Waterfall - our water saving podcast

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Professor Benjamin Gardner from the University of Surrey to explore how smart shower technology is reshaping our understanding of everyday water use. Ben shares insights from a major research project that used sensor-based timers in student accommodation to track shower habits, reveal what drives long showers, and show how simple feedback can cut shower times by up to 43 percent. Together, they uncover how small nudges, smarter tech, and better awareness can help us save water, energy, and money without compromising comfort.

Timestamps

• 00:00: Introductions and smart showers explained
• 01:03: How smart shower sensors work
• 03:29: The Surrey study and the impact of timers
• 06:06: Why real-time feedback beats egg timers
• 09:15: What the data reveals about shower habits
• 15:22: Key findings, surprises, and future research
• 25:56: Closing thoughts and personal water use

Show notes

Water meter calculator

In this episode of Waterfall, Cath is joined by Andrew Laughlin from Which? to uncover the truth about water-efficient appliances. They explore how to use washing machines and dishwashers smartly, what eco modes really do, and how to make sense of energy labels and ratings. From busting common myths to sharing expert insights on saving water, energy, and money, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make greener choices without compromising on cleaning power.

Timestamps

• 00:00: Introductions and episode overview
• 01:25: Using appliances efficiently
• 03:46: Eco modes and real savings
• 06:24: Energy labels and choosing wisely
• 09:45: Washing at lower temperatures
• 13:08: Dishwasher vs handwashing
• 16:27: Common appliance myths
• 20:07: Reliable machines and final tips

In this episode of Waterfall Karen is joined by Matt Wheeldon, Infrastructure Development Director at Wessex Water, to explore how we can rethink our relationship with one of nature’s most overlooked resources: rain.

Matt explains why we should see rain not as a problem to drain but as a valuable resource to harness. Together, they discuss the Rainwater Management Platform, a major collaboration transforming how the UK manages rainfall sustainably. From cutting carbon and reducing storm overflows to building climate resilience, this conversation reveals how managing rain better where it lands can help create a water-wise future.

Timestamps

• 00:00: Introductions
• 01:25: The Rainwater Management Platform
• 05:17: Lessons from drainage history
• 09:14: Climate change and local action
• 12:45: Smarter infrastructure and policy
• 16:04: Practical steps at home
• 22:54: The need for national strategy
• 30:00: Rethinking storm overflows
• 36:36: Water use, homes, and future planning
• 40:00: Closing thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by our water resource expert Karen to explore why wet winters are so important for our water supplies. They unpack how rainfall replenishes reservoirs, rivers, and underground aquifers, what droughts in winter really mean, and how climate change is reshaping rainfall patterns. With insights on long-term planning, real-world examples, and simple actions we can all take to protect our water resources, this conversation dives deep into why every drop – and every season – counts.

Timestamps

• 00:00: Introductions and episode overview
• 02:35: Why wet winters matter for water supplies
• 06:27: Drought planning and the idea of winter droughts
• 10:13: Climate extremes and changing rainfall patterns
• 13:29: Why saving water still matters
• 18:57: Practical water-saving tips and wrap-up

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by our very own Bibhuti and Ruth Williams from Utility Week to explore the rise of the “everything shower” trend. They discuss why it’s so popular with Gen Z, the surprising costs of long showers, and what it means for water use, sustainability, and self-care. With insights from CCW’s Gen Z campaign and reflections on how media and industry can inspire change, this episode asks whether it’s possible to enjoy an “everything shower” while still saving water.

Timestamps:

• 0:00: Introduction & guests
• 00:02:31: What is the “everything shower”?
• 00:04:28: Gen Z, self-care & sustainability
• 00:15:14: Cost of long showers
• 00:27:32: Mindful shower tips
• 00:30:08: CCW’s Gen Z campaign

Show notes:

• Water meter calculator
• Refresh your routine campaign: Engaging Gen Z to protect our water future

In this episode of Waterfall, Cath and Karen are joined by Stuart Sampson, National Drought Manager at the Environment Agency, to explore what really happens during a drought. Stuart explains how droughts are defined, why they differ from dry weather, and what Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) mean for households. He also shares the role of water companies in drought planning, the environmental impacts of prolonged dry spells, and what practical steps we can all take to save water. Full of expert insights and useful tips, this episode highlights why water resilience matters for us all.

Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to the episode and guest
• 01:08: How dry has 2025 been compared to past years?
• 03:58: What officially defines a drought?
• 09:59: Understanding Temporary Use Bans (TUBs)
• 15:19: What should water companies do during droughts?
• 21:17: Environmental impacts of prolonged drought
• 26:22: Key messages and practical steps for the public

Show notes:

• Environment Agency

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Chloe Clarke, Senior Marketing Manager at Affinity Water, to talk about behaviour change and how small everyday actions can make a big difference. Chloe shares how Affinity Water’s Keep Life Flowing campaign is inspiring people to use water more responsibly, the role of communication in building trust, and why working together is key to protecting our precious supply. Packed with practical advice and real-life examples, this conversation shows how we can all play a part in shaping a more sustainable water future.

Timestamps:

• 00:00: Introduction
• 02:15: Why behaviour change matters
• 07:30: Campaigns that connect
• 13:40: Building trust through communication
• 19:20: Everyday water-saving tips
• 25:10: Looking ahead
• 29:00: Closing reflections

Show notes:

• Keep life flowing: simple changes to save water |Affinity Water

With rising costs and the need to save energy and water, it’s a great time to rethink laundry habits. In this episode of Waterfall, Cath is joined by Natalie Mathie from Uswitch to share easy ways to wash clothes more efficiently. They talk about common laundry myths, using eco-wash cycles, and caring for your machine so it runs well. There’s also advice on saving energy when drying clothes and tracking usage with tools like the Utrack app—simple changes that can help your bills and the planet.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00: Introduction
• 00:02:52: Common laundry myths
• 00:05:44:  Eco-wash cycles & benefits
• 00:08:37: Caring for your washing machine
• 00: 11:29: Drying clothes efficiently
• 00:14:21: Tools like Utrack & final tips

With the ongoing dry weather, it’s more important than ever to understand leaks and how to save water. In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Howard Perry from Severn Trent Water about how leaks happen and what we can all do to help. The episode discusses how Severn Trent uses smart meters, clever technology, and teamwork to find and fix leaks quickly. It also highlights how important it is to keep people informed and encourage everyone to report leaks when they see them.

You’ll also hear simple, everyday tips like taking shorter showers, fixing dripping taps, and watering the garden wisely-small changes that make a big difference.

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:01:32 – National water challenges
• 00:04:44 – How Severn Trent tackles leaks
• 00:07:16 – Tools and technology
• 00:08:42 – Smart meters and helping customers
• 00:17:06 – Building trust and everyday tips
• 00:18:13 – Water-saving advice and final thoughts

00:00:00:00 – 00:00:29:14

Waterfall. The CCW podcast. Hello and welcome to waterfall, it’s the water saving podcast brought to you by CCW Consumer Council for Water. We’re all about saving water, saving money, protecting the environment and combating climate change. Today we are going to look at leakage. We know that is an issue for consumers. But it is absolutely vital the companies tackle the leakage because it’s all part of people’s, motivation to save water in their own lives.

00:00:29:16 – 00:00:49:20

Companies do their bit and people will be more inclined to do their bit, too. And we’ve got fab guest on, from Severn Trent Water. It’s Howard Perry. Hi, Howard. Welcome back to Waterfall. Hello, Mike. Thanks for having me back again and for such a lovely introduction. Well, last time you were on Howard, you were talking about carbon, and you were Severn Trent’s energy manager at that point.

00:00:49:20 – 00:01:09:03

And now you are in charge of leakage of Severn Trent, or in charge of reducing leakage. I think it’s quite better way of putting it. Is that correct? Yes. Perfect. Yeah. The targeting and strategy of our leakage reduction plan, which is a big part of the whole thing because there are many, many people at Severn Trent and the other companies working on exactly that issue.

00:01:09:05 – 00:01:32:22

And there’s numerous people that live and breathe it, which is fantastic to see. It’s a great environment to work in. There’s people really passionate about what we do? Okay. point well made. You’re not the only person working on leakage’s treatment. Let’s just start with some context here, because we know the that in England in particular and in Wales there are, water resource issues.

00:01:32:24 – 00:01:59:07

The Environment Agency produced the report very recently, and we’re recording this in July 2025. The Environment Agency last month released their updated long term framework for water resources and then that documents that we need to find 5 billion extra litres of water per day by 2055. 5 billion litres of water is just a mind blowing amount. I don’t think anyone could really comprehend what that looks like, feels like.

