Meet Clinton - Life as a Leakage Technician

How long have you worked as a Leakage Technician?

"I've been working as a Leakage Technician for around eight years.

I joined as a trainee after hearing about the role from a friend who worked in the water industry. At the time, I'd never even heard of leakage as a career, but I was looking for a change from my previous job and decided to apply. I was offered the role and haven't looked back since.

Eight years later, I'm still doing the job and I love it."

Can you tell us a bit about your role?

"A lot of our work starts with analysing areas where water use is higher than expected. Before we start looking for leaks, we'll check things like boundary valves and high water users to make sure there's nothing else affecting the data.

Once those checks are complete, I head out with my equipment and start listening for leaks. I'll work my way around valves and fittings across the network, using specialist tools to identify the sounds that indicate water escaping underground.

We're not just looking for the main leak either. Along the way, we also identify smaller leaks and other issues that need investigating. It's all about building a complete picture of what's happening in the area and helping to reduce water loss across the network."

What do you enjoy most about your role?

"Being out and about is probably what I enjoy most.

Before joining Bournemouth Water, I was working in a factory looking at the same four walls every day. In this role, one day I might be working in the New Forest, the next near the beach, and then somewhere completely different the day after. I love that every day is different and the variety that comes with it.

I also enjoy the interaction with customers. People are often curious about what we're doing when we're out looking for leaks, and I enjoy explaining the role and showing them how we identify problems underground. It's also nice when people recognise the work we're doing. Recently, a customer stopped me just to say we were doing a great job, which was really nice to hear."

Tell us a bit about your team

"There are lots of different people involved in helping us find and reduce leaks across the network.

As Leakage Technicians, we're out investigating areas and locating leaks, but we also work closely with colleagues who analyse network data and identify areas that need further investigation. We have teams carrying out proactive monitoring too, using specialist equipment to pick up potential leaks that can then be inspected in more detail.

One of the great things about the team is the amount of knowledge and experience we have. There are people across the business who have been working in the industry for more than 40 years, and there's always someone willing to share their expertise and help solve a problem."

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

"Probably that not every leak is visible.

Before I started in leakage, I didn't even realise people went around physically looking for leaks underground.

Most people think a leak is when you can see water on the road, but around half of the leaks we find don't show on the surface at all.

Some leaks can be losing a significant amount of water without anyone realising. Customers are often surprised when we tell them there's a leak nearby, so I like letting them have a listen for themselves. Once they hear the noise, they quickly understand how we're able to find leaks that can't be seen."

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

"I'd definitely recommend it.

I enjoy my job, so I'd always encourage someone to give it a go, especially if you like being out and about and working somewhere different every day.

There are so many different opportunities in the water industry too. You've got leakage, pumping stations, inspectors, water quality, electricians and plenty of other roles, so there's something for almost everyone.

I'd say 100% go for it. Everyone needs water, so it's an industry that offers long-term opportunities."

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

"I think it's a good place to work because it's such a nice area.

I've lived here all my life and genuinely enjoy working across Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. The people are friendly, it's a lovely place to be, and no two days are the same when you're out and about across the region.

We get to work in some great locations and, when the weather's good, it makes the job even better. It's an area I'm proud to call home."

What skills or qualities make a great Leakage Technician?

"A big part of the role is developing your ear and learning how to identify the noises that indicate a leak. The more experience you gain, the better you become at pinpointing exactly where the problem is.

When I joined, I had no experience in leakage, but that knowledge comes with training and experience. Over time, you learn to recognise different sounds and understand what they can tell you about what's happening underground."

How would you describe Bournemouth Water in three words?

"Positive, knowledgeable and good system.

We're a positive team that's always out there doing our job and doing the best we can for our customers.

We're knowledgeable because we have people across the business with decades of experience. Some colleagues have been working in the water industry for more than 40 years, which means there's a huge amount of knowledge to learn from and draw on when needed.

I'd also say we have a good system. When something happens, like a major burst, everyone knows what they need to do and works together to respond quickly. If customers are without water, we're on it straight away, helping to get things fixed and service restored as quickly as possible."

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