Meet Erika: Life as a Leakage Technician

How long have you worked as a Leakage Technician?

"I've been working as a Leakage Technician for four years and nine months, although I've been with SES Water for around eight and a half years in total.

Before joining the leakage team, I worked as a Meter Reader.

When the opportunity to move into leakage came up, I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the industry and develop my skills, so I applied for the role and was fortunate enough to secure it."

Can you tell us a bit about your role?

"The best way I can describe the role is that you've got to be a bit like a dog with a bone.

A lot of what we do is tracking down leaks that aren't visible, so it takes patience, persistence and problem-solving. We work within District Metered Areas (DMAs), investigating water loss and narrowing down where leaks might be occurring.

Some work is proactive, where we're looking into long-term leakage, while other jobs are more reactive and require us to respond quickly when changes in data suggest there's a problem.

It's not just about finding leaks. It's about finding them accurately. You don't want to be digging holes unnecessarily, so there's a lot of investigation involved before you pinpoint the source."

What do you enjoy most about your role?

"For me, it's seeing the results of your work.

When you've spent time tracking down a leak and then see the data showing water loss has reduced in that area, it's incredibly rewarding. You know you've genuinely made a difference.

I also enjoy the challenge and variety. No two leaks are the same. One day you might be working in open countryside, the next in a busy town centre. There's a lot of detective work involved, which keeps the role interesting and means every day is different."

Tell us a bit about your team

"We're a small team and we work very closely together.

We mainly work in pairs, partly for safety reasons and partly because it's helpful to have someone to share ideas with when you're investigating a leak. We'll often bounce thoughts and theories off each other and use our combined experience to solve problems.

Although we have our usual working partnerships, everyone supports one another and we're always willing to help each other out when needed. Communication across the team is really good and we work towards the same goal of reducing leakage across the network."

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

"Probably that not every leak is visible.

People often see us working and say, "There isn't any water here, so where's the leak?" What many people don't realise is that we can hear leaks using specialist equipment, even when there's no sign of water on the surface.

Another common misconception is that where you see water isn't always where the leak is. Water can travel a long distance underground, so the actual leak could be over 100 metres away from where water is appearing.

A lot of investigation goes into understanding exactly where the problem is before any repair work begins."

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

"I'd say if you're up for a challenge, go for it.

The water industry can be demanding, but it's also incredibly rewarding. When you realise how much water you're helping to save by finding and repairing leaks, it gives you a real sense of achievement.

It's a challenging career, but it's also enjoyable. I'd describe it as an enjoyable rollercoaster ride, and it's a great industry to build a long-term career in."

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

"The people are what make SES Water such a good place to work.

Everyone is approachable, supportive and willing to help. No question feels too big or too small to ask, and there's a real team spirit across the business.

It's a friendly place to work where good work is recognised and appreciated. That's one of the reasons I've stayed for so many years."

What skills or qualities make a great Leakage Technician?

"The biggest qualities are persistence, motivation and self-drive.

Some days you might spend hours chasing a leak without immediately finding it, so you need the determination to keep going. You also need to trust your instincts. Sometimes the maps, drawings or data don't quite match what's happening on site, and experience helps you recognise when something doesn't feel right.

Above all, you've got to be persistent and not give up. If you stick with it and keep investigating, you'll find the answer eventually."

How would you describe SES Water in three words?

"Challenging, rewarding and satisfying.

The work is challenging because no two days are ever the same and every leak presents a different problem to solve.

It's rewarding because you can see the impact of your work through the reduction in water loss and the difference that makes to the network.

And it's satisfying because finding and resolving leaks gives you a real sense of achievement, especially when you've spent time investigating a difficult issue and finally see the results."

If Erika's blog has got you thinking about a career in the water industry, check out all of our current vacancies here.