Waterfall is available on most podcast platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the show at [email protected].
In this episode, Mike and Karen are joined by John Lillistone, the Director of Water at Arqiva, to explore the benefits of smart metering. They discussed how smart meters are a significant advancement over traditional meters, as they provide critical data points that help both consumers and water companies. For consumers, smart meters can identify leaks and help manage water usage more efficiently. For water companies, these meters are invaluable in identifying and isolating leaks, which can lead to significant water savings and improved service.
Timestamps
- 00.01: Introductions and hellos
- 04:13: What is a smart meter and how does it differ from a traditional meter?
- 06:45: What are the main benefits of having a smart meter
- 08:04: How can smart meters improve customer engagement
- 09:01: How smart meters are providing critical data for companies and consumers.
- 18:20: Common misconceptions about smart meters
- 25:01: The issue of leaky loos
- 29:07: Successful rollout of smart meters – what does this look like?
- 34:37: John Lillistone’s personal water use
Show notes
In this episode, Cath & Karen dive into Project Zero, an innovative collaboration between Affinity Water and Weir The Agency focusing on achieving water neutrality at new development sites. They explore how this initiative is creating water-efficient homes, promoting water-saving habits, and cutting waste in local communities. Joining the conversation are Gareth Barker from Affinity Water and Jane Bellard from Weir The Agency, to discuss Affinity Water’s Bidwell site in Houghton Regis, a standout example of water neutrality in action.
Timestamps
- 0:01 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:36 – Explaining what the Bidwell project is
- 4:58 – The wider environmental pressures that we need to be worried about when considering water resources
- 7:06 – Water neutrality as a concept – how do we explain it to residents?
- 8:56 – How were residents helped to make savings?
- 11:31 – What were the water-saving activities residents were encouraged to do?
- 14:07 – The importance of focusing on one change at a time to influence behaviour
- 19:26 – How were results measured?
- 22:10 – Engaging people as a water company – how to influence customers
- 29:15 – Moments of change
- 32:10 – Final thoughts
Show notes
Affinity Water’s neutrality trial slashes consumption levels – Utility Week
Our water neutrality project – Affinity Water
Affinity Water’s water neutrality project achieves milestone
In this week’s episode, we explore Waterwise’s ‘Water Night,’ an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of water conservation. On Friday, 24th October 2024, households are encouraged to switch off all non-essential taps from 5-10 pm to help people better understand the value of water and inspire long-term changes in water use. You can sign up here: Sign Up For Water Night – Waterwise
First, Cath speaks with Chloe and Steph of Waterwise to explain the initiative and how you can get involved. Later, our own Mike shares live updates from his ‘Water Night’ experience with his daughters at home.
Timestamps
- 0:01 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:06 – Chloe & Steph join the show and explain the concept of ‘Water Night’
- 5:44 – What was learnt from last year’s initiative?
- 7:20 – The impact a single household can have in terms of water conservation
- 10:36 – Public misconceptions over water use
- 15:30 – Chloe & Steph’s personal water use
- 18:00 – Mike’s own ‘Water Night’
- 25:15 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
No one likes having to complain to their water company, but when it’s necessary, how can you do it in the most effective way and get the results you need? In this week’s episode, Cath and Karen speak to CCW’s consumer relations experts, Lacey Carlyle and Rhys Brooks, about what steps to take when you have an issue with your water company and the best strategies to achieve a successful outcome.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:20 – ‘Waterfall’ now available on Alexa?
- 5:50 – The water company complaints process and what CCW can do
- 7:30 – Contacting CCW for advice on how to make the best complaint
- 9:07 – What are the most common types of complaints that CCW deal with?
- 10:40 – Common mistakes that people make when providing a complaint
- 13:52 – The evolution of CCW’s approach to dealing with complaints
- 15:53 – Rhys’ favourite CCW complaint story
- 18:28 – The challenges CCW face in terms of making complaints
- 21:30 – CCW’s resources to help customers making complaints
- 23:10 – The importance of complaining to help the industry make changes
- 25:05 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
It’s an international special this week as Mike heads to California to speak with Chris Garrett, CEO of Devil’s Canyon Brewery Company, all about a groundbreaking innovation in sustainable brewing: a beer made from recycled wastewater!
Crafted in collaboration with Epic Cleantec, the Epic OneWater Brew – a crisp Kölsch style ale—uses grey water recycled from Fifteen Fifty, a 40-story luxury high-rise in San Francisco.
Tune in as we explore the brewery’s origins, the cutting-edge process behind this bold brew, and what it could mean for the future of water sustainability.
Timestamps
- 0:01 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:05 – Chris Garrett discusses the origins of Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
- 7:33 – The story of how the beer was created from recycled wastewater
- 10:40 – The taste of the beer
- 12:49 – The challenges of putting the product out
- 14:23 – What needs to change for the product to be commercialised?
- 16:34 – If the product isn’t being sold, how is it being used?
- 17:45 – Mike’s taste reaction to the beer + has there been any naysayers?
- 20:49 – Future plans for the brand
- 24:20 – Finding ways to do it the right way on every level
- 25:20 – Chris’ Garrett’s personal water use
- 30:00 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. & Eventhouse (devilscanyon.com)
Water Recycling Technology | Onsite Water Reuse | Epic Cleantec
Karen and Cath are joined by three water-saving experts to discuss their fascinating research on water usage during showers. Their guests being: Dr James Daly, Sustainability Manager at the University of Bristol; Ian Walker, Professor of Environmental Psychology at Bristol; and Dr Pablo Pereia Doel, Water Literacy and Sustainable Water Programme Lead at the University of Surrey. Together, they discuss the findings from their study that monitored over 86,000 individual showering events and which suggests that higher water pressure can significantly reduce water usage.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions + an everything shower?!
- 5:05 – What is the research and what inspired it?
- 7:00 – How was the research conducted?
- 10:20 – The experiment in the halls of residence and the data recorded + how the sensors work
- 12:45 – The behavioural disconnect that happens whilst showering
- 15:52 – The advantage of using a timer when measuring
- 20:05 – How can the results from the research be used?
- 21:15 – The impact of having low flow pressure
- 22:40 – The level of pressure that impacts shower length
- 24:50 – Future plans and implementations for the research
- 27:10 – Being able to tease out social influences within the shower use
- 31:10 – Personal water use of the guests
- 32:08 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
High shower pressure can help people save water, study suggests
OFT Preprints – Beyond the water flow rate: Water pressure and smart timers impact shower efficiency
Mike and Karen are joined by Dr. Alison Browne and Dr. Claire Hoolohan of The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to discuss the Ofwat-funded innovation project, ‘Enabling Smart Water Communities.’ A forward-thinking initiative focusing on developing the links between integrated water management, community involvement, and household water usage.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 0:51 – Tony V’s update on his water habits and how he’s utilised tips from ‘Waterfall’
- 3:46 – Dr. Alison Browne and Dr. Claire Hoolohan join the podcast and explain the work of the Tyndall Centre
- 5:39 – So, what is a water smart community?
- 9:10 – Do any WSCs exist yet?
- 11:32 – What are some of the new innovations within WSC communities?
- 14:40 – The impact of social norms
- 17:15 – Are we asking the wrong questions about water use?
- 20:03 – Big learning points of the project so far
- 22:23 – The lack of research on this topic in some areas
- 23:00 – The personal water use of the guests
- 24:46 – Querying the value of measuring water practices – personal use vs. population level
- 32:11 – Final thoughts and farewells
Show notes
Mike and Karen are joined by Lisa Craven, MD of Stormsaver, for an in-depth discussion about rainwater harvesting and its wide-ranging applications both commercially and in the home.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 1:07 – Running the length of the Seine?!
