Wasserbehälter Breitensee

Imagine the city of Vienna in 1890. The city is growing rapidly. New districts are being annexed. However, the old water system is insufficient. Vienna needs more water. Right here, in front of you, stands the Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee. This monumental structure was built in 1896. It was commissioned by the city of Vienna to provide a lifeline to the new districts of the city. Prior to the Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee, there was an old water system. It was no longer sufficient for the expanded city of Vienna.
The water had to be pumped uphill into the Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee to be distributed to the new districts. For this task, Vienna built a pump station right next to the Wasserbehälter Breitensee. The pump station was equipped with four pumps. When the city of Vienna decided to build a new system for the water supply, called the Second High-Level Aqueduct, the Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee was no longer used by the pumping station. The pump station was shut down in 1914 and became obsolete. But the Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee itself has continued operating. It is still used today.
A fascinating detail about this water reservoir is that it features a sliding chamber in the late historic round arch style. It is not only a functional element but also a testament to the architectural craftsmanship of the time. It is one of the biggest water reservoirs in Vienna holding 28,000 cubic meters. That’s a lot of water! The Wasserbeh\u00e4lter Breitensee is a testament to the ingenuity and vision of the pioneers of the city of Vienna. It is more than just a structure; it represents the city’s commitment to providing essential services for its citizens. Today, this historical masterpiece is a tranquil reminder of how much the city of Vienna has changed over the past century.