00:01:59:07 – 00:02:20:01

And I don’t particularly like they’re kind of, Oh it’s five Wembley stadiums weigh in. That doesn’t really help. Wembley is not for the water. But in the document says that we could find all this water by 2055. And the 60% of that water we’ve got to find is, is going to be found by either reducing leaks or reducing our consumption.

00:02:20:01 – 00:02:39:24

So I just want to pick your brains. Do you think that split is fair? You know, should we be just building lose more water resources? I mean, what’s your view on that? Yeah. Great question. And it’s a similar challenge of water actually to energy, which is one of the reasons I moved over. There’s a lot of crossover is, is it’s managing supply and demand to make sure there is enough for what customers need.

00:02:40:03 – 00:03:00:00

We’ve got that challenge. Yeah, we’ve absolutely got that challenge in water as well. And one of the big things is to make sure there is enough water for the environment. And that’s the supply side. I one of the reasons why you can’t just build your ad up problem is you need to leave enough water in the environment. And that’s why there is a slant towards leakage, consumption reduction.

00:03:00:04 – 00:03:13:15

And that is absolutely our job. It’s our network to maintain with no leakage has got to go down. That means we waste less. And we know he’s got a way with customers to use less and fix leaks on their property as well. So I think that split is about right. It’s one of the things we keep on to really close review.

00:03:13:15 – 00:03:34:11

And because different areas are different, we do have supply solutions that could protect the environment, get more water out. So it is a mix of both. But I think broadly that splits about right. We’ve got to go after the waste, the waste in the demand side. Yeah. That that makes that makes a lot of sense. And also when you look at it, new resources can often take many, many years to develop, if not decades if you’re talking about reservoirs.

00:03:34:11 – 00:03:51:18

So actually going at the kitchen, going at consumption is something that you we can all do faster as well. So that that can make a big difference too. And we and we just plan it out as we do plan long term. So you can plan those schemes and get all the planning in and work out. Pretty part. But you right they take a long time.

00:03:51:20 – 00:04:07:19

They’re very expensive. They’ll give you a permanent solution. One of the issues on leakage in consumption you going to be working at it all the time, day in, day out, 24/7. You’ve got to keep on top of it. Whereas if you build this you got to maintain it. But it’s there to set. So there is a mix there that we that we need.

00:04:07:19 – 00:04:24:07

And supply side investment is definitely one of the answers. And that’s why our plan and other companies plan has that mixed. Yeah. And you can see there is a tendency with

engineers you build something and you’ve got a thing. Yeah. Built a big thing and it’s there. And as you said picking up on your word certainty, you’ve got that certainty.

00:04:24:09 – 00:04:44:01

But I do think with reinforcing messages we can get, we can locate in people’s brains that actually water saving. Is an easy thing to do. It’s the right thing to do. And loads of benefits, you know, for the environment as you bills also for your pocket from saving money to so that we know leakage is one of these to tech issues in the water sector.

00:04:44:01 – 00:05:02:07

So just tell us a bit about what you are doing to reduce leakage. Yeah it is it’s a technical issue. And I know when I talk to customers and I know when we’ve done research as well, it tells us that leakage is still in customers top priorities. And even at a time where river water quality has got a lot of attention.

00:05:02:07 – 00:05:18:00

So that’s sort of the agenda. Rightly so. Leakage is still in that mix. And when you’re in a hot summer, as we are now, as we sit here in July and it just goes up the agenda again, why are you companies leaking water and what are you doing about it? So it’s really important to us. We know systemic issue.

00:05:18:00 – 00:05:36:01

We know it’s our problem it’s our network. And that’s why we’ve been reducing leakage over time. And we’re way beyond as well the level at which you would say this is just the economic level of leakage. We’re happy there. That’s about the right financial day and debt cost benefit. We want that to go down and down. So we’re below that economic level of leakage.

00:05:36:03 – 00:05:56:01

And to do that there’s a whole load of work. So perhaps investment is a chunk of that. Like the supply side. We’ve got mains renewal going in this, this five year period that we’re in at the moment that we’ve just stepped into 2025 to 2030. So, yeah, so proactive investment in the network. But, the lion’s share of it is operational activity on a day to day basis.

00:05:56:01 – 00:06:14:15

It’s finding leaks. It’s responding to customers when they report leaks, which is great. We always want customers to report leaks. And then it’s getting out and fixing those leaks and a big chunk because as how we’ve changed over the last few years and got to lowest levels of leakage, which is where we are at the moment, is by stepping up the number of those fines and repairs that we do.

