“Water is life.” That’s the thought that comes to mind as we approach the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg. This tower isn’t just a structure. It’s a testament to Essen’s growth. It ensures the steady supply of drinking water to the city.
Let’s delve into the history of the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg. Since 1866, a water basin stood on Steeler Berg. The Wasserturm itself was constructed between 1883 and 1884. Otto Intze, an engineer from Aachen, designed it. The tower was built in the historicism style. It aimed to secure the drinking water supply for the rapidly growing city during industrialization. Imagine this area in the early 20th century. The adjacent Ostpark hosted concerts. People gathered here for music and community.
Until the mid-Second World War, the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg even housed a restaurant in its substructure. This offered a unique dining experience. However, the war brought significant damage. After the war, the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg was rebuilt. The reconstruction was simpler. The two 33.5-meter corner towers were not rebuilt. The stone enclosure of the water tank was also removed. Today, the water container is visible. The wrought iron container measures 18 meters in diameter. The brick building stands 26 meters tall without it.
The Wasserturm am Steeler Berg played a role during the Ruhr Uprising. On March 19, 1920, Reichswehr and Freikorps members fought against the Red Ruhr Army here. The Red Ruhr Army formed in response to the Kapp-Lüttwitz Putsch. They wanted to protect the social and democratic achievements after World War I. The Wasserturm’s crew held their position against the workers. The tower’s occupants mistrusted the police council’s attempt to persuade them to give up. The workers stormed the tower. Eleven defenders died. In a trial, the Essen Mayor called the events at the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg a tragic misunderstanding. A memorial stone was erected in the Ostpark. It listed the 40 security police officers and supporters killed in Essen in March 1920. This included the eleven from the Wasserturm. The names of the fallen workers remain unknown.
Today, the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg still functions as a water tower. It is one of eight water tank systems of Stadtwerke Essen. It helps supply drinking water. The wrought iron high tank holds 2000 cubic meters. It sits on a 20-meter substructure. It is used for peak consumption in the mornings and at midday. At night, the container refills. The water tank is a hanging bottom tank. Otto Intze and F. A. Neumann designed it. It is protected against mining damage. Its supply lines are spring-mounted.
In 2012, Stadtwerke Essen renovated the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg. It was temporarily out of service. The facade, up to three meters thick, was repaired. The Wasserturm is part of Route 28 of the Industrial Heritage Trail. This route focuses on water-related sites.
Currently, the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg houses the Essener Tafel. This organization collects unsold but usable food. They distribute it to people in need. The Essener Tafel gained national attention in March 2018. They complained about the behavior of young male refugees. Numerous reports were filmed at the Wasserturm.
As we conclude our visit to the Wasserturm am Steeler Berg, remember its dual role. It provides essential water services and supports the community through the Essener Tafel. It is a symbol of Essen’s resilience and commitment to its people.