- 2:41 – Lisa Craven of Stormsaver joins the show and explains what rainwater harvesting consists of
- 5:41 – General misconceptions of rainwater
- 8:30 – What the industry is moving towards in terms of house building
- 10:15 – What savings can rainwater harvesting offer a home owner?
- 14:30 – Should rainwater harvesting be mandatory?
- 17:45 – The potential applications for commercial systems
- 19:45 – How many households are using rainwater harvesting?
- 21:00 – What happens if it doesn’t rain?
- 24:01 – The benefits of working with the water cycle
- 27:11 – The issues of water reduction
- 29:14 – Recommendations for those looking to get a rain harvesting system
- 33:36 – Lisa’s household use
- 37:22 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
It’s a very special edition of the show this week as Karen and Producer Tom venture out of the studio and off to ‘Gardeners’ World Live’ to chat to two remarkable gardeners. First up is Malcolm Moodie, chairman and vice president of the Solihull and District Orchid Society, who discusses why orchids are unique in their water needs and also shares tips on conserving this precious resource in the garden. And then we chat with Josh Fenton, who gives ‘Waterfall’ a personal tour of his wildly inventive and inspiringly water-efficient garden, Lunatica.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:35 – Malcolm joins the show
- 2:50 – Are orchids one of the most water efficient flowers?
- 4:57 – What type of water does Orchids prefer
- 6:00 – Malcolm has eight water butts!?
- 9:15 – Key tips for saving water in the garden
- 11:35 – Malcolm’s daily water use
- 13:00 – Reflecting on Malcolm’s wisdom
- 15:01 – Josh Fenton joins the show
- 15:55 – What was the thoughts behind his garden ‘Lunatica’ and what challenges is it responding to?
- 16:40 – How does the garden help with managing extreme weather events?
- 17:36 – How has environmental impact been minimised in construction?
- 20:55 – The cuddy: a radical reinvention of water and waste
- 23:50 – Josh’s general water-saving tips
- 26:26 – Josh’s daily water
- 29:07 – What would Josh like people to take away from Lunatica?
Show notes
Dan Angelescu, CEO of Fluidion, joins Mike and Karen to discuss how the water-intelligence company is monitoring river pollution in the Seine to ensure it’s safe for swimming at the Paris Olympics and beyond.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 1:26 – The weird and wacky things found in sewers
- 3:42- Dan Angelescu joins the show and discusses the work of Fluidion
- 5:53 – Measuring water quality from a human point of view.
- 6:54 – Swimming being banned in the Seine for 100 years
- 8:54 – The history of Fluidion’s monitoring of the Seine
- 12:02 – The application of FLuidion’s systems worldwide
- 13:47 – Fluidion’s ALERT system and how it works
- 16:52 – Paris’ attempted solutions so far
- 22:21 – Is there a possibility of the Seine not being used for the Olympics?
- 26:12 – The global problems of water pollution
- 28:13 – Monitoring water pollution in the UK
- 32:20 – Dan’s personal water use
- 34:56 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
Dan Angelescu *03 Is Making the Seine Swimmable for the Paris Olympics | Princeton Alumni Weekly
Interim Charity Director at The Royal Life Saving Society, Matt Croxall, joins Karen & Mike to discuss RLSS’ ‘Drowning Prevention Week’ campaign and how the initiative has grown over time.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction & hellos
- 1:16 – Tony V’s Peecycling podcast recomendation
- 3:24 – Matt Croxall joins the podcast and explains what RLSS does
- 5:54 – How has the campaign of Drowning Prevention Week and the organisation evolved over time?
- 7:10 – Is there a link between climate change and the increase in child drownings?
- 8:40 – The importance of enjoying water safely
- 10:35 – The four key elements of the water safety code
- 14:50 – RLSS’ collaborations with influencers as a messaging strategy
- 17:15 – Is the RLSS seeing a knock on impact on water safety due to the impact of Covid on swimming lessons?
- 23:45 – Being responsible and respectful with water
- 24:40 – How do listeners find out more about RLSS and engage with their work?
- 27:15 – The skills gained from being a lifeguard
- 28:34 – Matt’s personal water use
- 29:25 – Can Karen recall the water safety code?
Show notes
Welsh Water’s Head of Vulnerable Customer Support, Pete O’Hanlon, and Water Efficiency Lead, Annie Lamb, join Mike and Karen to explore the many innovative approaches Welsh Water takes to help vulnerable customers increase their water efficiency.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
1:02 – A toilet with a hot water flush?!
3:10 – Pete & Annie join the show
3:50 – The perils of leaky loos
5:15 – The origins and purpose of Welsh Water’s vulnerable customer team
7:17 – Services that the team offer
9:39 – How many people does Welsh Water help per year?
11:50 – The team’s work with the charity, Designed to Smile
15:42 – How do the team know what vulnerable customers may need in terms of water efficiency?
19:40 – Experience with customers
22:56 – The team’s use of behavioral science
24:51 – Welsh Water’s general water efficiency use
27:51 – Upcoming products the team wish to employ
30:56 – Future areas of Wales the team wish to explore
34:00 – Final thoughts and close
Show notes
Mike & Karen are joined by Defra’s Head of Water Efficiency and Demand Management, Katie Smith, for a detailed discussion of Defra’s plans to help everyone save water.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions
- 1:08 – Tony V’s toilet trouble from back in the 1970s
- 4:05 – Katie joins the podcast and discusses her role at Defra
- 6:12 – Actions that the government want to implement to help the public reduce their water use
- 8:25 – Why has it taken so long for reduction targets to be established?
- 9:40 – The role of the non-household market in reducing water use
- 12:57 – The ongoing issues of leaking toilets
- 14:00 – The continual mystery of dual flush toilet buttons
- 17:23 – Mythbusting about the Defra’s targets for households and business customers
- 25:25 – Defra’s view on smart metering
- 28:17 – Katie’s water saving tips
- 31:00 – Shower song recommendations
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by British-born California resident, Chris Worrall, to discuss his one-man mission against household water waste in the Golden State.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 1:42 – Thoughts on Jonathan Ross’ unusual shower confession
- 5:24 – Chris joins the show and explains the water situation in San Jose
- 8:04 – Chris’ plan to cut costs and reduce water waste
- 11:04 – The trouble of swimming pools
- 14:15 – Chris’ expert level spreadsheet of his water bills
- 19:31 – The impact of regular water bills being distributed to consumers
- 21:24 – The changes that Chris has made to reduce water use
- 23:40 – Chris’ water use and quick wins
- 24:45 – Low flow regulation in California
- 31:03 – Final thoughts and takeaways
‘Waterfall’ returns for an exciting new season! And we’re kicking off with a very special episode featuring South Staffs Water’s Mumin Islam discuss two innovative water efficiency projects specially crafted especially for faith-based communities.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – The start of a brand new season of ‘Waterfall’
- 2:55 – Mumin joins the podcast
- 8:25 – The importance of serving different communities in tailored ways
- 9:10 – The work of ‘Reviving The Sunnah’
- 13:50 – Water use within Islam
- 17:13 – Working with Cambridge Central Mosque
- 19:20 – Fostering a connection between the people and the environment
- 21:23 – Water saving within cooking
- 25:10 – The purpose of the projects
- 28:10 – How are the results going to be shared
- 35:50 – Mumin’s personal water use
- 37:00 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
Water & Wudu – Cambridge Water & Cambridge Central Mosque: Reviving the Sunnah
With a brand new season right of ‘Waterfall’ right around the corner, here are some of our fave moments from our third season.
