My Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Story: Pursuing sustainable urban drainage solutions with Olivia Fenwick
July 16, 2025
July 16, 2025
Olivia shares her experience as a graduate urban drainage modeller in our Bristol office
In the My Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
As a graduate urban drainage modeller, I use hydraulic models to simulate wastewater and stormwater flows, helping identify storm overflows that require investment. This supports water companies in meeting the Government¡¯s Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, aimed at reducing the frequency and environmental impact of sewer overflows. My daily responsibilities involve updating and calibrating network models, assessing overflow performance, and testing practical, cost-effective solutions.
I studied geography at the University of Bristol, where I developed an interest in both water and environmental management. I was drawn to Âé¶¹´«Ã½¡¯s graduate programme because its values really resonated with me¡ªputting people first, doing what¡¯s right, and working collaboratively. Âé¶¹´«Ã½¡¯s focus on sustainable, community-centred solutions and innovation offers great opportunities for growth and making a positive impact.
What I enjoy most about my role is applying technical skills to address complex urban drainage challenges. It¡¯s rewarding to contribute to sustainable solutions that protect the environment and local communities from the impacts of sewer overflows and flooding. I also value that the role consistently presents new challenges and learning opportunities, supporting my ongoing professional development.
Since joining Âé¶¹´«Ã½, the graduate programme has given me a strong foundation in both technical skills and professional development. I¡¯ve had meaningful opportunities to present to clients, take part in school outreach, and join initiatives like the Land Aid Sleep Out¡ªall of which have helped me build confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ also places a strong emphasis on career progression, especially towards chartership, with access to mentoring, clear guidance, and a culture that encourages continuous learning.
I¡¯ve had meaningful opportunities to present to clients, take part in school outreach, and join initiatives like the Land Aid Sleep Out ¡ª all of which have helped me build confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
A standout project for me has been working on a storm overflow improvement plan. For each catchment, I was involved in the model build through to option development. This gave me valuable opportunities to apply and develop my technical skills while contributing to practical solutions that reduce environmental impacts. Being involved end-to-end also gave me a real sense of responsibility and ownership over the final output. This project also provides opportunities for site visits, which really helps aid understanding!
One of my main goals is to achieve chartership with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), as it will formalise my skills and support my continued professional growth within Âé¶¹´«Ã½. With my academic background in Geography, I¡¯m particularly keen to develop skills in water quality modelling and apply this knowledge to practical projects. I¡¯d also love to contribute to research in the modelling field if the opportunity arises.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors. I also like to travel when I can, as it offers a chance to experience different places and cultures.
I can¡¯t recommend Âé¶¹´«Ã½ enough. It¡¯s a really supportive and encouraging place to work, where there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. You get to work on meaningful projects that make a difference, and the team is always willing to help you develop your skills and reach your goals.
At Âé¶¹´«Ã½, our people are at the core of everything we do. For Olivia, that means being supported to grow professionally and build a meaningful career that makes a real difference to the environment.