A new vision for the North West's waterways

What is your role with United Utilities?

I’m a catchment manager in Cumbria, responsible for a team of catchment controllers who oversee the reservoirs throughout the Lake District. We manage day-to-day maintenance, ensuring all our assets are up to standard and maintaining excellent water quality in the reservoirs to supply safe drinking water to the public.

In addition to water management, I also work under the Reservoirs Act, which involves collaborating with a team of engineers focused on reservoir safety. Our work is crucial in safeguarding water supply and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

How important is protecting the North West's waterways to you, professionally and personally?

Protecting the North West's waterways is incredibly important to me, both professionally and personally. Professionally, we're providing a product to our customers, so the water must be safe, and the areas it comes from need to be well-protected and maintained. Personally, I'm passionate about the aquatic environment—issues like plastic pollution and anything that shouldn't enter our rivers or water systems really matter to me. It's essential to safeguard these resources for both public health and the environment.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Whenever possible, I get out for site visits. Being in nature, inspecting reservoirs in the Lake District with the team is a highlight. My focus is always on delivering high-quality water to the public, while making sure health and safety are top priorities for both my team and the environment. Every day is dynamic, with plenty of challenges and rewards.

Recently, I had the chance to participate in e-fishing with the West Cumbria Rivers Trust supporting annual surveys of fish and habitat across West Cumbria, providing essential data on the health of our waterways and the spawning success of juvenile Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout.

My favourite part of the role is definitely getting out into the catchment with the team, surrounded by nature. A lot of our work involves hiking through the fells or walking around scenic lakes, often in some of the most stunning landscapes. Cumbria is perfect for that—it’s incredibly rewarding to be out in such beautiful environments while working to protect them.

How did you get into your current role?

I studied marine biology at university, which sparked my interest in the aquatic environment. After graduating, I volunteered in Nicaragua for three months on a water hygiene and sanitation programme, where we worked on building eco-latrines and introducing water meters to a community facing a dwindling water source.

Upon returning, I began searching for jobs in the water industry and landed a marketing role at a drainage company in Manchester. During my three years there, we launched an environmental campaign called "Unblocktober," aimed at educating the public on what not to flush. This work brought me into close contact with United Utilities and other UK water companies.

When I saw their graduate scheme advertised, I applied and gained experience across various departments. Ultimately, I always wanted to return to my environmental roots, which led me to where I am today.

(Image: ©Sara Porter) What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the North West in terms of water health?

An increasing population and climate change are putting pressure on our water resources, we all need to work in partnership to balance the needs of nature, the community and the local economy.

What steps are United Utilities taking to tackle river health?

United Utilities is taking significant steps to tackle river health through a range of initiatives and has just announced it’s proposing to make an additional £156 million of improvements to help and protect water quality in Windermere.

We’re investing in advanced wastewater treatment technologies to reduce pollutants entering rivers as well as collaborating with local communities and environmental organisations on river restoration projects, which include enhancing natural habitats and improving water quality. There’s been a massive push recently and we've got so many people devoted to this effort, dedicating their time and expertise to enhance river health. 

What would your vision be for the North West’s waterways?

My vision for the North West’s waterways is to ensure they are clean and accessible for everyone. It’s important to me to be a role model for responsible behaviour, helping to maintain the beauty and health of our local waterways for future generations.