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History
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| Following
the mid nineteenth century cholera outbreaks
in Bilston (1832, 1849 and 1857), the provision
of pure drinking water became a legal requirement
(Public Health Act 1848). After an unsuccessful
start by using water pumped from mines, Bilston
allowed neighbouring Wolverhampton to supply
its water, both domestically and to industry.
However, following a legal dispute with Wolverhampton
Corporation over the costs of water supply,
the Bratch Pumping Station was built in 1895
by Bilston Urban District Council to ensure
an independent supply. The best site for water
extraction was recommended to be from the
underlying Bunter sand beds in the Bratch
area, near Wombourne, some 6 or 7 miles from
Bilston. |
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| The
details of |
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·
the method and costs of drilling
for water,
· the extraction rates,
· the decision to
build,
· the legislative
process including petitions by aggrieved parties
against the Parliamentary Bill,
· the construction
and costs of the 3 ¼ mile long rising
main and of the high level covered reservoir,
. together with boiler efficiency,
· coaling rates
· and the cost per
gallon of supplying water |
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are
shown in minute detail in a report by the
resident engineer, a transcript of which is
held by The Friends. |
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| The
water pumping station was formally opened
in 1897, using two engines, called Alexandra
and Victoria. Victoria is now restored to
full working condition. |
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| For
some 60 years, from 1897 to 1960, the twin
vertical triple expansion steam engines pumped
water through brick-lined wells from the Bunter
sandstone about 160 feet below ground. It
was then pumped to a purpose built reservoir
some 3 ¾ miles away and 345 feet higher
on the Wolverhampton/Bilston border whence
it was distributed by gravity to Bilston.
The total lift was therefore in the region
of 505 feet. It was normal practice to run
only one engine at a time, and each was capable
of raising 1 million gallons (4464 tons) of
water over any 20-hour period. |
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| Steam
pumping ceased in 1960, as electric pumps,
backed up by emergency diesel engines, were
introduced to continue the work.The elegant,
ornate Italianate square section chimney stack
was demolished around the same time. Water
is still extracted from the site by Severn
Trent and pumped along the same pipes to the
Wolverhampton Reservoir at Goldthorn Hill. |
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