Water tower

After groundwater had already been found by the Brussels geologists Gevloy and Rutot around 1900 on the Baarleheide north of the city, Turnhout was soon given a water pipe. Further research by, among others, E. Putzeys, chief engineer of Brussels, led to the tender for the new water tower to be built. In 1902, the project was tendered and awarded to the so-called 'Compagnie Générale des Conduits d'eau' of Liège. Soon after, the water tower was erected to Putzeys' design. To do this, a barn under old elm trees had to be demolished first. It was a remnant of the warande, a forest that belonged to the castle.
In 1904, the water tower was officially inaugurated by the opening of two fountains on the Grand Place. The keys were presented to Crown Prince Albert and Princess Elisabeth on a lace cushion, which is still preserved in the Taxandria Museum. A commemorative plaque on the façade still refers to this solemn opening by the royal couple.
On the tower you can see the coat of arms of Turnhout, sculpted by the famous Turnhout artist Napoleon Daems. Furthermore, the tower is decorated with a row of windows. The metal tub is clad in brick masonry that is incorporated between metal rods. This is not a superfluous luxury as the tub can hold 5,000 cubic metres of water. In the meantime, the water tower has been out of use for many years and has been replaced by more modern installations. But in 2012 it was still central as a lighthouse for Turnhout, City of Culture of Flanders.

Wizpr.guide