Northumbrian Water is expanding its Regional Control Centre (RCC) - the RCC, which is based in Washington, monitors the company’s networks around the clock.
The expansion will include 13 new network controllers to respond to alarms and manage flows to ensure water is delivered where it is needed most.
The expansion marks a major upgrade in how Northumbrian Water manages its infrastructure and responds to incidents at any time of day or night.
The new recruits bring a wide range of experience from demanding, high-pressure environments, like the fire service and ambulance - which is helpful when reacting under pressure or when dealing with concerned customers who sometimes call out of hours.
Cheryl Squires, who joined Northumbrian Water as a Network Controller after previous roles in the police service and housing sector, said:
“Before joining Northumbrian Water, I worked as a police control room operator, dealing with emergency situations where you have to think quickly and stay calm.
“Having previously worked as a housing officer, I've seen first-hand how distressing property emergencies can be. When customers call us overnight with a burst pipe or leak, they're not just reporting a problem, they're looking for reassurance. Understanding their situation and helping them feel supported is incredibly important.”
Andrew Lineham, Head of Regional Control Centre at Northumbrian Water, said:
“Providing an around the clock control room function is essential to us, keeping those systems and processes working for our customers is of paramount importance.
“We’re very pleased to have 13 new members in the team and believe that their experience is going to really help deliver a quality service.”
In 2025, the control room took an important step forward, expanding its responsibilities beyond water to include wastewater network management.
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.