How Simon Cyhanko flushed out a serious problem

When Simon Cyhanko CMgr MCMI became head of wastewater networks at Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), he was tasked with making a “step-change improvement” in the sewer system’s flooding performance.

Sewer flooding is a pressing issue for the water industry. Flooding has a huge impact on the general public and hits water companies’ bottom line. NWG’s sewer flooding performance was among the worst in the industry when Simon took on the job.

“I definitely felt the pressure,” he says. “When you’re given a task like that, you take a bit of personal pride in trying to make sure you achieve it. That comes with a bit of a fear of failing and of letting people down.”