00:06:14:17 – 00:06:36:20

And we’ve got a really I’d call this slick operation as targeting the leakages in the data, getting people to find it and raise the jobs, getting the jobs out to fix the leak, which can be a quick, simple fix and sometimes is a bit more complex dig required. And that volume of late repairs combined with a bunch of other measures, is what’s called an to to lower sample of leakage reaches how we like to end at the end of the last financial year.

00:06:37:01 – 00:06:56:24

So yeah, there’s a there’s a whole lot of work that goes into that. But in a nutshell, proactive work finding and fixing leaks and managing our network carefully and managing pressure on the network is another part. And, so that makes sense. You replace your mains proactively that, that, that makes a lot of sense and then find the fix again make sense.

00:06:56:24 – 00:07:16:20

So there’s finding fixes. That’s people ringing in and reporting leaks. Or is it your people going around us? I keep hearing stories of sniffer dogs and satellites and drones and goodness, that was I was Uri Geller finding this. What’s that? Well, what what is your approach? That. Yeah. Well, we’ll try anything. And they said we look customers to report leaks and they do.

00:07:16:20 – 00:07:35:20

So we get those regularly. People will ring in a report through the website. Here’s like here’s location. Right. We will get some out it jacket, pinpoint it and fix it. So we love those. And that will be a constant stream work because the network is always, generating leaks as things change is. The great news is we have three star events in the winters.

00:07:35:22 – 00:07:52:23

And as you know, you have a road traffic building going on that can cause leaks and networks are those are visible leaks. They’re easy ones, if you like. The really tricky ones. Are the ones underground more difficult to detect. And we’ve got a whole load of professional people who’ll be doing that some of the, decades that are very experienced in doing that.

00:07:52:23 – 00:08:13:17

So they’ll use acoustic settings, but really just listening to the pipe to try and pinpoint it, combined with data from flow loggers and what we call correlaters is, which is where you put feet lock, is that pinpoint where the leak is and then some more of that technology. So we’re just commissioning some satellite surveys in an area where we’ve got, a particular challenge and you’re in and in July, as we said.

00:08:13:17 – 00:08:42:16

So that’s one area of generated points of interest. So we’ll, we’ll, we’ll try various different things, very similar thing that has been used where it’s the core activity of people being out and using that, using that data technology and using their experience really to find the leaks. And that’s the main part of what we do. We talk about smart meters quite a lot on waterfall often the benefits to people from other smart meters in terms of raising awareness of consumption, but also leaks on customers side as well on the pipe that customers are responsible for.

00:08:42:18 – 00:09:01:11

Do you find smart meters helping in your patch to. Definitely. Yeah. I’m glad you mentioned that. So this is very where we’re at. I’m trying to do load more metering over the current five year period that we’re in and see how you meter will tell you if there is a leak or a continuous use on a, on a customer property.

00:09:01:11 – 00:09:20:20

So we’ve had meters in place for for a long time. You can go and check that meter or a smart meter, then enable just to do essentially pick up the data on a day by day, hour by hour basis and see what that really looks like and pick it up much quicker. So they are very helpful. And one of things I always remind people is that leakage number does include of side leaks.

00:09:20:20 – 00:09:36:22

It’s leaks on customers pipes that we don’t own, but we are as invested as anyone in finding those and trying to get those things and help customers to fix those. And the smart it really helps you to do that. And they come in various forms. Sometimes they’re very tricky underground pipe work from the roads into your property.

00:09:36:22 – 00:09:52:03

So we’ll often help customers to find those because they are harder, sometimes they’re in the property something as simple as a leaky toilet that you just need to fix or get a plumber to fix it, which is quite straightforward when you get down to it, sometimes are a bit more complex usage patterns that that people might be able to manage in a different way.

00:09:52:07 – 00:10:09:07

So it might be to tell you a huge amount and then help us find some of these quicker. So they are good to the very helpful. Yeah that’s good. And there’s a lot potential with smart meters I think smarter water meters to help people understand what they do or in their own home. I mean, we’ve we said already that this is a tetanic issue.

