The water company has hired a total of 30 new drivers after it added 19 water on wheels tankers to its 49-strong fleet.
Used to performing under pressure and trained to stay calm in a crisis, the new recruits have all been taken on as regional response controllers.
They include serving reservists and former army, navy and air force personnel.
Michael Haworth, water network systems manager at United Utilities said: “As a major employer and FTSE 100 company based in the North West, we’re keen to support the armed forces and are committed to the Armed Forces Covenant.
“Someone with a services background can bring a wealth of valuable skills to the workplace. Years of rigorous training, commitment and hard work – often in incredibly challenging conditions – means that ex-military personnel have skills which are highly sought after by employers. We encourage employees to sign up as reservists and regularly recruit people leaving military service.”
Phil Oskoui, a lance corporal in the army reserves, currently serving with 156 regiment Royal Logistics Corps, added: “I was attracted to this job because of the reputation United Utilities has as a supporter of the armed forces. It can be quite difficult sometimes trying to manage home life, work and my additional duties with the reserves so working for a company that promotes participation in the reserves just makes things easier to manage.
“I think the most valuable skill I gained from serving in the reserves is the ability to think on my feet and make decisions unaided. There are many instances in my new role where I will have to coordinate between the network technicians, the fleet and the potential impact on traffic.”
In 2016 United Utilities received the employer recognition scheme gold award – the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employer support to the armed forces. This award is designed to recognise employers who support the armed forces community and their families and to inspire others to do the same.
Meanwhile Thames Water is using a “military monster” to help it protect the environment.
The tanker designed for use by the military and United Nations relief teams is being used by Thames to keep its sewers “running smoothly”.
The JHL recycling jet vac tanker is being used by the company to access remote sewers and culverts across the most difficult terrain – helping to prevent pollutions in more isolated locations.
Chris Wood, the vehicle’s main driver, said: “This is an extraordinary piece of kit. It makes our off-road work much more productive and allows us to react more quickly to potential pollution incidents.
“Importantly, because I can drive right up to a manhole wherever it is, and vacuum blockage material from the sewer, we don’t have to send in a confined space team which is a major safety boost.
“There hasn’t been a project yet where we haven’t felt confident that we can reach an off-road sewer. Even when we’ve been axle-deep in mud, it has kept on going.”
Two engineers have undergone specialist training to be able to drive the tanker.