TIMESTAMPS
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:45 – Cath’s Water Night horror story (#60 – Tapping Into Tomorrow: The Next Generation Of Water Savers)
- 6:00 – Karen finally reveals her water usage (#54 – From Crisis To Conservation: Colombia’s Water Journey)
- 9:38 – Producer Tom’s insanely quick trivia knowledge (#56 – Loyal To The Soil)
- 13:57 – Tim Harris discusses why they fought the law for the fen and the impact of sphagnum moss in the area (#50 – Norfolk Broadsides)
- 17:49 – Tom of Moors For The Future talks about the power of sphagnum moss (#57 – Improving Bog Standards)
- 21:16 – Mike discusses a strange discovery found in a toilet (#58 – Gloom And Bloom: Saving Water Via Emotional Engagement)
- 22:48 – The perils of using your phone on the toilet (#55 – Clearing Up FOG)
- 26:01 – Are you a lid up or lid down toilet user? (#51 – Leaky Loos)
- 28:33 – Thames Water’s Andrew Tucker discusses leak issues beyond the standard pesky loo (#51 – Leaky Loos)
- 32:21 – Laura Moss’ extraordinary water usage (#49 – Waterfall Live!)
- 33:40 – Craig Foster of OndoTech explains how the LeakBot app can push behaviour change (#59 – LeakBot: Reducing Household Water Use Through Innovative Technology)
- 36:30 – Tony V reflects on how he discovered the podcast and his thoughts on mulching (#53 – Tony’s Water Saving Odyssey)
To tide you over before ‘Waterfall’s grand return, here are some of our favourite guest moments from our fantastic third season. Huge thanks to all those who took part!
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 4:08 – Richard Allan discusses the challenges of communicating climate concepts to the general public (#61 – Climate Change: Turbo Charging The Water Cycle)
- 6:16 – The winning team of Wessex Water’s Young People’s Panel reflect on their win (#60 – Tapping Into Tomorrow: The Next Generation Of Water Savers)
- 9:22 – Tim Harris speaks about the fen drying and the severity of the issue at hand (#50 – Norfolk Broadsides)
- 11:02 – Surfers Against Sewage establish the history of their app (#62 – Riding The Digital Wave: Making A Difference With The Safer Sea & Rivers Service App)
- 14:15 – CCW superfan, Tony V, talks about the benefits of a cold shower (#53 – Tony’s Water Saving Odyssey)
- 15:45 – Thames Water’s Andrew Tucker talks about smart metering and leaky loos (#51 – Leaky Loos)
- 19:02 – OndoTech’s Craig Foster explains what LeakBot is (#59 – LeakBot: Reducing Household Water Use Through Innovative Technology)
- 20:24 – Ipsos’ Colin Strong reflects on the main learning points from the Gloom & Bloom research commissioned by CCW (#58 – Gloom & Bloom: Saving Water Via Emotional Engagement)
- 23:05 – Professor Luis Botero discusses the aftermath of Bogota’s major water incident and the importance of water consciousness (#54 – From Crisis To Conservation: Colombia’s Water Journey)
- 25:58 – The Rivers Trust’s Tessa Hadley discusses improving the drought resilience of rivers (#52 – Rewiggling Rivers)
- 27:50 – Southern Water’s Stephen Williams discusses how much it costs to clean a blockage (#55 – Clearing Up FOG)
- 30:50 – Karen speaks to the DWI’s Nicholas Adjei about the importance of the public having trust in their water supply (#49 – Waterfall Live!)
In this very special, all-Welsh language edition of ‘Waterfall’, CCW’s Rhys Brooks and Mr. Smith of Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw school speak to a group of students and explore the valuable water efficiency lessons they’ve gleaned through listening to ‘Waterfall.’
Timestamps
0:00 – Producer Tom introduces this unique version of ‘Waterfall’
2:45 – Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw session begins
4:05 – The importance of saving water
8:50 – Metering as a concept as mentioned in ‘Waterfall’s Columbia episode
11:40 – Changing water use in terms of farming and pollution
12:40 – Using water more sustainably in general
14:45 – Lessons learned from ‘Waterfall’s episode on WRAP
15:55 – Water scarcity in Wales
18:55 – Does Wales value water?
23:10 – Making water use part of the curriculum?
27:22 – How much water do the students think they use?
31:10 – Song choices by students for a five-minute shower
33:00 – Final thoughts and close
It’s a festive bonanza this week on ‘Waterfall’ as we wrap up our third season. First up we have good friend of the show and CCW’s sewage expert, Steve Grebby, chatting to Mike & Karen all best cooking practices across the holiday season. And then the moment you’ve all been waiting for… season 3’s Water Table!
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and hellos
2:20 – Steve joins the show
14:25 – The Water Table countdown
Shownotes
Mike & Cath head outside to chat to Dani Jordan & Annie McKelvey of Surfers Against Sewage all about the charity’s impressive ‘Safer Seas & Rivers Service’ app.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and hellos
1:38 – Waterfall’s Luxembourg fans?!
3:45 – Annie & Dani join the show and describe the work of their organisation
6:40 – The app
7:55 – How SAS get their data
11:00 – The layout of the app
14:24 – Swimming safely through the app
16:30 – Recent legislation and its impact on the app
19:20 – The different types of users
23:00 – The expectations of what getting rid of pollution looks like
25:00 – What are SAS prioritizing for their service?
26:43 – Annie & Dani’s personal water use
31:05 – Final thoughts are farewell
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Professor of Climate Science at University of Reading, Richard Allan, for an illuminating chat about the relationship between the water cycle and climate change.
Timestamps
2:06 – What is Richard’s specialism and what got him interested in climate change?
4:15 – What changes have Richard seen predicted in the past that have now came true?
7:50 – What climate change impacts are we seeing in the UK?
9:00 – The importance of water vapour
11:18 – What are the implications for managing water in a climate crisis?
13:00 – The difficulties of communicating these issues
16:00 – The changes we all need to make
18:10 – Richard’s outlook for the future and how is it looking?
20:20 – Richard’s work with the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
24:30 – Richard’s personal water use
Shownotes
Following his judging role on Wessex Water’s Young People’s Panel 2023, Mike catches up with the winning team of A-level students to delve into their insightful perspectives on the major challenges facing the water industry.
Wessex’s Young Person Panel is an exciting work experience opportunity for sixth formers and Year 11 students across the region. Students who join the Young People’s Panel see the inner workings of a major company, spend time with like-minded students from across the region, and can have their say on real business challenges.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 1:47 – Mike & Cath’s unfortunate experiences with Water Night 2023
- 5:43 – The Young Person Panel join the show and explain what the goal of the competition
- 9:36 – Did the panel think about water prior to the programme?
- 11:35 – How has the panel’s views changed after the activity?
- 13:24 – Whose responsibility is it to be solving the major issues?
- 15:17 – Does the panel make a connection between water use and climate change
- 17:00 – Do the panel know their own personal water use?
22:00 – Final thoughts and reflections
Shownotes
Wessex Water’s Young People’s Panel
Wessex Water
Water Night
Cath is joined by Craig Foster, the CEO of Ondotech, and Sasha Baigent, Innovation Lead at Southern Water, to discuss Leakbot, an exciting new technology designed to combat leaks in both residential and commercial properties.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 3:37 – What is LeakBot?
- 5:15 – Water saving and housing insurance
- 7:30 – Helping people to look for opportunity to fix their leaks
- 8:39 – How did Southern Water and Leakbot start to work together?
