Monument record 10849 - Chester Waterworks, Tower Works.

Notable River extraction and treatment scheme of 1853 with basic elements of original and developed arrangement along with related earlier (1826) river abstraction features (water was unfiltered before 1853). Built by F Latrobe Bateman for Chester Waterworks Company. Bateman became Consulting Engineer in 1849 and designed the new treatment works (Tower Works) for the south side of the Shropshire Union Canal. A new River intake was established in 1866. In 1889, the tower was heightened 6.10m to improve the heads of water. Other improvements and additions include the rapid-gravity filters (c.1922) of which the number rose to 14. It is important because of its unusual (experimental) combination of water tower and engine house in one complex, and for the fine 1913 diesel engine house with in situ diesel engines and pumps. The filter beds (currently in use) include some of the 1850’s layout. The reservoirs were not accessed at the time of this report. The site is graded to be of clear national importance with appropriate statutory protection (1).

The waterworks at Boughton go back in origin to the sixteenth century but were developed as modern works with steam pumping engines from 1853. On south bank of Chester canal is circular, brick-built, four-storey water tower with large cast-iron tank on top and four-bay brick-built pumping-engine house adjoining (2).

The complex is of special historic and architectural interest as the central pumping ensemble of the former Chester Waterworks company, completed in 1853 and subsequently altered and enlarged. It comprises water tower, engine and pump houses and boiler house including significant remnants of an early beam engine house and engine housing. As an innovative, ambitious and architecturally-distinguished design by a notable water supply engineer, uniquely combining engine house and chimney, the complex is well-preserved and retains diesel engines and pumps. Ensembles such as this were at the heart of the newly-developed water supply systems of the 19th century, systems which significantly improved public health and enhanced the lives of millions by providing reliable supplies of clean drinking water. (3)

<1> Trueman. M, 2000, MPP Water and Sewage Industry Step Report 3 (Report). SCH4346.

<2> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England (Book). SCH3181.

<3> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

<4> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2004, Proposed Upgrading to Boughton Water Treatment Works, Chester, R2514 (Client Report). SCH4553.