Severn Trent has revealed what goes on behind the scenes in the 24/7 'nerve centre' that works to keep water supplies running to millions of homes.

The Network Control department, based at the company’s Coventry headquarters, works through winter spotting potential leaks and maintaining water supplies for nearly five million customers across the region, including those in Worcestershire.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art telemetry system, the department monitors the network's 97,000 kilometres of pipes, detecting any pressure drops which could indicate a leak.

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Rapid response teams can then be dispatched, ensuring a quick resolution to any issues.

Alongside this, the Network Control manages water distribution and planning, including meeting demand in high traffic areas and dealing with extreme weather conditions.

Pip Goodman, a water resources and production manager at the department, said: "It’s a very exciting place to work because no two days are the same.

"If there is a problem on the network, the teams help deal with it very quickly."

She added: "We also provide some of the planning and intelligence needed for others in the company. A fall in pressure may have sparked an alarm in one area of the network, so we would then alert other teams to tackle the issue - which can take place day or night.

“We could be having a very busy day in Network Control but the customer would never see that. Success for us is the customer not knowing there has been an issue behind the scenes.”

With a workforce consisting of hundreds, Network Control operates like the 'nerve centre' of Severn Trent, with large TV monitors displaying up-to-date information on incidents and supply issues.

Speaking of her team's responsibilities, Ms Goodman said: "Typically, my team will be involved in strategic planning, including monitoring reservoir levels.

"We might decide we have too much water in the south but not enough in the north, so we make changes to ensure that is addressed."

Reflecting on her job, Ms Goodman said: "It does make me feel proud, especially when you come up with a solution to a problem - but that all takes place behind the scenes.

"Customers turn on the tap and enjoy their usual high standard of drinking water – they have no idea what may have gone in to getting the water there for them. And that for us is the mark of success."