Scheveningen Water Tower

Scheveningen attractions

Published: 29 October 2010 Modified: 21 April 2011

An old water tower stands in the dunes near Scheveningen by the Pompstationsweg. The tower was built in 1874 by the Duinwaterleiding van ’s Gravenhage (now Dunea) to extract drinking water from the dunes. The tower is still in use today and is not open to the public.

Protection

When it was discovered that the dunes filtered water, all plans to construct roads and houses in the area were cancelled. It is for this reason that the dunes are well preserved. From 1907 to 1953 a railway line (the Hofpleinlijn) ran between Rotterdam Hofplein and the seaside resort of Scheveningen through the dune area. This line opened with steam locomotives in 1907 and became electrified in 1909.

Change

Despite preserving the dunes, extracting water has changed the area. In order to let in river water, infiltration ponds were created to prevent dehydration. However, the river water contained nutrients that stimulated the growth of plants and the dense growth of reeds made the ponds and indigenous plants disappear.

Water extraction and nature

In recent years there’s been more focus on preserving nature and water extraction. By using other techniques, infiltration ponds have become less important. Also the river water that is let into the ponds is filtered so that unwanted nutrients are removed.

Restoration

The monumental water tower, with its decorated arched windows and stately columns, was restored to its original state a few years ago and looks splendid again. The tower contains 1 million litres of drinking water and is the largest storage capacity in the Province of Zuid-Holland. It is still in use and is not open to the public.

Information centre

In 2010 a visitors centre and cafe opened with information about Dunea, the water tower, drinking water and the dunes. The walking path along the Harstenhoekweg takes you through the natural surroundings.