We visited the pumping station near the town of Lemmer during our stay in the Netherlands in August 2024. It is said that Dutch hydraulic engineers are among the best in the world and that their expertise is sought after worldwide because they share a long history of coexistence with the sea and water management in general. The visit to the pumping station, which is still in operation, albeit in occasional support of the more efficient Stavoren pumping station from 1967 PC (+/- 12,000 kW), seems to illustrate this point well. Its name comes from its designer, Engineer Ir D.F. Wouda.

Its purpose is to lower the water level of the Friesland. It is capable of pumping 4 million liters of water per minute at full capacity, or +/- 6,600 kW. The Friesland watershed covers 3,400 to 4,000 km2. This station is the largest steam-powered pumping station in the world! Initially, the fuel was coal; the boilers were converted to run on oil in 1967 PC.

From a practical point of view, a parking lot has been set up a short distance from the station; you can get there on foot, by bike, or by organized shuttle. The buildings are a nice way to get around. A contemporary building containing the reception, a shop, an educational museum, and a restaurant has been built next to the pumping station. This is where you buy your ticket and follow a volunteer guide, either in Dutch or English.

We decided to follow the Dutch-speaking guide, but once inside the building, we continued on our own. We first entered the room with the four enormous steam boilers. The steam that drives the pistons and provides the driving force is vented directly outside. The large chimney therefore evacuates the burnt gases from the oil.

Then we enter the vast room with its eight centrifugal pumps. Impressively gigantic! (Introductory photo)
Once the building is complete, it's possible to step back outside and enjoy a light snack in the restaurant, which isn't unpleasant.

In conclusion, I understand why the Netherlands asked to classify this site, because it is exceptional given its gigantism; its authenticity and the issue: water management. This last question is to be explored further with the WHS site of the island of Schokland which is in some way the other side of the picture, but that is another story...