Pumpwerk Onstmettingen, Historical pumping station in Albstadt, Germany
The Pumpwerk Onstmettingen is a pumping station in Albstadt built from a concrete basin measuring 9 by 9 meters with a depth of 2.5 meters. A reinforced concrete ceiling spans above it, supported by two sturdy pillars that form the main structural frame.
The station was constructed in 1909 and originally operated a gas-powered piston pump to supply water to local buildings and an elevated storage tank. Operations ended in 1953 when the municipality joined the Zollernalb water association to meet the growing demands of the textile manufacturing industry.
The building is known locally as the Pumphäusle and stands as a testament to how the town once managed its own water supply. It shows the period when communities took pride in owning the infrastructure that served their daily needs.
The site is centrally located next to the town hall and easily accessible on foot while exploring the town center. It is best visited during daylight hours to see the concrete structure and surrounding architecture clearly.
A hand pump from an earlier era remains on the south side of the building, reminding visitors of the time before motorized pumping. The original spring pool that fed this pump had been enclosed with stone around 1770, showing how water management evolved over generations.
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