Site Event/Activity record ECH4029 - Desk based assessment at Boughton Water Treatment Works, Chester in 2004

Preliminary documentary assessment into the water treatment works undertaken to evaluate the extent of archaeological and historical potential of the site and the consequences that any proposed redevelopment might have on it. The site remained meadowland until the late 18th century when the canal cut through it although Roman stonework has been recorded during sand extraction in the 19th century. The waterworks were first constructed in 1853 and have since continually expanded until the present day. The site was recently surveyed as part of a national study of the Water and Sewage Industry and was rated as of national importance and worthy of statutory protection. The assessment however does note that in view of the depth of modern disturbance from gravel extraction and from the water works the potential for buried archaeology is minimal.