Ever wonder where Dresden got its fresh water centuries ago? Here at this location stood the Hochplauensche Wasserhaus. The Hochplauensche Wasserhaus was a vital structure in Plauen near Dresden. It played a key role in capturing and purifying water. This water came from the Bienert mill’s millrace. The purified water was then transported to Dresden. It traveled through wooden pipes. This was known as Röhrenwasser or pipe water.
Besides the Hochplauensche Röhrenwasser, there were also the Mittel and Niederplauensche Röhrenwasser systems. These drew water from the Weißeritz millrace. The extraction point was at the former Walkmühle.
The story of Dresden’s water supply dates back to the 15th century. Franciscan monks were the first to channel water to their monastery. In 1542, under Duke Moritz of Saxony, a significant upgrade occurred. Caspar Vogt von Wierandt, a fortress construction master, built a wooden pipeline. This pipeline ran from Plauen to the Altmarkt in Dresden. By 1589, there were 22 such pipelines.
A unique pipeline was the “eiserne Zwingerröhre”. This was a branch line of the Hochplauensche Röhrenfahrt. Elector Friedrich August I ordered its construction in 1720. Its purpose was to supply water to the Zwinger’s water features.
The Hochplauensche Wasserhaus underwent several modifications and renovations. The last major overhaul happened in 1862. It involved installing three water intakes. These intakes had shut-off and filter technology. The Wasserhaus remained in use into the 20th century. Sadly, it fell into disrepair in the 1980s and was eventually demolished.
However, the story doesn’t end there. The WIMAD e. V. Dresden conducted investigations. These efforts led to the rediscovery of the remaining foundations of the Wasserhaus. The Hochplauensche Wasserhaus played a crucial role in Dresden’s history. It ensured a steady supply of clean water to the city. While the Wasserhaus itself is gone, its legacy remains. It reminds us of the ingenuity and effort that went into providing such a basic necessity.