The original Pumping Station was built at Green Bottom in 1870 to provide fresh water to Cinderford and East Dean. It was situated close to the entrance to a 16th Century iron ore mine. This mine has flooded and forms the source of clear fresh water which was collected in a huge collecting tank.
The first pumps were steam powered and the building had a substantial chimney to accommodate the coal fired furnace.
The pumps had to run for 23 hours a day to supply the local community and workers had one hour when the pumps were out of use to complete any maintenance and repairs.
After around 60 years steam power gave way to electricity and new electric pumps were installed in the 1930's.
During the 2nd World War a steel fence was erected and the Home Guard were posted to guard the water supply from attack.
The workers grew tobacco in the garden which they dried in the pumping station. They also grew fruit trees, vegetables and kept pigs, poultry and honey bees.
By 1971 when this aerial photograph was taken the station has become part of the water board and eventually Severn Trent Water.
The collecting tank shown to the left of this picture is now used as a hatchery for salmon as part of a programme to support the wild salmon stock in the River Wye.
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