Drainage pumping stations a unique Dutch invention

CRUQUIUS – The Society (Vereniging) Hendrick de Keyser has completed its restoration of the historic steam-driven pumping station De Cruquius. The facility, along with the pumping stations 'Leeghwater" and "Lijnden" helped drain the Haarlemmermeerpolder between 1849 and 1852, after which it controlled the drainage systems. In 1933, the Cruquius was mothballed. The pumping station was rescued from demolition and is now an industrial world heritage site. The station’s tall steam pipe has been restored to its former glory as well. Much of the restoration focused on the station’s brick shell which required new stucco and plastering, and work on the foundation. To facilitate this, the water around the pumping station was drained to allow workers to complete the job. Pieter van Vollenhoven, Queen Beatrix’s brother-in-law, felt honoured with the invitation to reopen the Cruquius. He called the invention of pumping stations uniquely Dutch.