Water Tower Machtolsheim, Water tower and observation platform in Machtolsheim, Laichingen, Germany

The Water Tower Machtolsheim is a 37.70-metre-high tower built between 1976 and 1978 for the Albwasserversorgungsgruppe II, based in Laichingen. Its two chambers hold 800 cubic metres of water for Machtolsheim, Merklingen and Nellingen. An observation platform at the top looks out over the Alb plateau; the tower stands at 745 metres above sea level.

The tower was completed in 1978 and replaced older pumping systems from 1876 in the Filstal region. This modernization allowed for more reliable and efficient water distribution to surrounding communities.

The tower displays a piston pump from 1963 that shows how water technology developed in the area. Visitors can see how the water supply system worked in earlier times through this preserved equipment.

The observation platform can be reached via stairs inside the tower and offers excellent panoramic views on clear days. Visitors should note that the platform may not be accessible on some days due to operational requirements.

The Alb water supply group II was founded a century before this tower was built, in the era when water was first pumped from the Mühlhausen works in the Filstal valley 310 metres up to the plateau, from 1876. A retired piston pump from 1963 stands beside the tower.