Century-old Stroink pumping station gets first restored pipe in landmark water project
Residents in Northwest Overijssel and Drenthe can expect more reliable water management as the historic Stroink pumping station undergoes critical restoration. The first of three century-old pipes has been reinstalled, ensuring continued protection against flooding and water shortages for decades.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Stroink pumping station, Vollenhove, Overijssel |
| Restoration Focus | Three pressure pipes, installed in 1918 |
| Age of Pipes | Over 100 years old |
| Issue Addressed | Leaks developed after a century of use |
| Temporary Solution | Dummy pipes installed to maintain functionality during restoration |
| Project Timeline | First pipe reinstalled; next two to follow in coming months |
| Impacted Areas | Northwest Overijssel, Nijeveen-Kolderveen polder, Vledder, Wapserveense Aa |
| Water Authority | Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority (WDODelta) |
The Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority (WDODelta) is responsible for managing water levels and ensuring reliable water drainage and supply in Northwest Overijssel and parts of Drenthe. This restoration project highlights their role in preserving critical water infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
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Operation successful: first 'as good as new' pipe reinstalled at Stroink pumping station
A major step in the large-scale restoration of the Stroink pumping station in Vollenhove: the first of the three imposing restored pressure pipes has been successfully reinstalled. A special and complex task for the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority (WDODelta). The pumping station is a national monument and more than a century old. The same applies to the pipes, which, after more than 100 years of faithful service, are now being restored for the first time. “That the pumping station has remained in such good condition for so long is a compliment to the water board engineers of the past,” says Roel van der Horst of the water authority.
Together with the pumps, the three large pressure pipes form the heart of the pumping station: they create a vacuum to pump water upwards, similar to drinking through a straw. This is important for water drainage. Research showed that the pipes had developed leaks after more than 100 years of use. That is why they are now being thoroughly restored for the first time since their installation in 1918. This ensures that Stroink, as an important part of the water system in Northwest Overijssel, will continue to operate reliably for decades to come.
Dummy pipes
Van der Horst: “Stroink pumping station is truly Dutch glory. We are currently using modern techniques to restore a piece of water heritage. It is precisely this combination that makes the project so special. By installing temporary dummy pipes, the Stroink pumping station continues to function normally during the work. Following this successful operation with the first pipe, the next two will be reinstalled in the coming months.”
About Stroink pumping station
The Stroink pumping station regulates water levels in the boezem (water storage area) of Northwest Overijssel and, indirectly, in the polders of Northwest Overijssel, the Nijeveen-Kolderveen polder and the catchment area of the Vledder and Wapserveense Aa rivers in Drenthe. It therefore plays a crucial role in the water system in these areas. Originally, the pumping station only pumped water out. Since 1996, when water levels are low, the water authority has also been able to let water in from Lake IJsselmeer, which has already improved water quality and prevented water shortages during dry periods.