Hippolytushoef Pumping Station Ready for a New Generation
The commissioning of a new pumping station on Lonjeweg in Hippolytushoef marks the end of nearly a century of water management history. The old pumping station, built in 1929, kept Wieringen dry for many years. During a festive gathering, the commemorative plaque for the old pumping station was unveiled, and Water Board Member Klazien Hartog decommissioned the old pumping station and officially put the new, sustainable, and fish-friendly pumping station into operation.
From 1929 to 2026
The current pumping station was built in 1929 and thus has a long history. Originally, the Hippolytushoeverpolder was drained by its own windmill. After the windmill fell into disrepair, the drainage channel was connected to the Waard Nieuwland polder via a culvert in 1893. With the advent of electric drainage and the Zuiderzee Works, the opportunity arose to build an electric pumping station. Plans had been in place since 1920, but the pumping station was completed in 1929. The new pumping station was equipped with two vertical screw pumps and had a capacity of 70 m³ per minute. In 1972, the pumping station was renovated and the pump system was replaced. After nearly 100 years of faithful service, the pumping station has now reached the end of its technical lifespan, and the new, future-proof pumping station has been built next to the current one.
Klazien Hartog explains: “At Watererfgoed, we really want to preserve as much as possible, though unfortunately that isn’t always possible. At the Hippolytushoef pumping station—a special place on Wieringen—we also had to weigh these factors. Outdated pumps, parts that are no longer available, and the poor condition of the building led to the decision to build a new pumping station that is much more sustainable and energy-efficient. In addition, thanks to fish-friendly pumps, fish now have a much better chance of leaving the inland waters of the old island of Wieringen than before. Looking to the future, these are advantages that will allow us to make history once again.”
Admire
With the decommissioning of the old pumping station and the official opening of the new one on September 18, local residents had the opportunity to visit the old pumping station and say goodbye to a special piece of water management history. It was a special afternoon filled with old stories and memories. The new pumping station is sure to create its own wonderful memories and stories at this unique location.
New pumping station
The new pumping station has a capacity of 80,000 litre s per minute; it is significantly more sustainable, energy-efficient, and fish-friendly. This contributes to a more robust water system in the Wieringen polder. Should the pumping station fail due to a malfunction, there is sufficient space to set up emergency equipment, including a mobile crane, emergency pumps, piping, and generators.
