Abstract: The use of a pressure roll in a water control system for suction rolls generally and couch rolls particularly for a papermaking process of the type wherein water is removed from the wet paper web that has been run around the roll and wherein a surface tension covering is provided around the periphery of the couch roll on at least a portion of the couch roll and a water control zone is provided within the couch roll to control the water removed from the paper to the surface tension member with variations of the pressure within the water control zone to directionally control the discharge of water off the couch roll in a predetermined pattern for deposit in the water collecting pan provided in proximity to the couch roll.The pressure roll, having a new soft rubber covering, is mounted in face-to-face pressure engagement against the couch roll, with the pressure nip therebetween located in the water collecting zone preferably within one to one-and-a-half inches of the beginning of the water collecting zone.