00:10:09:07 – 00:10:35:23

Do you think your customers believe you’re doing enough on leakage? What sort of feedback do you get from your customers? Yeah, good. Good question. So, I think we do enough. We communicate loads on what we’re doing. People’s individual experience makes a big difference. Does that. So are I’ve been looking at customer issues this morning actually where someone’s reported a leak and yet it’s not been repaired, in you know, five, ten days that they would expect us to come out straight away.

00:10:36:00 – 00:11:04:15

What what is sometimes going on there is we’re prioritising. So making sure the resource that we’ve got is going to the biggest, most important lakes, as they always say that we can see the leak that is in front of them. And but nevertheless, fixing those visibilities quickly is really important for credibility and keeping customers informed. And we always want to do those quickly so we could get better that so anyone who’s, anyone who’s seen a leak report it absolutely do chases down where you want to fix that as quick as you do sometimes as a resource thing going on in the background.

00:11:04:15 – 00:11:21:03

But that’s for us to try and get better and more efficient. So so I think people’s individual experience makes it. That makes a big difference. I mean, the other thing I’d say is, we so there are little leaks there also very, very big leaks. So people will saying in the news there is there was one I was up down in Gloucestershire the other day.

00:11:21:03 – 00:11:41:16

We had some very big bursts. We absolutely want those fixed as soon as possible. Was like House was getting absolutely sprayed with water. Yeah that will that will be sort of that. It was quite yet actually it was spectacular. So that’s one of our major mains. Those we are on absolutely like a shots. And we need to make sure we got customers on supply.

00:11:41:16 – 00:11:57:23

There’s a lot of complex network arrangement. There’s a huge amount of stuff goes on around the region in the control center to manage those events and get them fixed soon as possible. I think that one went in the morning and was fixed at some point in the late evening. So, for example, they we could get on those really big complex bursts, really quickly.

00:11:58:02 – 00:12:14:19

And it started around for any period of time we’d have a vast amount of leakage. So getting the big leaks really, really quick and getting the smaller leaks as quick as we can over a period of days is, is how we tend to operate. We have any, kind of customer commitment as to how quickly fix a visible leak, because I think you’re quite me.

00:12:14:19 – 00:12:35:15

You’re quite right. Logically, say you want to fix the ones that are gushing water in where you live in terms of how much water you’re losing from a particular leak. But the the tribulas that may be running for quite a while, if that has a negative impact on

individuals and communities, then clearly that’s not good from a perception point of view and a motivation point of view.

00:12:35:18 – 00:12:57:24

Whilst that’s not wasting lots of water, it still has a very negative impact on, on on people. Yeah. So do you have a target? SLA. Yeah. Sorry. Basically, commitment to customers. Yeah, we do, and I will always. I’m going to get to the reason what those are.

00:12:57:24 – 00:13:17:10

Well, what I would say which which I think is really important is we want to fix all the leaks. So you may say,Oh that’s only little, we’ll leave that, that we’ll drop that off the list. But leaks grow and even small leaks of up to 10 to 100,000 litres very, very quickly.

00:13:17:10 – 00:13:35:02

So we want all of them basically. And every one we find will go on the system and it will get fixed at some point. The only reason they tend to drag on this is where it is a customer’s property. So it’s not us and that they tend to last a bit longer. If it’s our network we’ll get on and repair it.

00:13:35:04 – 00:13:49:13

And there’s, there is resource going on the background. So hot weather or a break when we get freezed. Oh we got a massive spike in leaks. Might it may take us longer to get to those moles, but we want them all and we’ll fix them all. And we want that to be days. We don’t want that to be weeks and months.

00:13:49:15 – 00:14:22:03

Okay, so the clear message our leaks were coming for you. I get that you’ve got you’ve dodged the customer commitment question about how quickly would you have one to act in Invisible Leak to definitely come back to that and say, what is your commitment. I think we do. Yes. I’d have to check that, I don’t know, I don’t have it at the top of my head, I suppose, where I was going with this actually, is that if I report a leak, just just taking it from a point of view of just an average punter, if I reported the leak and you got in touch and said, actually, we’re not going to get to this for about five days because we lose all

00:14:22:03 – 00:14:41:00

the big stuff going on. I think I’d be okay with that, you know what I mean? Like as a punter, the communication. So at that point I’m very badly making is here, You said the communication back to customers is really important here. Do you close that loop when people report a leak. Yeah and that is our aim. Yeah. Keeping the customer informed we call that ACI is another lovely.

