Over a dozen new jobs as Northumbrian Water expands its Washington control room
“When customers call us overnight with a burst pipe or leak, they're not just reporting a problem, they're looking for reassurance”
Over a dozen new jobs have been created in the city as Northumbrian Water has expanded its Regional Control Centre (RCC) in Washington.
The RCC monitors the region’s networks around the clock to keep the water flowing for customers.
The 13 new recruits will operate as network controllers, responding to alarms and managing flows to ensure water is delivered where it is needed most.
Cheryl Squires joined the Washington team as a network controller after previous roles in the police service and housing sector.
She 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.”
The new team members are described as bringing a “wide range of experience from demanding, high-pressure environments, like the fire and ambulance services”.
Cheryl added: “There isn’t a ‘typical’ shift, the weather alone can change everything in minutes. We’re trained to deal with all sorts of conditions and system issues.
“You don’t realise how complex it is until you’re in the role, but what we’re doing ensures people can turn on the tap or flush the toilet, something we all take for granted. It sounds simple, but it really isn’t, there is so much work that goes into having essential services in our homes and that’s what makes the job so rewarding.”
Andrew Lineham, head of the RCC, added: “Providing an around the clock control room function is essential to us and 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 expanded its responsibilities to include wastewater network management.