- 13:22 – Working with Portsmouth Water
- 15:00 – Leaky loos being a huge part of the problem
- 17:33 – The role of the app
- 20:28 – Southern Water’s work to engage people with water efficiencies
- 22:12 – The trial with Southern Water
- 24:00 – Craig & Sasha’s personal water use
- 29:10 – Final reflections and farewell
Show notes
Southern Water set for LeakBot pilot trial in bid to drive water efficiency
Ondo InsurTech hails 60% leak reduction in trial with Portsmouth Water
Head of Behavioural Science at Ipsos, Colin Strong, joins Mike, Karen & Ana to discuss CCW’s fascinating ‘Gloom and Bloom’ research which explored how individuals respond to various emotional triggers in the context of water conservation.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 3:40 – Colin joins the show
- 5:00 – The importance of behaviour change
- 8:31 – What was the brief behind the research?
- 11:20 – What material were participants shown?
- 13:47 – Is there a clear winner in terms of approaches that work best?
- 17:11 – The strength of community messaging
- 22:00 – Virality in messaging
- 24:22 – Finding ways to present effectively to the public
- 28:50 – Timing and the psychology of social activism
- 32:15 – Colin’s personal water use
- 37:03 – Final thoughts and farewell
Show notes
Karen and Cath are joined by Tom Spencer, Senior Research and Monitoring Officer for Moors For The Future Partnership, for a fascinating discussion about the importance of blanket bogs in improving water efficiency and fighting climate change.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:24 – What does Moors For The Future Partnership do?
- 8:20 – Ways in which the organisation combat the degradation of the landscape
- 16:23 – The importance of working with nature
- 20:00 – Collaborations with local water companies
- 21:15 – What can we do to help the landscape?
- 24:00 – Tom’s personal water use
- 26:00 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Richard Reynolds, Senior Agronomy Advisor at Anglian Water, for an enlightening discussion about the relationship between farming and water efficiency. Digging deep into the increasing need for water to be managed in a more holistic way to protect our supply and food production.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 6:30 – What even is agronomy anyways?
- 9:16 – Why are water companies hiring people to speak to farmers?
- 13:37 – The successful projects Richard has worked on
- 19:35 – The impact of the last few years of extreme rainfall events
- 26:41 – Longer term plans going forward
- 27:30 – New opportunities working with local communities
- 31:15 – Pollution confusion issues in farming
- 34:30 – Richard’s own personal water use
- 37:00 – Final thoughts and farewell
CCW’s very own Steve Grebby is joined by Network Protection Manager for Southern Water, Stephen Williams, for a detailed discussion about FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease). Exploring the range of problems that FOG can pose as well the surprisingly straightforward methods to effectively managing it.
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and hellos
2:33 – The perils of using your phone on the toilet!
4:48 – The two Steves take over the podcast
7:51 – The cost of clearing FOG issues
9:30 – Repurposing FOG into other things
11:20 – Disruptions FOG can cause to others
14:01 – Issues within the industry, restaurants, schools
16:00 – The importance of grease management systems
20:01 – How can the industry help with FOGs?
22:04 – Steve’s personal water use
26:10- Final thoughts and tips
Mike is joined by CCW’s Ana-Maria Millan and Professor Luis Alejandro Camacho Botero of the Universidad de los Andes (Bogota) for an insightful conversation about Colombia’s eventful water resource history. Delving into valuable lessons learnt from Bogota’s 1997 water crisis that can be applied universally today.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:15 – Karen’s water use!
- 6:22 – Ana and Luis join the podcast
- 7:14 – Luis’ work on water quality monitoring in rivers
- 8:33 – Bogota’s major water emergency in 1997
- 14:00 – The impact of the crisis on residents
- 17:30 – The cultural impact onto recent generations in Colombia
- 19:22 – Universal metering within Colombia
- 21:00 – What is the water situation like today?
- 28:30 – Best lessons from Colombia to lower water use
- 29:30 – What do Ana and Luis feel are the best things about Colombia?
- 31:10 – Ana and Luis’ personal water use
- 33:00 – Final thoughts
Shownotes
Mike & Karen welcome avid ‘Waterfall’ listener Tony V to the show for a discussion of the water resource situation in America and a celebration of all the water-saving tips he’s gleaned from listening to the podcast.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 3:00 – How did Tony get into the show?
- 4:25 – The water resource situation in America
- 8:27 – Tony’s interest in water resource issues
- 11:50 – How did Tony actually find ‘Waterfall’?
- 14:13 – Lessons Tony has learnt from the podcast
- 26:55 – The importance of mulching!
Karen & Producer Tom are joined by Tessa Wardley, Director of Communications and Advocacy at the Rivers Trust, for a fascinating chat about how restoring rivers with nature-based solutions can offer long-term drought resilience.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 3:47 – Who are the Rivers Trust and what do they do?
- 7:08 – What’s the difference between the Rivers Trust and the Canal & Rivers Trust?
- 8:00 – Their work to improve river health
- 11:12 – What is re-wiggling and why were rivers de-wiggled in the first place?
- 14:00 – The importance of individual contributions and the changes we can make
- 16:05 – Tackling leaky dams
- 18:00 – Utilising nature based solutions
- 20:11 – Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch initiative
- 24:06 – Tessa’s personal water use
- 27:10 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
Water Demand Reduction Manager at Thames Water, Andrew Tucker, joins Mike for an illuminating discussion on what a leaky loo actually is and what we can do about them.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 2:20 – Do you flush lid up or lid down?
- 4:53 – Andrew Tucker joins – demand reduction manager
- 6:10 – What exactly is a leaky loo?!
- 9:42 – The data Thames Water has on leaky loos
- 11:37 – How difficult is it to fix a leaky loo?
- 16:30 – Advice for buying future toilets and what to look out for
- 19:28 – Leaky loos in businesses
- 20:30 – Andrew’s personal water use
- 23:00 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
In today’s very special episode, Mike embarks on a journey to the magnificent Norfolk Broads. Speaking first to the RSPB’s Ian Robinson about the importance of fen conservation, before Tim Harris shares his and wife Geli’s extraordinary tale of safeguarding Catfield Fen from the challenges of water mismanagement.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 4:13 – Ian Robinson of RSPB joins the show
- 7:24 – Tim Harris joins the show and explains his history with Catland Fen
- 10:49 – What created the Broads in the first place?
- 12:17 – The importance of keeping scrub out of the marshes
- 14:39 – Tim & Geli’s work
- 17:21 – The damage to the fens
- 23:36 – Working with the RPSB
- 26:42 – Tim’s personal water use
Shownotes
We’re kicking off Waterfall’s third season in style with a very special live edition of the show captured before a packed house as part of the Institute of Water’s Annual Conference 2023. The topic of the conference was Trust in Water, and why trust is so important to saving water.
Interviews, games, prizes, audience interaction- it’s all right here and so much more in our thrilling S3 premiere!
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 0:48 – Live show begins
- 5:00 – Does the IOW Conference listen to podcasts?
- 7:40 – Mike interviews Manager Director of Waterwise, Nicci Russell
- 13:09 – Karen interviews Deputy Chief Inspector for the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Nicholas Adjei
- 22:45 – Water Genius Quiz
- 27:06 – Does the IOW Conference know its water use?