00:14:41:00 – 00:14:55:06

Oh here we go. But, yeah. Keeping customer informed really important. But you know, keep going out. No, just get informed about what’s going on. I mean, interestingly to choose a personal example. When I started in this job a couple of years ago, my wife reported the leak down the road, and that was.

00:14:55:06 – 00:15:13:06

That was just a coincidence, really. But it is interesting to see how the process works. Her feedback was we kept her over informed about, about what we were doing. So we get in text first because you were going to tell you. And that wasn’t just me. I was telling her as well. So maybe it was my bit that tipped her over the edge but yeah, yeah, you’re right.

00:15:13:06 – 00:15:37:07

We want to get them informed. We’ll do that via text or do it via phone call if that what people want, so that people get resolution on that leak you reported is, it is fixed. And we know we know customers get annoyed and that takes longer for understandable, isn’t it? Yeah. But I do think, though, from a customer point of view, a people point of view, that people tend to be quite reasonable and rational, but they do want to be.

00:15:37:08 – 00:15:56:22

If you want to be kept informed, then you’re right. I yeah, I said civil frequency. I think they are informed. I think people would understand more where it’s where people are kept in the dark and aware where things are going. I think that is what really angers them, so it’s good to hear the people inform. Yeah, I’m personally I’d much prefer that attitude.

00:15:57:01 – 00:16:13:13

That’s that’s a great public spirited attitude. If you’re spotting a leak and I’m reporting it and you want it to be repaired. Brilliant. And if you if people are approaching that in their daily lives, they want to fix leaks on their property. You want to be a bit wiser with that water use. Fantastic. That helps them. It helps everybody else.

00:16:13:13 – 00:16:36:17

It helps or it helps us make sure there’s enough water in keep spills things. So that is the attitude I want. I’d much prefer that than an apathy where people aren’t reporting them all. They don’t want to hear back. So I get that. And that is that is good. Yeah. And I think, by keeping them informed and fixing those leaks, that is one way of many, we can help create trust between water companies and their customers.

00:16:36:17 – 00:16:58:01

And, you know, as we know, trust is not where it should be, where it needs to be. And actually reporting leaks and making that experience good for both customers, but not

your wife. It is, is one way that you can help enhance the reputation? I think that is important because, I mean, I know companies quite often say, well, you know, we’ve beaten our target in this the other.

00:16:58:01 – 00:17:23:02

But I think that gets blown out of the water, literally. Excuse the pun, if they’ve seen a visible leak running and running because they’ll just go, yeah, yeah. You see, you’ve been the target and we’ve already reached the target. But I’ve just seen this leak for two weeks and I’m really cross I didn’t hear anything about it. So I do think we gotta be careful that how we bottle companies explain what the what they’re doing is lived experience.

00:17:23:02 – 00:17:45:14

I think Trump’s just a big, massive target that you’re exceeding up. Absolutely. Yeah. I think, you know, one of the things that’s, I think really important for us to recognize is that you doing your bit as a water company really influences the motivation of individuals to do their bit in their own daily lives, to save water more.

00:17:45:14 – 00:18:13:06

Now, one of the things that we’re always banging on about on Waterfall often is all these ways to save water and we’re very keen to hear other people’s views and top tips. And I think you’re just the person to share your top tips on how to save water. So what would you recommend that your customers do? Yeah. And and really like you for it, I think I think it’s a great message to share with customers and it helps people save money as well as it as people move to more Metre Billing.

00:18:13:06 – 00:18:39:14

So many, many benefits are doing that. And I mean we’re sat here in July, so we got a particular pinch point. So I think we’re using lots of water in summer. And that means

front of mind for us is what are those big uses of water in some of that you really could avoid. So hose pipes, swimming pools, those things use a massive amount of water in a short space of time, and it can affect supply and and pressure in the areas, as well as that long term supply demand for this retail space.

00:18:39:14 – 00:18:54:15

So I’d have to think again about using those that you can reuse pool water. If you can use a watering can, you can leave your lawn to go yellow. I think Monty done the garden. The experts will say that’s fine. It’ll bounce back. You don’t need to keep it fresh green all the time. I think those are some big uses.

00:18:54:21 – 00:19:13:18

Make sure at times as well, too. And we, we often talk about it. So if you can keep that to a minimum, we’d love people to shower, and keep clean, really important. But it makes a massive difference if you’re in there for 40 minutes or you’re in there for the 10. So I think shower time is has a massive influence in thing and garden and outdoor use that there are two things that come to mind.

