Gemaal Buma, Rutten, gemaal in Noordoostpolder
Gemaal Buma is a pumping station in Rutten, built between 1939 and 1941 according to architect Dirk Roosenburg's designs. The rectangular brick building with a steel frame houses three large centrifugal pumps that can move up to 1,800 cubic meters of water each minute (31,600 gallons per second), powered by electric motors.
The pumping station was completed in the early 1940s and played a central role in draining the Noordoostpolder. Its operation began in January 1941, marking an important step in Dutch land reclamation that transformed swampland into farmable territory.
The pumping station's name reflects its location in Rutten and represents the community's ongoing relationship with water management. For local residents, it stands as a visible symbol of how engineering shapes daily life in a landscape that was created by human effort and determination.
Access to the site is available along marked pathways around the grounds, offering clear views of the building's exterior and surrounding water infrastructure. Visit in spring or summer when the paths are dry and easier to walk, as the area can be muddy during rainy periods.
The station is equipped with an automatic backup diesel generator system that activates when main power fails, ensuring drainage continues during emergencies. This redundancy reveals how critical the facility is to maintaining the landscape and demonstrates the thoroughness of Dutch water management planning.
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