ewl invests CHF 4.2 million in the Thorenberg groundwater pumping station
Lucerne – ewl energie wasser luzern has completely renovated the Thorenberg groundwater pumping station. New pumps, a modern control system, a photovoltaic installation and an emergency power supply are designed to keep the facility running reliably for decades to come. The investment totals around CHF 4.2 million.
The city of Lucerne draws its drinking water from three sources: spring water from the Eigenthal and Entlebuch areas, lake water from Lake Lucerne and groundwater from the Kleine Emme valley. Groundwater accounts for around five percent of the total volume. Most of it is pumped from Thorenberg to the Sonnenberg spring water plant, where it is blended. According to ewl, this additional source gives the supply system greater operational flexibility.
Many of the station's installations had reached the end of their service life or no longer met current technical standards. ewl therefore stripped the facility back to its foundation walls and completely rebuilt the interior.
At its core are six new high-performance pumps. They deliver water to the Sonnenberg spring water plant, the Gütsch reservoir and the Littau pressure zone. According to ewl, they are more energy-efficient than the previous pumps. All pipes were replaced with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, along with the valves, electrical connections, control cabinets, lighting and control system. Two new UV disinfection units provide an additional safeguard for water quality on the lines to Gütsch and Littau.
A photovoltaic installation on the roof and the façade of the adjoining building generates electricity. ewl also uses waste heat from the pumps' cooling water to heat the staff rooms and produce hot water. A new emergency power system with a 1,000 kVA generator and a 10,000-litre diesel tank ensures that the station can continue pumping groundwater during a power outage.