- 32:00 – Final farewell
Show notes
Ahead of Waterfall’s brand new season, Mike, Karen & Producer Tom look back on their favourite guest appearances of Waterfall’s second season.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:25 – Adventures in a magnificent sponge garden (E36)
- 4:40 – What’s a smart water butt? (E42)
- 7:40 – The sociology of weather (E38)
- 9:43 – Hidden water waste within our food (E29)
- 12:03 – The surprising costs of carbon (E24)
- 13:04 – WaterAid’s wide work (E32)
- 17:58 – The water resource situation in Greece (E37)
- 21:17 – Malawi’s particular water issues (E22)
- 24:34 – The dawn of a new reservoir (E26)
- 25:30 – The beauty of Welsh rivers (E45)
- 28:49 – The purpose of ‘Bin The Wipe’ (E33)
- 31:40 – Waterwise’s water work (E34)
Ahead of a brand new season of ‘Waterfall’ upcoming shortly, Mike, Karen & Producer Tom look back on their personal highlights of ‘Waterfall’s second season.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:56 – Waterfall merchandise?! (E21)
- 4:46 – Feedback from our mega fan (E22)
- 7:05 – The refreshing benefits of a cold shower (E34)
- 10:36 – Wigs down the drain! (E36)
- 12:43 – The mysteries of Peecycling (E29)
- 15:55 – Meghan Trainor’s toilet indulgence (E39)
- 19:13 – Mike gets it very wrong about Australia (E30)
- 22:27 – Mike gets excited about things in the loo (E31)
- 24:50 – Confusion over toilet buttons (E34)
- 27:02 – Hot tubs vs. hosepipe bans (E35)
- 28:20 – Hot tub confessional (E23)
- 31:37 – White collar crime? (E28)
- 34:58 – Dr Mark gush talks mulch (E40)
Mike, Karen and Tom are back for a special chart countdown episode comparing the water use of season two’s guests to crown a worthy, water-saving winner.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 7:47 – The top 15 chart countdown begins
- 22:27 – The illustrious top 3!
- 27:40 – Final thoughts and wrap up
Lia returns to the podcast to host a ‘Walking with Water’ special. Wherein she heads out for chats with both artist, Rebecca Wyn Kelly, and CEO of South East Wales River Trust, Tony Rees, on what connecting with the great Welsh outdoors means to them.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 4:28 – Tony Rees joins the podcast with Lia and explains how his love for Welsh rivers began
- 8:55 – Tony discusses what it means for him to walk by the river and the Taff trail in general
- 11:26 – The history of the water quality of the river Taff
- 14:00 – The wildlife in the river and its diversity
- 16:40 – The little things we do at home that can impact rivers and nature more widely
- 19:55 – The cleanliness of the river
- 21:11 – Rebecca Wyn Kelly joins the show and discusses her work and her connection to the river
- 24:45 – The importance of connecting with nature and the benefits it can bring
- 27:30 – The interesting history of the walk and related mythology
- 29:30 – The inspiring nature of walking with water
- 34:50 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
Cath hosts solo and is joined by Waterwise’s Campaigns and Social Research Manager Manager, Dr Fatima Aija, to discuss Waterwise’s ‘Dry July’ campaign which runs from 17 – 28 July 2023. ‘Dry July’ is Waterwise’s mobilisation of its network to reach and support households and businesses to take small and practical actions that have a massive impact in terms of reducing water use.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 3:00 – CCW crosses a milestone
- 6:20 – Fatima explains what ‘Dry July’ is and why it has started this year
- 9:40 – The huge amount of water people use in the summer
- 13:39 – What are the main themes of ‘Dry July’?
- 15:45 – Smart water meters as a way of measuring what you spend
- 19:00 – Self-closing showers vs. manual showers
- 21:01 – The many, many advantages of shorter showers
- 23:44 – The continuing confusion of dual flush toilets
- 26:00 – The significance of appreciating water and raising awareness about the little changes you can make to reduce your personal use
- 34:00 – Fatima’s personal water use
- 35:22 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
Mike is joined by award-winning environmental journalist, Tim Smedley, to discuss his fascinating new book ‘The Last Drop: Solving the World’s Water Crisis’. In ‘The Last Drop’, Tim meets experts, victims, activists and pioneers to find out how we can mend the water table that our survival depends upon. Offering a fascinating, universally relevant account of the environmental and human factors that have led us to this point, and suggesting practical ways to address the crisis, before it’s too late.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 4:00 – How has the reaction been to ‘The Last Drop’ and what motivated Tim to write a book about water
- 7:33 – What shocked Tim most about the water crises around the world
- 9:56 – The seriousness of the situation and the importance of solutions and optimism
- 14:00 – The importance of personal choices when it comes to water usage
- 16:23 – The humour in the book
- 20:32 – Tim’s personal water usage
- 25:00 – Final reflections and farewell
Shownotes
Karen and Cath are joined by Nicole McNab and Nick Mills from Southern Water to discuss their groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing flooding incidents using cutting-edge smart water butts.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 3:07 – What is the actual issue being addressed by Southern Water?
- 7:02 – The different types of water butts available
- 10:48- The benefits for the customers
- 12:36 – How areas targeted were targeted for the project and the ease of installing the smart water butts
- 17:12 – The effectiveness of the new water butts
- 23:01 – Tips from Nick & Nicole on water saving in general for customer
- 27:40- Personal water use of the guests
Shownotes
Mike & Cath join forces for an explainer episode looking into why we get low water pressure and supply interruptions when the weather gets really hot.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 3:03 – Alcatraz and hot showers?!
- 4:48 – Why do we experience loss of supply or pressure when water gets hot?
- 9:09 – How can companies prepare for increases in demand
- 14:10 – What can people do to help?
- 16:10 – Water saving isn’t just for times of hot weather
- 18:00 – Gardening tips to save water on hot days
- 19:45 – Combating the attitude of customers who feel they are entitled to waste water because they’re paying for it
- 23:00 – The rarity of water shortages
- 24:08 – SEW’s hosepipe ban
- 27:22 – Final tips and farewell
Shownotes
Cath & Karen are joined by Dr. Mark Gush, Head of Environmental Horticulture at The Royal Horticultural Society, for an illuminating chat on thoughtful water use in the garden and the work of RHS. No green-fingered listener will want to miss this one!
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 1:25 – ‘Waterfall’ has been nominated as part of The Water Industry Awards 2023
- 6:00 – Mark joins the show and explains his work with the RHS
- 10:00 – What changes are being witnessed by RHS in regards to climate change within horticulture
- 17:30 – The importance of No May May and its long-term impact on the garden
- 21:38 – The work of RHS in encouraging wildlife within gardens
- 23:06 – RHS tips for considerate water use at home
- 27:00 – The importance of mulch
- 29:30 – Mark’s personal water use
- 34:20 – Final thoughts and farewells
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Natasha Wiseman of ‘Make Water Famous’ to discuss the more hopeful side of news within the sector. Make Water Famous’ core mission is to spread the word about the value of water at every level from each household to every community to decision-makers around the world.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:15 – Meghan Trainor’s absurd toilet innovation
- 5:00 – Natasha joins the show and details the purpose of Make Water Famous
- 7:45 – Where does Make Water Famous source material?
- 12:00 – The unique position of the UK within the scope of the organisation
- 14:30 – The general public is fed up with bad news
- 16:00 – The unsung heroes within the industry
- 19:45 – The importance of water industry partners in spreading messaging
- 24:00 – Natasha’s personal water use
- 27:15 – Final tips and farewell
Shownotes
The Met Office’s very first socio-meteorologist, Helen Roberts, joins Mike & Karen for an insightful discussion on the intersection between psychology, sociology and effective water efficiency messaging.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 3:30 – Draining a reservoir to grab your phone?!
- 6:03 – Helen joins the show and explains her unique role as sociolo-meteorologist
- 12:00 – The impact of a socio-meteorlogical approach in communicating the weather
- 15:45 – The parallels between Helen’s work and CCW’s own messaging on water efficiency
- 19:20 – Dealing with different motivations of audiences
- 23:30 – Steps forward in communicating messaging about weather and climate
- 25:00 – The importance of balancing empowerment with innovative messaging
- 29:00 – Going beyond the academic world and into the household
- 32:00 – Helen’s personal water use
- 34:30 – Final reflections and farewell
Shownotes
Indian official fined after draining reservoir in search of mobile phone
Mike is joined by CCW’s Senior Policy Lead for Wales and proud Greek, Lia Moutselou, for an illuminating chat about Greece’s current water resource situation and the innovative ways these issues are being navigated.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 3:00 – Mike’s hot shower betrayal
- 5:45 – Lia joins the show and discusses the current water situation in Greece
- 7:37 – The impact of climate change upon the country
- 13:00 – How does Greece cope with peak demand during the tourist situation?
