People were given a rare glimpse inside a Grade II listed building in Burntwood as it threw open its doors as part of a heritage event.
Maple Brook Pumping Station still has its original triple expansion steam engine in place, but is not usually open to the public.
But as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative more than 50 visitors were able to explore the building.
Paul Martin, 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 explain the heritage of the water company, 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.