Ever wonder where Berlin gets its seemingly endless supply of fresh water? The answer, in part, lies right here at the Wasserwerk Tegel.
The Wasserwerk Tegel stands as a testament to Berlin’s commitment to providing clean drinking water. It is one of the most important waterworks in the city. It works together with the Stolpe, Spandau and Kladow plants. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of this vital facility.
The Wasserwerk Tegel extracts water from 130 vertical wells. These wells reach depths of 30 to 60 meters. Submersible motor pumps power these wells. Each pump delivers 50 to 150 cubic meters of water per hour. The plant also uses a horizontal filter well. This well is 16 meters deep. It uses two submersible motor pumps. Each pump delivers 250 cubic meters per hour.
But extracting the water is only the first step. The Wasserwerk Tegel also focuses on water treatment. Three aeration towers stand tall here. Each tower measures 17 meters in diameter. These towers help to aerate the raw water. A rapid filter system also plays a crucial role. It has 20 open double filters. These filters cover a vast area of 1,740 square meters. The filtration speed reaches six meters per hour.
The Wasserwerk Tegel uses powerful pumps to move the treated water. Eight pumps driven by electric motors manage this task. These pumps deliver between 500 and 4,200 cubic meters per hour. They maintain a pressure of 5.8 to 6.2 bar. Two emergency power generators ensure continuous operation. Each generator has a capacity of 1,600 kVA. They guarantee operation during public power outages.
To enhance groundwater recharge, the Wasserwerk Tegel employs an ingenious method. It uses three basins with a total area of 30,069 square meters. These basins filter pre-cleaned surface water. The water comes from Lake Tegel. This pre-cleaned water seeps into the ground.
Berlin’s water supply relies on careful monitoring. Control rooms in Friedrichshagen, Tegel, and Beelitzhof oversee the process. The waterworks coordinate central control. This setup ensures high delivery capacity. It helps to supply all households efficiently.
The Wasserwerk Tegel plays a critical role in Berlin’s infrastructure. The water travels through a 7,816-kilometer pipe network. Around 275,000 building connections branch from the mains to individual taps. Approximately 69,300 hydrants and 93,000 isolating valves support smooth water distribution. Pressure and flow are monitored at various points. This ensures that even tall buildings receive adequate supply.
Did you know that Berlin’s drinking water originates from groundwater resources? This water has formed over 10,000 years. It is stored under layers of stone, earth, and sand. The groundwater naturally replenishes itself. It comes from rain and surface water. As it passes through solid layers, it undergoes natural treatment. It also gains valuable minerals. This makes groundwater ideal for drinking water.
The Wasserwerk Tegel exemplifies Berlin’s dedication to water quality. It underscores the city’s innovative approach to water management. The plant ensures that Berliners have access to clean, reliable drinking water every day.