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In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by Matt Croxell, Interim Charity Director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, to talk about water safety, drowning prevention and the power of water. With child drowning figures having doubled in recent years, Matt explains what is driving the rise, what the Water Safety Code is and how to follow it, and why more than half of all drowning fatalities happen in inland waterways rather than at the coast. The episode also explores the broader message of respecting water in all its forms, from open water swimming to water conservation.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:36 – Guest introduction
- 00:54 – Drowning Prevention Week and rising child drowning figures
- 02:11 – The link between hotter weather and drowning risk
- 03:34 – The Water Safety Code explained
- 05:45 – Connecting water safety with wider water messages
- 08:23 – Why inland waterways are more dangerous than people think
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Helen Roberts, a socio-meteorologist from the Met Office, to explore how understanding human behaviour can help us respond better to weather and climate challenges. Helen explains what socio-meteorology is, how cognitive biases shape the way we make decisions and why the right message in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. The episode draws fascinating parallels between weather communication and water efficiency, and introduces a practical behavioural model that could help change the way we all think about water use.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:34 – Guest introduction
- 01:02 – What is socio-meteorology?
- 03:31 – How better messaging drives behaviour change
- 06:13 – The COM-B model explained
- 08:47 – Linking weather, water and public awareness in the South West
- 10:54 – Helen’s personal water use
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Cath are joined by Lia, a water sector professional originally from Greece and now based in Cardiff, to explore the water situation in one of Europe’s sunniest countries. From prolonged drought and devastating wildfires to desalination on the islands and households drilling their own wells, Lia paints a vivid picture of a country under real water pressure. The episode also touches on some surprising water saving practices in Greece, including municipalities cutting off supply during the hottest hours of the day, and what the UK could learn from it all.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 00:42 – Guest introduction
- 01:07 – Greece’s water resources and the challenge of drought
- 03:25 – Islands, desalination and agricultural pressures
- 06:26 – Attitudes towards water in Greece vs the UK
- 09:09 – Water saving practices: bidets, wells and rainwater tanks
- 10:28 – Cutting the supply off during the hottest hours of the day
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike heads out as roving reporter to visit the garden of David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, to see how one person has transformed their home into a mini rain garden. David explains how he ripped up concrete, installed an ingenious water butt overflow system and planted fruit trees, all to reduce surface water runoff and give nature a helping hand. The episode is full of simple, practical ideas for anyone looking to make their outdoor space work harder for both wildlife and water efficiency.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 01:06 – Guest introduction
- 02:09 – From concrete to garden: David’s transformation
- 04:23 – The water butt overflow system explained
- 07:05 – What David did with his front garden
- 09:25 – The case for surface water rebates
- 10:31 – Inspiring the street and scaling up the idea
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen share their top 10 tips for staying cool, saving water and saving money during the heatwave. From paddling pools and water fights to garden watering and chilled tap water, this episode is packed with simple, practical advice for making the most of the hot weather without wasting a drop.
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:54 – Lawns and sprinklers
- 01:35 – Water fights and outdoor pools
- 02:27 – Water butts and gardening
- 03:16 – Car washing
- 04:40 – Paddling pools
- 06:35 – Final tips and wrap up
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by Pete O’Hanlon and Annie Lamb from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to explore the work they are doing to support customers in vulnerable circumstances. From specialist support teams and social tariffs to outreach events and free water efficiency products, Pete and Annie explain how Welsh Water is taking a personalised, community focused approach to helping customers who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The episode is full of inspiring examples of how water companies can go beyond the bill to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:22 – Guest introductions: Pete O’Hanlon and Annie Lamb, Welsh Water
- 03:53 – Water efficiency and the personal touch
- 06:28 – Innovative approaches to engaging customers
- 08:18 – Water saving tips available to all Welsh Water customers
- 10:31 – Water resilient communities projects
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Ana Millan from CCW and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero, water resources engineer at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, to explore Colombia’s remarkable water saving story. When a tunnel collapse in 1997 threatened Bogota’s entire water supply, the city launched urgent conservation campaigns that permanently transformed how its eight million residents use water. The episode explores how a powerful combination of price signals, universal metering and behaviour change brought daily water use down to just 92 litres per person per day, and what the UK could learn from it.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 00:52 – Guest introductions: Ana Millan and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero
- 01:22 – The 1997 water crisis in Bogota
- 04:31 – Did the water saving measures work?
