Station: [02] The Magdeburg Water Works


How did the city of Magdeburg manage its water supply in the 19th century? In the model in front of you, there is the “Water Works”. The system worked by pumps powered by two large water wheels. The pumps would send the water up 25 meters into a water tower.  From there, the water was distributed through wooden pipes to the old market. There were a total of 57 access points where people could draw water.  In 1818, the mayor decided that a steam engine would be built for the waterworks to help pump the water. Also see the model of the Woolfssches pump unit built in the Maschinenfabrik Buckau.