South Staffs Water recently opened the doors of Maplebrook Pumping Station near Burntwood to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative. 

More than 50 people visited the Grade II listed building with its original triple expansion steam engine still in situ, which is not normally open to the public. 

Paul Martin, Head of Production from South Staffs Water said: “As an operational site, access is normally restricted but we saw the Heritage Open Days scheme as a great opportunity to show members of the public the inside of a pumping station and were overwhelmed by the response. 

“Visitors were able to see the original steam engine which was in use until 1972, alongside the modern day equipment and technology we use to provide a reliable, high quality supply of water to our customers.” 

The day was supported by a team of volunteers from Lichfield Waterworks Trust who helped welcome visitors and explain the heritage of the water company and the pumping station and South Staffs Water staff. 

Maple Book Pumping Station was built between 1908 and 1915 in a neo-classical style. 

Originally powered by steam, it was electrified in 1974 and most recently underwent a complete refurbishment in 2011. This included the development of two new boreholes which has secured the output capability.