Stephen Williams is the Network Protection & Enforcement Manager for Southern Water. Steve started as a Network protection & Enforcement Officer (NPEO) at Southern Water in February 2013 and took up the role of managing the Network Protection Team in April 2022. The NPEO team are part of Industrial Waste Services and undertake the investigation and enforcement for any sewer related issues. Work includes support to the Trade Effluent team for breaches of Trade Effluent Consent, the Tankering Team, FOG & Unflushables Team (Engagement team dealing with FOG/Unflushables to households, schools, hospitals and care homes) and Third Party Damage Teams. The NPEO’s conduct investigations, gather evidence and applying enforcement if required, working closely with the Southern Water Legal Team. Investigations also include blockages, damage, flooding and pollution resulting from discharges of concrete, heating oil and FOG (and anything else) discharged to the public sewer. These incidents can result in flooding, pollution and damage to the Environment - the Network Protection Team will investigate and resolve the issues with our customers.
Prior to joining Southern Water, Steve was a Police Officer, retiring after 30 years’ service in January 2013.