Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße

Hidden beneath the grassy expanse beside the Mergentheimer Straße, the Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße whispers tales of Würzburg’s thirst. This isn’t just any waterworks. It plays a crucial role, balancing the city’s water needs, especially during peak consumption. Unlike other waterworks in Würzburg that rely solely on groundwater, the Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße can also tap into surface water. This unique ability allows it to operate independently of fluctuating groundwater levels, with the Main River acting as a key player. The Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße sits on the east side of Mergentheimer Straße, nestled between the Dallenbergbad and Steinbachtal tram stops. Its story begins in the late 19th century. Würzburg’s rapid growth outpaced the capacity of the city’s springs. In 1889, experts identified the left bank of the Main, above the Steinbachtal valley, as the ideal location for a new waterworks. The first drilling attempts commenced in October 1890. By January 1892, the first two collecting canals connected to the city’s network. A temporary pumping system, powered by a 25-horsepower compound locomotive, accelerated the initial operation. The Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße officially opened on May 1, 1892, designed with future expansion in mind. More collecting canals and a machine house followed in 1894. The machine house’s foundation, a 1.20-meter thick concrete slab, resists the buoyancy of groundwater during high Main water levels. The slanted walls further withstand external water pressure. Two steam pumping stations, one serving as a reserve, lifted 120 liters of water per second to a height of 81 meters, primarily supplying Würzburg’s higher districts. The Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße’s early operation faced challenges due to frequent floods and hygiene concerns, even suspected in typhoid outbreaks. After the Wasserwerk Zell a. Main opened in 1900, the Mergentheimer Straße facility switched to non-drinking water supply. In the 1950s, Würzburg’s water demand surged again. The city council decided in 1951 to upgrade the Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße for artificial groundwater recharge. Construction began in 1954, and the upgraded plant became operational in 1955. In 1964, the high-yield Winterhäuser Quelle connected, feeding its pristine water directly into the system. A complete renovation of treatment and pumping facilities, along with building expansion and renovation, took place between 2003 and 2005. Today, the Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße stands as an industrial monument. It’s a freestanding, single-story, elongated brick building with a saddle roof and an attic gable, adorned with stone details. Through a 1000-meter long underground collecting pipe running parallel to the Main, the Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße draws in pure groundwater, enriched groundwater (artificially infiltrated Main water), and natural bank filtrate. This water undergoes multiple filtration processes before reaching the clear water chamber as potable water. The Wasserwerk Mergentheimer Straße continues to quench Würzburg’s thirst, a testament to its enduring importance in the city’s history.