever wonder where Zurich gets its fresh water? Let me tell you about the Reservoir Albisrieden. It quietly plays a crucial role in Zurich’s water supply.
The Reservoir Albisrieden is located in district 9. This district was once its own municipality. It was called Albisrieden. Albisrieden joined Zurich in 1934.
Albisrieden has a rich history. A Roman villa stood near here in the first century A.D. That villa was located where the Letzigrabenbad is now. Albisrieden remained a rural village for centuries.
The area around the Reservoir Albisrieden transformed rapidly in the 1950s. Privately owned terraced houses went up first. Large residential developments followed. Albisrieden’s population grew quickly. Today, over 21,000 people call Albisrieden home.
The Reservoir Albisrieden helps to supply drinking water. Zurich gets 70% of its water from Lake Zurich. Groundwater and spring water make up the rest. The Reservoir Albisrieden is part of a network. This network connects lake water and groundwater sources.
Another large reservoir is the Lyren reservoir in Altstetter Wald. The Lyren reservoir is the largest drinking water reservoir in Switzerland. It has four chambers that hold 60,000 cubic meters. The Lyren reservoir also has a tunnel. This tunnel connects the Moos lake waterworks to the Hardhof groundwater works. A lift takes you 123 meters underground. That is the lowest accessible point in Zurich.
Although the provided text does not say that the Reservoir Albisrieden is connected to the Lyren reservoir, it is highly likely.
Albisrieden has worked to maintain its village charm. In the 1960s, it was listed as a conservation area. This limited development. Some old barns have disappeared over the years.
Albisrieden still commemorates its rural past. Every September, they have a livestock show. At the show, they crown “Miss Albisrieden”. The locals still call Albisrieden “the village”. When they go to Zurich’s city center, they say they are going “into town”.
The Reservoir Albisrieden stands as a testament to progress. It also serves as a reminder of Albisrieden’s roots. Next time you take a sip of water, remember the Reservoir Albisrieden.