Wasserwerk Johannisthal, Nature reserve in Treptow-Köpenick, Germany.
Wasserwerk Johannisthal is a 35-hectare nature reserve in Treptow-Köpenick on Berlin's eastern edge. The area is bounded by Königsheideweg, Lindental gardens, Federal Motorway 113, Springbornstraße, and Koschatweg, featuring diverse habitats with forests, wetlands, and open meadows.
The facility began operations in 1901 as a waterworks with two pumping stations serving Berlin's population. Throughout the 20th century operations expanded to support hundreds of thousands of residents until water extraction ceased in 2001, when the site transitioned to its current role as a protected nature area.
The site takes its name from the former waterworks that once supplied Berlin's households and shaped the area's character. Today this transformation shows in the plants and animals that have reclaimed the space and use it as a refuge.
The grounds are open to the public, though sturdy footwear is recommended as paths cross wetlands and natural terrain. The best visiting season is May through September when flora and fauna are most active.
Although the waterworks ceased pumping water in 2001, its new mission is removing toxic chemicals like arsenic, cyanide, and chlorinated hydrocarbons from the soil. This ongoing remediation work makes it an unexpected example of environmental responsibility within the city.
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