00:19:13:23 – 00:19:27:17

And then the final one is, and this is because I predominantly work on leakage. If you’ve got a leak, a leaking toilet, a leak on your property, fix that it it’ll add up to a lot more than you’re using some of those other uses over time. So just get it fixed quickly. And we can we can often help with that.

00:19:27:17 – 00:19:44:10

So, I will look on our website is plenty of ways that we can can help as that’s what you’d recommend. If people want to find that more, go to your website. Yes. So there’s there’s stuff on there about how you could check that you’ve got a leak and, and what the volume is. There’s some indications to where you can find proof plumbers.

00:19:44:10 – 00:20:03:18

So there’s a list out there of people that will do that work for you on your property. And we do also offer what’s called home water efficiency audits. Most of the companies offer this. So you think you’ve got a problem or, you think you’d like some information on water use in your property? We can send people out and they’ll have a look around and talk to you and maybe put some more saving products in as well.

00:20:03:24 – 00:20:17:10

And they can fix some simple leaks if they spot on while on that. So ultimately that’s your responsibility. But ways we can help. Have a look at the website. And I think our company offers something very similar. Yeah. We can we could put a link to your website in the In the show notes. So that’s that’s really good.

00:20:17:10 – 00:20:35:22

And our final question is at home, what do you use Howard’s. What’s your personal. Yeah. Great question. So last time I was on you remember how to estimate, you know, and no listener will ever remember that ever going to listen back. But I had to make an estimate. I I’ve got to tell you. So I tell you how we could very loyal listeners.

00:20:35:24 – 00:20:53:16

Good. Yeah. Good. Well, they may remember I was in the 90s last time from my estimate. I know precisely now because we I’ve got a smart metre and I’d look on a regular basis. How’s it going? Okay. your whole career would be there lacking any credibility if you didn’t have a BRP leakage about it. You’re sure?

00:20:53:18 – 00:21:12:24

So yeah, absolutely. Yeah. So yesterday 107 l per person per day. We’re. Which is yeah, our average is one, three, five something like that. And we want to see that come down through all the stuff up till today. So I like to think I’m showing good practice. Although I did anyone Zoe still better I don’t. Well I say 107.

00:21:12:24 – 00:21:37:14

Did you say 107. Yeah. Liters per person. But that’s below the 2050 target. I’m quite pleased. Oh yeah a 110l a day. So you know I do think I feel like you should be beat yourself up about to do the 2050 target of, you know, only 25 years early. Oh yeah. Right. Well you know, telling the boss I don’t, I don’t I think that’s a good amount.

00:21:37:17 – 00:21:57:01

And what I would say is that’s not a, that’s not throwing a hatchet in there, throwing showers and all that. That’s normal stuff. You can you can get bang to that level, I think pretty easily. And if all the customers did, we’d be in a great spot environmentally. There’d be enough water, an environment and enough water to go around, say, oh, I think that’s a really strong message because it is there’s it’s no, it’s not a great sacrifice.

00:21:57:03 – 00:22:13:13

In fact, I would argue it’s not sacrifice at all to say what it’s just about three simple steps. Three simple change. Your mindset & stuff. So you’re absolutely right , so Howard it’s it’s great having you on. Thank you for telling us all about what what you guys are up to on what is a tricky issue. And this is a consumer.

00:22:13:13 – 00:22:21:05

So I’ll be sure to be reporting my leaks as soon as I see them. But I’d like to phone. That’s it. But I say that thanks for having me.

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike, Cath and Karen share simple, practical water-saving tips to help during the ongoing dry weather. Simple everyday habits like reusing leftover water from bottles and showers, watering plants efficiently, and using eco settings on appliances can make a big difference. These practical tips help reduce water waste and keep us all mindful of how precious water really is during these extreme weather conditions.

Timestamps

• 0:00: Introduction & Episode Overview
• 1:20: Guest Introduction
• 3:20: Favourite water saving tips
• 6:01: Water saving in the garden
• 11:56: Saving in the bathroom
• 17:32: kitchen savings

In this episode of Waterfall, Cath is joined by Andrew Tucker from Thames Water about how much water we really use daily and how to reduce it and explore common activities like showering and flushing toilets, reveal surprising facts about hidden water waste, and explain how smart meters can help spot leaks and save money. With practical tips and insights, this episode shows how small changes can make a big difference for your water bill and the environment.

