Gemaal de Leeghwater, Historical pumping station in Buitenkaag, Netherlands
Gemaal de Leeghwater is a pumping station located where two major canals meet, featuring a circular main building with two side wings. The facility houses two diesel engines that power centrifugal pumps capable of moving substantial quantities of water each minute.
Built in 1845, this was the first of three steam-powered stations constructed to drain the former lake into farmland. The original steam engines were replaced with diesel motors in the early 1900s, marking a shift in how the site operated.
The station is named after Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater, a water engineer who proposed draining the lake in the 1600s. This naming reflects his influence on the region's transformation and the engineering ambitions of that era.
The building is best viewed from outside, as interior access may be limited or restricted to special occasions. Sturdy footwear is recommended when walking around the facility, especially during wet weather when the ground can become slippery.
When converting from steam to diesel power, much more changed than just the engines: the chimney was demolished and mechanical balance beams were removed, significantly altering the building's appearance. This transformation shows how industrial infrastructure adapted rapidly to new technology.
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