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The Wouda Steam Pumping Station
The Wouda Pumping Station near Lemmer is named after its builder the engineer
Wouda. It dates from the 1920's and is steam powered. In 1998, Unesco added it
to the World Heritage List. Today it acts as an auxiliary system next to a modern
pumping station. The Wouda-gemaal was not 'fased out' for lack of performance.
The running costs were too steep. Most winters the station is fired up for about one
week to perform its old task. The Wouda is in original 1920's state.
Keep Friesland dry
The Wouda Pumping Station was built to pump the excess water in Friesland and it is
able to pump 4000 cubic meters of water per minute. In 1967, the electric pumping
station near Stavoren took over its tasks. The Wouda pumping installations bear
exceptional witness to the power of steam in controlling the forces of nature.
Historic industrial design
The Wouda Pumping Station consists of a machinery house and a kettle house.
The machinery house is designed in the Amsterdam School style and reminds us
of the architect Berlage. The hallway interior is a perfect example of 20th century
industrial techniques and design.
©Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme & Congressen 2004
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