Waterman - what is the equivalent today?

[Boongie Pam]

Hi All,

I have an Aaron Phythian in my tree and these are his occupations on 3 census:

Occupation:
Waterman as per census 1881
Water Inspector as per census 1891
Turncock, Water Company as per census 1901

What would he have done in Birkenhead in this era in these roles?

Curious...
Pam
 

[bearkat]

Sounds as though he looked after the water supply.

['Tricia]

Turncock : Worked for the local water company, opening and closing the water supply. He also had to inform householders that their water was being turned off.

Waterman:  Boatman who plies for hire - usually on rivers 

[stanmapstone]

A Waterman at a waterworks, aka sluice man, valveman, water valve man, controlled the sluices or valves by which the water was let into and out of reservoirs.

A Waterworks Turncock controlled the supply of water in the street mains, and turned off the water supply in case of leakage. He visited consumer's premise on request, to turn off the supply, and sometimes accompanied the fire brigade to regulate the water supply at high pressure.
A Water Inspector, aka waste inspector, would be responsible for the detection of waste by consumers, and leakages in the mains etc. and arranging for repairs
There are still people employed on similar duties by the water companies today, though they probably have a fancier title


Stan

[Boongie Pam]

Brilliant thanks.  This is an interesting family from an occupation point of view. 

Aaron's dad Aaron had the same occupation in his later life but started out as a plasterer or labourer.

I want to add colour to my Dad's tree as I'm producing teh report over the next few weeks.

Cheers,
Pam