A device for use in the preparation of beverages, for managing the draw-off of water from a source of hot water, the device comprising a chamber having an inlet and a return outlet, both being connectable to the source of hot water, an air vent, and one or more draw-off outlets, such that, in use, the return outlet is positioned above the and each draw-off outlet, the inlet flow rate is equal to or greater than the draw-off flow rate, and any excess volume of water in the chamber is returnable to the source of hot water through the return outlet, thereby creating a constant head of water above the draw-off outlets;
- wherein the source of hot water is connectable to the device by a venting conduit, such that the source of hot water and the device are vented to the atmosphere through the air vent.