- 16:40 – Behaviour change and attitudes comparing Greek vs England
- 23:41 – Water-saving innovations within Greece
- 33:30 – Lessons for England and Wales
- 37:40 – Final reflections and farewell
Mike heads out to meet David Club, chair of the National Infrastructure for Wales, for a chat walking around his astonishingly innovative, water-saving garden.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:45 – Why would anyone put a wig down the drain?
- 5:04 – David joins the show and discusses the origins of his garden
- 11:02 – The inventive equipment installed in the garden
- 14:05 – The tiny extent of impermeable areas within the paradise
- 17:30 – David’s innovative use of his home alongside the garden
- 21:00 – The importance of the project for the local community
- 25:30 – The impact of the changes on the property
- 28:55 – Lessons for future homes being built
- 33:00 – Final thoughts and goodbye
With unprecedented droughts and heatwaves last year and a hosepipe ban now currently active in Cornwall and parts of Devon, Mike & Karen return to talk about what this all means for England & Wales going into the summer + what we can all do to help.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 1:30 – ChatGPT and water saving?!
- 8:50 – Why would hosepipe bans be needed if it doesn’t even seem that dry?
- 12:34 – What are people being asked to do in Devon and Cornwall during the Temporary Use Ban?
- 15:25 – The complexities of what not to do during a TUB
- 18:02 – What more can companies do to reassure the people they serve?
- 23:15 – What about the rest of England and Wales outside of the SW?
- 25:15 – Confidence in the water supply across England & Wales
- 27:15 – Final tips and goodbye
Shownotes
- #3 – ‘Heat Beating Tips’ and #4 ‘Demystifying Hosepipe Bans’ are available within our episode archive
- SW Water hosepipe ban
- Mike’s fundraising page
Waterwise’s very own Steph rejoins the show to discuss the organisation’s fantastic ‘Water Saving Week’ initiative. A week-long campaign aiming to spread awareness of issues around water such as the increased stress on water resources resulting from climate change as well as our own personal habits.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:20 – The power of a cold shower?!
- 7:40 – What is ‘Water Saving Week’?
- 9:10 – The relationship between water efficiency and the environment
- 15:00 – Appreciating the water availability within this country
- 17:02 – Avoiding double showers in the day
- 19:00 – The hidden horrors of embedded water
- 26:00 – Smart meter experiences within water
- 32:00 – Final tips and farewell
Shownotes
Karen & Cath are joined by Jennie & Simon of Northumbrian Water for a discussion of their enormously effective behavioural change campaign, ‘Bin The Wipe.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 3:35 – Northumbrian Water join the show
- 6:42 – The origins of the ‘Bin The Wipe’ project
- 10:47 – Mitigating sewer flooding
- 16:30 – The importance of disposing responsibly
- 21:06 – How the success of the programmes have been tracked
- 26:00 – The expansion of the campaign nationwide
- 33:00 – The impact of positive affirmation and the reduction of blockages
- 40:41 – Final thoughts
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Megan & Tessa of WaterAid to discuss the organisation’s incredible, worldwide work on providing clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene behaviour change.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introductions and hellos
- 2:08 – CCW’s new Water Awareness Index
- 7:11 – Tessa & Megan of WaterAid join the show
- 8:30 – The work of WaterAid
- 11:20 – The importance of joined-up working
- 14:44 – How does WaterAid prioritise the countries it works with?
- 17:57 – The role of climate change in the water crisis
- 20:01 – The importance of fundraising + Mike’s marathon challenge
- 28:47 – Final thoughts
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Associate Director of Yonder Consulting, Rebecca Hughes, for an eye-opening discussion of the unusual ways in which people waste water within the home.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction and hellos
- 3:00 – CCW’s new Go Tap! Campaign
- 7:00 – Rebecca joins the show
- 11:00 – The most striking habits discovered as part of the work
- 14:30 – Demographic skews in the research across age and location
- 21:00 – Why do people behave so differently in the bathroom?
- 27:02 – The research suggests most people do want to be more water efficient
- 32:00 – Farewells and final tips
Shownotes
CCW’s very own Mike & Karen are joined by the CEO of Australia’s The Water Conservancy, Chris Philpot, for a fascinating discussion of ‘Water Night’, an annual event supporting stronger action on climate change and water awareness. As part of the yearly event, individuals and households are asked to turn off all non-essential taps from 5-10 pm with the aim to improve water efficiency awareness leading to long-term behavioural change.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Intros and hellos
- 1:45 – How often do you wash your hair?
- 4:14 – Chris joins the show
- 6:00 – Australia’s water supply issues
- 11:30 – Complacency within drought preparation
- 14:15 – What is Water Night?
- 21:50 – The importance of connecting with Gen Z via messaging
- 31:00 – Chris’ personal water use
- 34:20 – Final thoughts and farewell
Shownotes
Mike & Karen are joined by Special Advisor on Household Food Waste for WRAP, Helen White, for an enlightening discussion on the connection between food waste and water waste that is bursting with useful tips and tricks.
Timestamps
- 0:01 – Introduction and hellos
- 2:54 – The benefits of… Peecycling?
- 6:39 – Helen joins the show and explains the work of WRAP
- 12:35 – The mechanisms within the world to help reduce waste
- 18:00 – The task of developing pro-environmental behaviour
- 20:42 – Long-term vs. short-term goals
- 23:00 – The role of ‘embedded water’
- 37:42 – Helen’s personal water use
- 45:00 – Final goodbyes and recommendations
Shownotes
Mike and Karen are joined by SW Water’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Laura Flowerdew, for a wide-ranging chat discussing the innovative campaigns that the organisation are running to help people use less water.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction and hellos
- 5:22: Laura joins the show
- 6:31: Explaining the ’Stop The Drop’ campaign
- 10:22: The overall reach of the campaign
- 15:02: Moving from ‘Stop The Drop’ to ‘Save Every Drop’
- 20:22: Communication strategy concepts
- 23:20: The importance of generating resources
- 27:00: Working with the Environment Agency to optimise output
- 29:00: Getting out reassurance messages to the consumer
- 34:00: The importance of innovative campaigning
- 36:10: Mike and Karen wrap up the show and recollect
Show notes
The first-ever live edition of ‘Waterfall’.
Mike and Karen joined Waterwise’s annual UK water efficiency conference last week for a wide-ranging discussion concerning the title of the event, ‘Running out of water – water efficiency’s key role in affordability, growth and resilience’.
The show then concludes with a brief interview with Waterwise’s very own, Nathan Richardson.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introductions and hellos
- 2:40: The live podcast begins
- 4:49 : Can water saving have a big enough impact on your bill to lift people out of water poverty?
- 7:00: Becoming aware of how much you use and how much you can save
- 13:00: WaterWise’s Nathan Richardson joins the show to talk about affordability and water efficiency
- 18:00: The help available to those struggling
- 20:30: End of the show and goodbyes
Show notes
Mike and CCW’s Cath Jones journey outside the studio and visit the site of the first reservoir to be built in England and Wales in 30 years, Havant Thicket.