- 06:41 – A culture of water saving passed down through generations
- 08:55 – The recipe for success: metering, pricing and behaviour change
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Helen White, Special Adviser on Household Food Waste at WRAP, to explore the surprising connection between food waste and water waste. Helen reveals the staggering scale of what ends up in our bins every day, from 920,000 bananas to over 3 million glasses of milk, and explains the hidden water cost of throwing food away. The episode is packed with practical, easy to follow tips on smarter shopping, correct food storage, and creative ways to use up what you’ve already bought.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:34 – Guest introduction: Helen White, WRAP
- 0:53 – What is WRAP?
- 3:48 – The staggering scale of everyday food waste
- 5:31 – The food waste and water connection
- 8:21 – Practical tips to reduce food waste at home
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Alistair Chisholm to discuss why water is essential for both people and the environment. They explore future challenges around water supply, the importance of using less, and how everyday actions connect to the wider water cycle. The episode highlights that saving water can reduce pressure on nature while helping secure supplies for the future.
Timestamps
- 00:00:00 Introduction and guest welcome
- 00:00:47 Why saving water matters
- 00:02:00 Future water demand
- 00:04:30 Balancing supply and demand
- 00:06:00 The wider water cycle
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by producer Tom and Emma Clancy for a special outdoor recording along the River Thames in Berkshire. The conversation introduces the “Walking with Water” initiative, which encourages people to explore local waterways and build a stronger connection with the water they use every day. Emma also explains CCW’s role as a consumer advocate, supporting customers and ensuring the water sector works in their interests. The episode highlights why saving water is increasingly important and how small, practical changes at home can make a meaningful difference.
Timestamp
- 00:00:00 – Introduction and outdoor setting
- 00:01:40 – “Walking with Water” initiative explained
- 00:04:20 – What CCW does for customers
- 00:07:50 – Why water saving matters
- 00:08:50 – Personal water use and saving tips
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen speak with Laura from South West Water about water efficiency in the South West. After a dry year, the “Stop the Drop” campaign encouraged customers to use less water, improving reservoir levels and highlighting how small actions make a difference. With ongoing dry conditions, the campaign has evolved into “Save Every Drop”, alongside plans for long-term solutions like desalination. The episode showcases the importance of continuous engagement and sustainable water use.
Timestamps:
- 00:00:00 – Introduction
- 00:01:36 – “Stop the Drop” campaign overview
- 00:02:47 – Campaign results
- 00:05:19 – Customer behaviour insights
- 00:08:45 – “Save Every Drop” campaign launch
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen speak to Dan Angelescu, founder of Fluidion, about the cutting-edge technology being used to monitor water quality in Paris ahead of the Olympics.
They explore how real-time monitoring is helping track pollution levels in the River Seine, the challenges cities face with sewage and stormwater, and whether the river is truly safe for swimming. Dan also explains how new technology can detect bacteria more accurately than traditional lab methods and what that could mean for the future of water quality monitoring worldwide.
The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 5 July 2024.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:00:53 – What Fluidion does
- 00:02:16 – Why the Seine isn’t safe to swim
- 00:03:39 – Global water monitoring
- 00:04:49 – Real-time alerts and data
- 00:06:01 – Olympic clean-up efforts
- 00:08:23 – Hidden pollution sources
- 00:10:09 – New tech vs lab testing
- 00:12:01 – Rethinking water safety standards
In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Janine Shackleton to explain what customers should expect from their water companies. From accurate bills and reliable water supply to customer service standards, they break down the Guaranteed Standards of Service and when customers may be entitled to compensation if things go wrong.
