Alsfeld fresh from the well!Construction of a water supply system

Towards the end of the 19th century, the water supply for the city of Alsfeld was provided by a large number of wells throughout the urban area. However, due to increased demand, shortages repeatedly occurred; consequently, the city commissioned a “Commission” to investigate the situation and propose a solution. On April 5, 1892, the findings were presented in a printed report. The commission concluded that digging additional wells was not a viable solution for geological reasons and instead advocated for the construction of a central, general water supply system.

The costs for the construction and operation of the water supply were distributed among the residents. Every user had to pay connection and operating fees, which led to widespread resentment. Critics argued that the water supply in large parts of the Old Town was sufficiently guaranteed by public and private pumps and was, moreover, free of charge. Why then install an expensive system for everyone? Resistance formed under the local dialect motto: “Brouche mer e Wasserleiring – mer ho de Bomb verm Haus” (Do we need a water main? We have the pump in front of the house).

Despite the protests, construction began in 1896, partly because the city had already taken decisive action by acquiring the necessary spring properties along the Liederbach stream. From 1897, the “Local Statute regarding the extraction and use of water from the municipal water main in Alsfeld” regulated the local water supply. (JP)