Meet Emma: Life as a Leakage Technician

How long have you worked as a Leakage Technician?

"I've been working as a Leakage Technician for around four years. I started as a contractor and then, two years ago, an opportunity came up to join South West Water directly. I was successful and have now been working as a South West Water employee for just over two years."

Can you tell us a bit about your role?

"The role is all about finding leaks across the water network.

We're allocated an area, known as a District Metered Area (DMA), and use specialist equipment to detect unusual sounds that could indicate a leak. Once we identify a potential leak, we use different tools to narrow down its exact location. When we've pinpointed it, we mark it up and raise the repair, which is then completed by our repair teams.

It's a mix of proactive work and responding to issues. We monitor areas where water usage suggests there may be leakage, but we also investigate visible leaks that customers have reported."

What do you enjoy most about your role?

"One of the biggest things for me is that I'm not office-based. Every day I'm out and about, whether that's walking through rural fields, spending time outdoors, or meeting customers.

I also enjoy the trust we're given to do our jobs. The variety is another huge positive. No two days are the same, and every day brings something different."

Tell us a bit about your team

"Leakage Technicians can work independently, but we also support each other when needed. Depending on the size of the area we're working in or the complexity of a job, we might work in pairs.

Everyone in the team has different personalities and approaches, but we all work together towards the same goal of finding and reducing leakage across the network."

What's something about your role that people might not realise?

"I think many people don't see the bigger picture behind repairing leaks.

Finding a leak is only part of the process. Sometimes repairs require road closures, diversions or coordinating with other utility companies. In some cases, water supplies need to be temporarily isolated and that can require careful planning to minimise disruption to customers.

There can also be other infrastructure nearby, such as gas mains, which means additional safety checks have to be carried out before repairs can go ahead.

While understandably, everyone wants repairs completed quickly, there can be a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure the work is done safely and effectively."

What skills or qualities make a great Leakage Technician?

"I think people often assume there's a specific type of person who does this role, but everyone in the team is different.

The main thing is being able to stay calm, take things in your stride and approach problems with a level head. You need to be adaptable and enjoy solving problems, because every day presents different challenges and situations."

What would you say to someone considering a career in the water industry?

"I'd say go for it.

Starting a new career can feel daunting, but I've really enjoyed working for South West Water. It's been a positive experience and I'd definitely encourage anyone who's interested to apply."

Why do you think South West Water is a good place to work?

"Since joining, I've had great support from my manager.

I've always been open about where I'd like my career to go and the development opportunities I wanted to pursue, and I've been encouraged throughout.

With that support, I was able to secure a secondment opportunity and continue developing my skills. The training has been excellent and I've always felt supported to progress."