Speaking to various members of the team to explore how Portsmouth Water has achieved such a positive reaction to this massive project, as well as the exciting future of the development in general.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introductions and hellos
- 2:10: Meeting the Havant Thicket team
- 4:50: Discussing how the wildlife impacted by the project is being protected
- 8:22: The involvement of the local community in the project and the opportunities to get involved
- 13:42: The particular water challenges for the area around Havant Thicket
- 19:20: The history of the reservoir being developed and the effort to build it
- 26:02: The net gain to habitats within the new reservoir and rewilding
- 28:59: Farewells and goodbyes to the team
Show notes
Mike and Karen are joined by our Policy Manager, Janine Shackleton, for a wide-ranging chat on the help available for those in vulnerable circumstances regarding their water use.
Timestamps
- 0:02: Introduction and hellos
- 2:00: We’ve been told to actually drink too much water?!
- 4:38: Janine joins the show
- 5:41: Defining vulnerable circumstances in terms of help from water companies
- 10:15: Support available from companies to access help
- 13:00: How do companies know you need aid?
- 17:41: Things preventing people from coming forward to get support
- 19:15: The best methods to seek out the available advice
- 22:00: Close of show and recap
Show notes
Severn Trent’s energy manager, Howard Perry, joins Mike and Karen for an illuminating discussion on the importance of carbon reduction within the water industry and how saving water can help combat climate change.
Timestamps
- 0:01: Introduction + the fascinating TikTok craze at Rufford ford
- 6:40: The amount of carbon needed to get clean water to people’s homes
- 8:15: The energy split between wastewater and clean water 14:00 – The challenge of Net Zero
- 18:30: The uses of energy we don’t consider
- 20:45: The use of carbon within the home
- 23:45: Howard’s personal water use
- 26:00: Farewell and close
Show notes
Mike and Karen are joined by CCW Policy Manager, Janine Shackleton, for a wide-ranging discussion on the expectations of water companies and the importance of knowing your water rights.
Timestamps
- 0:01: Introduction + Is it cheaper to join a gym to shower rather than showering at home?
- 4:45: Janine joins the show
- 5:36: How do I know if I’m getting a good service if I can’t choose my provider?
- 9:17: How much money can be given when things go wrong in the home?
- 16:57: What to do when you feel a company hasn’t complied with their standards?
- 21:38: Janine’s personal water use
- 26:20 – Final farewells and tips
Show notes
Arthur Milanzi, CEO of Milanzi Holdings, joins the show for a detailed discussion of Malawi’s water situation in comparison with that of England and Wales. Milanzi Holdings implement African economic development projects with a particular focus on agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare and technology.
Timestamps
- 0:03: Introductions and responding to some listener mail
- 3:35: Arthur joins the show and gives a quick introduction to Malawi
- 8:50: Water rationing in Malawi
- 17:55: The progress of providing water in Malawi
- 24:00: Arthur’s work at Milanzi Holdings
- 30:00: Development opportunities in relation to sanitation
- 35:00: UK vs. Malawi’s relationship with water
- 43:30: Mike & Karen close the show
Show notes
‘Waterfall’ is back for season 2!
Mike and Karen return for a jam-packed episode detailing everything you need to know about 2023’s new water billing charge increases.
Our guest for the second time is our affordability expert, Andy White, who provides a raft of money-saving tips to help you best prepare for the coming financial year. We close the episode with some quick-fire water-saving advice.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introductions
- 4:10: Andy joins the show
- 6:23: Upcoming water charge increases in the financial year coming
- 7:48: The wide range of water company increases
- 8:44: What help is available?
- 12:13: Help offered by companies and their own schemes
- 15:00: The assistance offered on our website
- 19:00: Water meter queries
- 21:00: Other charges to be aware of
- 24:32: What help is there for high water users?
- 27:37: Final practical tips from Mike and Karen
Show notes
Mike, Karen and Producer Tom look back on their favourite guests of Waterfall’s first season.
Timestamps
- 3:49: WaterSafe give winter advice on how to find your stopcock and avoid bursting pipes in cold temperatures
- 7:08: Policy Manager at CCW, Steve Grebby, talks about our SinkSense research and what to avoid putting down the sink
- 10:00: CIWEM’s Alastair Chisholm talks about the relationship between water companies and the natural environment
- 12:36: Mike Kendon of the Met Office reflects on 2022’s weather and whether what we’ve seen has been driven by climate change
- 14:56: CCW’s affordability expert, Andy White, discusses how water companies can make themselves more approachable to customers
- 18:32: The UK’s leading water efficiency NGO, Waterwise, give some tips on how to save water within the home
- 21:16: Water market specialist & consumer advocate at MOSL, Evan Joanette, reflects on water consumption from a business perspective
- 25:00: Producer Tom talks about CCW’s Walking With Water initiative
Show notes
Mike, Karen and Producer Tom are here to serve up their personal highlights of ‘Waterfall’s first season.
Timestamps
- 2:08: Best ways to save water and save money
- 5:23: Mike’s bright idea on how to calculate usage
- 8:28: Envisioning your personal water usage
- 11:29: Are people being asked to snoop on their neighbours during a drought?!
- 13:40: Tracking down leaks on your property
- 16:05: Karen’s tips for saving water outdoors
- 17:50: Mike’s hairdressing adventure
- 22:25: Producer Tom takes the Sinksense quiz
- 25:00: Mike chats leaks as well as the original BB UK winner himself, Craig Phillips
- 27:01: Steve Grebby joins the show to discuss what you shouldn’t put down the sink
- 30:00: Mike replies to a German listener
Mike and Karen return for ‘Waterfall’s very first Christmas special! Not only are the duo joined once again by the mighty Steve Grebby for a wide-ranging water saving chat, but none other than Mike’s mum also gets involved in proceedings.
Timestamps
- 0:05: Introductions and hellos
- 3:23: Steve Grebby joins the show
- 23:23: Christmas shower songs to cut down on water use
- 24:52: Mike gives Karen a gift
- 27:03: Mike’s mother joins the show!
Show notes
Mike and Karen sends our Head of Company Engagement, Cath Jones, to speak to South West Water’s Regulatory Director, Lisa Gahan, for a wide-ranging discussion on drought planning.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introductions
- 4:42: Cath interviews Lisa Gahan on drought planning
- 23:05: Cath recaps her adventures with Mike and Karen
Show notes
Mike and Karen welcome Julie Spinks, founding director of WaterSafe, and Steve Barton, an accredited plumber from Somerset, for a wide-ranging discussion on best water practice within the home. WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Timestamps
- 0:05: Mike and Karen introduce the show
- 1:52: Discussing South West Water’s novel new ‘Stop The Drop’ reservoir scheme
- 5:31: WaterSafe join the show
- 26:05: Farewells and final tips
Show notes
Mike and producer Tom head outside for a very special edition of ‘Waterfall’, recorded whilst walking on a glorious afternoon between Reading and Sonning. Joining the dynamic duo is none other than Chief Executive, Emma Clancy, who reflects on the role of CCW within the industry. Tom also reveals everything you could ever want to know about CCW’s exciting new ‘Walking with Water’ initiative.
Timestamps
- 3:4: The walk begins
- 8:35: Tom explains CCW’s ‘Walking with Water’ initiative
- 17:06: Emma speaks about the role of CCW within the water sector and beyond
- 31:45: Farewell and close
Show notes
Mike and Karen are back with not one but two guests this week! Steph and Nathan join the show from Waterwise, an independent, not-for-profit campaigning organisation focused on reducing water consumption in the UK.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:58: The dirtiest man in the world?
- 5:19: Waterwise join the show
- 8:46: What are some of Waterwise’s greatest achievements?
