The buildings were designed by
John Henry Chamberlain and
William Martin around 1870. The engine house, boiler house, and chimney are
Grade II listed buildings. The site is operated by
Severn Trent Water. Despite the close proximity to Edgbaston Reservoir there is no current or historical connection of the water. This waterworks manages domestic water supply whereas the reservoir was built to feed the canal system.
It has been suggested,[1][2] but not proven, that the towers of
Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Waterworks may have influenced references to towers in the writings of
J. R. R. Tolkien, who lived nearby as a child.