They also discuss where to find information about your rights, why it’s important to speak up if you’re unhappy with your service, and share practical water-saving tips from everyday life.
The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 17 February 2023.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:34 – What to Expect from Your Water Company
- 03:00 – Guaranteed Service Standards
- 05:09 – Compensation for Sewer Flooding
- 06:50 – Supply Interruptions and Payments
- 10:06 – Personal Water Use & Saving Tips
In this special live episode of Waterfall Rapids, recorded at the Institute of Water’s Annual Conference 2023, the team explores the theme “Trust in Water” and why trust is so important when it comes to saving water. Guests include Nicci Russell, CEO of Waterwise, and Nicholas Adjei, Deputy Chief Inspector at the Drinking Water Inspectorate, who discuss why trust matters for water conservation, the value of tap water, and the challenges facing the water sector in maintaining public confidence.
The full-length edition of this episode was originally released on 15 September 2023.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Live show intro
- 00:01:44 – Meet the team
- 00:02:17 – Talk with Nicci Russell (CEO, Waterwise)
- 00:06:16 – Talk with Nicholas Adjei (Deputy Chief Inspector, DWI)
- 00:12:23 – Outro and thanks
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Evan Joanette, water market specialist and consumer advocate at MOSL, to explore how businesses use water and the vital role they play in reducing demand. Together, they discuss how smarter water use can cut costs, save energy, and reduce carbon emissions, while easing pressure on water resources during times of drought.
The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 28 October 2022.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome
- 01:40 – What MOSL does and how the business water market works
- 02:55 – Why business water use matters
- 04:18 – Practical ways businesses can save and reuse water
- 05:42 – Trade effluent and responsible drainage
- 08:10 – Personal water use and simple saving tips
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Alastair Chisholm, Director of Policy at CIWEM (The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management), for a detailed and stimulating discussion on water’s relationship with the wider natural world. Together, they explore why conscientious water use matters, the growing pressures on the UK’s water resources, and how individual actions can help protect both the environment and future supplies.
This episode was originally released on 21 October 2022. Listen to the full length episode of the nature of water
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome
- 00:47 – Why saving water matters
- 02:06 – Future water demand and infrastructure challenges
- 03:13 – One litre saved = one litre back to the environment
- 04:35 – Balancing the needs of people and nature
- 05:28 – Rethinking water storage: land, soil and trees
- 07:31 – Reasons for optimism and the need for action
- 09:16 – Reflections and conclusion
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Steph and Nathan from WaterWise, an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting water efficiency across the UK. They share insights on why using water wisely matters, practical tips for saving water at home, from checking for leaky toilets to smart shower habits, and ideas for making everyday choices that help both your bills and the planet.
This episode was originally released on 11 November 2022. Listen to the full length episode of water saving wisdom
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 02:08 – Why water efficiency matters
- 06:50 – Toilet tips
- 09:21 – Everyday household tips
- 11:28 – Conclusion
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by our Policy Manager, Janine Shackleton, for a chat on the help available for those in vulnerable circumstances regarding their water use.
This episode was originally released on 3 March 2023. Listen to the full length episode of help is there if you need it
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike & Karen head back indoors to offer tons of tips to help you save water within the biggest domestic drain of all: the bathroom!
This episode was originally released on 2 September 2022. Listen to the full length episode of bathroom water saving tips
In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen provide a plethora of tips on how to best save water within with the kitchen.
This episode was originally released on 22 September 2022. Listen to the full length episode of keeping the kitchen water tight
In this edition of Waterfall Rapids, we discuss why saving water is so important.
This episode was originally released on 3 August 2022. Listen to the full length episode of why saving water is so import
In this edition of Waterfall Rapids, we discuss how saving water also means saving money.
This episode was originally released on 3 August 2022. Listen to the full length episode of saving water and saving money