Warsaw

William Lindley Waterworks

  ul. Koszykowa 81 ,   City Centre         more than a year ago

The William Lindley Waterworks, also known as the Warsaw Water Filters, is a historical water treatment plant located in Warsaw, Poland. Built in 1886, the plant served as the main source of potable water for the residents of Warsaw until 1974.

The mesmerising caverns of the William Lindley Waterworks in Warsaw! Photo by Robert Parma.
Today, the site is a testament to the engineering and architectural marvels of the 19th century, and in high demand among locals hoping for a chance to enter its subterranean world.

History of the Warsaw Waterworks

The William Lindley Waterworks owes its existence to the efforts of William Lindley, a British engineer who was responsible for the design and construction of many water and sewage systems in Europe. Lindley was commissioned by the City of Warsaw to design a water filtration plant in response to the growing demand for clean drinking water in the city.
William Lindley, the British engineer behind
the marvel of the Warsaw Water Filters site!
The original design for the water tower
in the filter station complex in Warsaw.


Construction of the waterworks began in 1883 and was completed in 1886. The plant was designed to treat water from the Vistula River, which was the main source of water for the city at the time. The waterworks utilized a sand filtration system, which was a new and innovative method for water treatment at the time.
During the construction of the Warsaw waterworks in the 1880s!
The sand filtration system used by the William Lindley Waterworks consisted of a series of sand beds, each of which was designed to remove different impurities from the water. The first bed removed large particles such as leaves and sticks, while the second bed removed smaller particles such as sand and silt. The third bed removed organic matter and bacteria, and the final bed added chlorine to disinfect the water. The William Lindley Waterworks was an important milestone in the history of water treatment. At the time of its construction, waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid were common in many cities, and the filtration system used by the waterworks was a significant improvement over previous methods of water treatment. The William Lindley Waterworks remained in operation until 1974 when it was replaced by a modern water treatment plant. However, the site was preserved as a historical landmark, and in 2005, it was opened to the public as a museum.

Visiting Lindley Waterworks

Today, visitors to the William Lindley Waterworks can explore the plant and learn about the history of water treatment in Warsaw. The museum features exhibits on the design and construction of the waterworks, as well as the technology and methods used for water treatment at the time. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the plant, which includes a visit to the sand filtration beds and the chlorine chamber. The William Lindley Waterworks is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of the importance of clean drinking water for public health. The plant played a crucial role in improving the quality of life for the residents of Warsaw and is a reminder of the innovative thinking and engineering prowess of the 19th century!

Visiting the site is possible in July and September on selected Saturdays. For this reason, the number of available tickets is usually very limited!
The tower of the William Lindley Waterworks, the historic filter station complex in Warsaw. Photo by Аимаина хикари.

Metro

Rondo Daszyńskiego

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top