This is an extensive site comprising a number of components of a water treatment works including reservoirs and pumping stations. It was developed in the early 1930s by the then South Essex Waterworks Co. and most of the buildings reflect the International Modern Movement architectural style which characterises the inter-war period. Low Lift is adjacent to the River Stour from which water is extracted and where there is also a borehole. The substantial pumping station is a white concrete building with a pitched roof. There are tall windows within each of the five bays formed by pilasters on the long elevations. These windows have metal frames, while the smaller ones on the front (east) elevation consist of glass blocks. Water is pumped from here to the main site of the water treatment works. This consists of extensive filter beds with associated buildings including the Control Room, Primary Filter House and Chemical House which are all of similar architectural style to that of the Low Lift pumping station. Along the south edge of this main site is High Lift Villas Road on which there are six semi-detached and one detached house of the same period as the waterworks and were probably developed as staff housing. To the southeast of the main site is a large covered service reservoir with its own small pump house again of similar style as the other structures on the site <1>
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