- 11:17: The difficulties in spreading the word of water saving
- 16:35: Waterwise share some of their favourite tips
- 21:44: Personal water use of the Waterwise guests
- 26:30: Final tips and farewell
Mike and Karen jump back into action this week with another jam-packed edition of Waterfall. Kicking it off with some exciting chart news, Mike then welcomes to the show the Met Office’s Mike Kendon, a climate information scientist working for the National Climate Information Centre, for a detailed chat on wet weather, water saving and tons more.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 2:15: Spreading the word of ‘Waterfall’ to Germany
- 4:27: Mike Kendon joins the show
- 6:39: Is the UK really a wet country?
- 8:50: Are we out of the woods regarding water availability due to recent wet weather?
- 11:57: How does this year shape up relative to the infamous 1976 drought?
- 16:20: Are the recent extremes in temperature down to climate change?
- 22:31: The Met Office’s Civil Contingency Forecast
- 26:31: Farewells and final tips
Show notes
The Met Office produces a range of audio content available to stream or download. You can listen to the Met Office’s podcast here.
This week Mike and Karen are chatting to Evan Joanette, Water Market Specialist and Consumer Advocate at MOSL. Evan joins to discuss water consumption and saving from a business perspective, providing acute insight into the pressures of industry within the current drought.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 4:12: Discussing today’s topic on businesses and water. How much they use and what they can do to save
- 14:15: Evan joins the show
- 16:33: How are businesses affected by the current drought?
- 18:20: The role of business in reducing demand
- 20:25: What about bigger businesses’ relationship with water?
- 22:56: Are the rules different for businesses in terms of what you put down the drain?
- 29:23: How do businesses find out more information concerning water use?
- 38:25: Final tips and farewell
Show notes
Mike and Karen are back once more, and this week are discussing water’s relationship with the wider natural world. After responding to some overseas listeners, they are joined by Alastair Chisholm, Director of Policy at CIWEM (The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management) for a detailed, stimulating discussion on the merits of conscientious water use.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 0:55: Today’s topic concerning water and nature
- 3:08: German fan-mail
- 9:45: Alastair joins the show
- 14:39: The importance of making small adjustments
- 21:30: Is it right to assume 1 litre saved from water supply is 1 litre back into the environment?
- 32:05: Final water saving tips and close
Show notes
- Check out CIWEM’s podcast, ‘Planet Possible’
Karen and Mike are joined by our affordability expert Andy White as they examine everything from social tariffs to dealing with debt and useful hints and tips on what do if you’re struggling and need help paying your bill.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 3:07: Reducing your water consumption to lower your bill
- 7:05: Andy joins the podcast
- 10:15: How hard is it to keep track of the cost of living crisis?
- 13:10: What are social tariff schemes and how can they help?
- 18:40: What to do when a personal financial crisis happens
- 24:55: Advice for people ignoring their debt and dealing with companies
- 28:15: Andy’s main message to those in need of help
- 31:34: Final tips and episode close
Show notes
This week, Mike and Karen turn their attention to leaks in their home. Discussing who is responsible for them, how to find them and what can be done if you do.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:39: Household responsibility for leaking pipes
- 3:54: Water companies and leakage
- 8:29: How do you find leaks in buried pipes?
- 12:39: Ways to identify leaks if you’re not on a meter
- 15:05: Water companies selling insurance that promises leak protection
- 18:24: What about leaks internally within the home?
Mike and Karen return for another dose of water-saving chat and this week welcome Waterfall’s first ever guest, our very own Policy Manager, Steve Grebby. 25 years deep in combating sewage, Steve talks disposal guidance, weird things water companies have found in pipes, his own detailed water usage record and much, much more!
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 3:50: Why does what we flush and what we drain away actually matter?
- 9:53: Steve joins the show
- 10:54: What should and shouldn’t we be flushing?
- 13:41: Is it illegal to put the wrong thing down the sink?
- 15:46: How much does it cost to clear a blockage?
- 17:59: Weird things water companies have found in pipes
- 19:53: Sinksense in the bathroom?!
- 22:10: The perils of flushing period products
- 24:24: Mike’s kitchen sink flush diary
- 29:28: Where to find out more on what you should and shouldn’t be flushing
- 30:44: Steve’s personal water usage
- 33:26: Final flushing and drainage tips
Mike and Karen are cooking up a storm this week to provide a plethora of tips on how to best save water within with the kitchen. Also, none other than Producer Tom himself makes his first appearance as part of a quiz on CCW’s fascinating Sinksense research.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 3:46: How to save water whilst cooking
- 9:53: CCW’s Sinksense research
- 16:22: Quizzing Producer Tom on average water usage within the home
- 20:58: Ways to reduce water whilst washing up
- 23:33: Reusing glasses to limit water use
- 25:44: Mike’s domestic water experiment
CCW’s Mike & Karen head back indoors this week to offer tons of tips to help you save water within the biggest domestic drain of all: the bathroom!
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:05: Is it baths or showers that use the most water?
- 2:50: Saving water = saving money
- 5:00: Using songs as a shower timer
- 8:55: Water usage and toilet flushes
- 12:16: The perils of leaky loos
- 17:42: Using food colouring to see if you’ve got a leak
- 19:20: Sink issues
Show notes
Our 3 minute shower song playlist
Craig Phillips United Utilities video
Watersafe plumber
Water saving advice and products
Mike and Karen take it outdoors this week to provide you with tons of tips to help save water in the garden.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:00: The garden being a place where it is easy to adapt water habits
- 1:50: The beauty of the waterbutt
- 3:25: The advantages of using mulch within your garden
- 4:23: Getting involved with No Mow May
- 5:55: Watering can strategies
- 8:11: Collecting water indoors and re-using it outdoors
- 10:13: Considering where the placement of plants in the gardens
Mike and Karen return once more to chat all things saving water. And this week they’re myth busting the common misunderstanding around hosepipe bans.
Timestamps
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:00: Why are hosepipe bans put into place?
- 2:02: How often do hosepipe bans actually occur?
- 3:04: Hosepipe bans are key in the management of water resources
- 3:50: Should I snoop on my neighbours?
- 5:00: Are we still allowed to wash our cars?
- 6:00: The benefits of using a watering can over a hosepipe
- 6:58: Mobility issue exemptions for hosepipe bans
- 8:10: The regulation of hosepipe bans via water companies
- 9:40: Are water companies failing if they institute hosepipe bans?
Mike and Karen are back again! This time sharing their top tips to beat the heat.
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:38: Turn off your sprinkler
- 2:52: Seek out your local lido or splash pad
- 11:40: Social tariffs as a helpful aid
- 15:55: Final water saving tips
- 4:27: Get in a water fight
- 5:20: Invest in a water butt for the garden
- 7:10: Stop washing your car
- 8:26: Ensure your hosepipe has a trigger spray
- 9:36: Make most of your paddling pool
- 12:16: Turn your hot water bottle into a cold water bottle
- 13:44: Refill your chilled tap water bottle before bed
Mike and Karen return to discuss how saving water means saving money.
Timestamps:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:44: Hearing your thoughts on how the cost of living crisis has impacted your water usage
- 2:30: Comparing the increase in energy bills and water bills
- 4:07: The importance of smart meters in helping to control household spending
- 6:30: The amount of money you can save by cutting down in the home
- 8:44: Even when saving water there are people struggling to afford, what help is there from water companies?
- 11:40: Social tariffs as a helpful aid
- 15:55: Final water saving tips
Show notes
Mike and Karen begin the first episode of the show by discussing why saving water is so important.
Timestamps:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:05: Hearing your thoughts on why saving water is so important
- 3:30: Our useful website tool to see if there’s enough water where you live
- 6:03: Where do water resources actually come from?
- 8:25: The water meter calculator tool and the role of water meters
- 11:33: Ways to visualise the amount of water used
- 13:44: The average amount people use and the impact of using a water meter
- 16:31: Final water savings tips
Show notes