Time stamps

• 0:00: Introduction & Episode Overview
• 1:15: Guest Introduction
• 2:12: Vox Pops on Daily Water Use
• 6:02: Real Water Usage vs Perception
• 10:10: Benefits of Smart Water Meters
• 14:11: Leaks, Water Waste & Practical Savings Tips

Show Notes

• CCW’s Water meter calculator
• Water saving calculator – Thames Water

In this episode of Waterfall, Cath is joined by Chloe from Waterwise and Ana Maria from CCW to mark the start of Water Saving Week. Together, they explore this year’s campaign theme ‘Becoming a Water Saving Hero’ and share practical tips for saving water in the kitchen. From whether dishwashers really use less water than washing up by hand, to cultural habits and common myths, this episode is full of expert advice, surprising facts, and everyday actions that can help you save water, energy and money.

Time stamps

• 0:00: Introductions
• 01:00: Water Saving Week
• 06:55: Vox Pops on Washing Up Habits
• 10:28: Data & Cultural Differences
• 16:02: Practical Water-Saving Tips in the Kitchen

Show Notes

• Water Saving Week
• CCW’s Water meter calculator
• Waterwise’s Water Impact Calculator

We’re back with a brand new season of Waterfall! In this episode, Mike is joined by Jane Bellard and Miranda Rennie from Weir The Agency. This episode explores how we can all make small changes to our water use, with a particular focus on practical ways to save just 5 litres of water each day and why even that small amount can make a big difference. Our guests, Jane and Miranda, also discuss their work on transforming water usage behaviours through various interventions and campaigns.

Time stamps

• 00:00: Introduction
• 00:54: Why focus on five litres?
• 03:21: The Save Ten a Day campaign
• 10:23: Public opinions on water saving
• 15:57: Discussion of water usage awareness
• 23:03: Tips for saving five litres

Show Notes

• Weir The Agency
• Save Ten a Day campaign

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Andy, CCW’s expert in social policy, to discuss ways to save on your water bill and access support for affordability. They explore the advantages of switching to a water meter, offer practical tips to reduce water usage, and explain social tariffs that can lower your bill. They also discuss the range of assistance provided by water companies, including payment plans, payment breaks, and hardship funds. Listeners are encouraged to check out CCW’s online resources like the water meter calculator and benefits calculator, and to reach out for help if needed.

Timestamps

• 00:00: Introduction
• 01:32: Saving money on your water bill – metering and reducing water use
• 08:08: Help for those struggling to afford their water bill – payment plans, social tariffs etc.
• 17:03: Help for high water users with medical conditions (WaterSure scheme)
• 19:03: Dealing with water debt
• 23:53: Other CCW resources: benefits calculator and grant search tool
• 26:08: Closing thoughts

Show notes

• Water Meter Calculator
• Help with Bills
• Breathing Space
• Benefits Calculator
• Grants Search Tool
• Our Affordability Research

In this episode, Mike and Karen are joined by Steve Grebby, Policy Manager at CCW and Jacob Larkin, who is the Campaign Coordinator Unblocktober to talk about the issue of FOGs – Fats, Oils and Greases and the consequences for households and the environment if not disposed of correctly. The team also shares the simple things we can all do to keep are FOGs at bay and our drains clear.

Timestamps

• 01:00: Introductions and welcomes
• 01:38: What are FOGs?
• 05:32: What should we put in the dishwasher?
• 06:58: What are the consequences of not disposing FOGs correctly?
• 10:47: Unblocktober campaign
• 15:43: Environmental impact of FOGs
• 21:03: CCW’s Sink Sense research

Show notes

• Unblocktober
• CCW Sink Sense Research

In this episode, Elise Melville, an energy expert from uSwitch, joins presenters Cath and Karen to discuss uSwitch’s research titled “Pulling the Plug,” which examines how rising energy prices are changing people’s behaviour. The study reveals that one-third of people in the UK have stopped having baths entirely due to increased energy costs, while two-fifths have reduced their shower time. Elise also shares uSwitch’s tips for showering more efficiently.

Timestamps

• 00:01: Hellos and introductions
• 01:41: Tom’s last podcast – reflections on the last two years
• 03:45: Changing bath habits in the UK
• 05:25: Energy and water saving tips
• 07:46: The rise in cold baths
• 10:30: Showering habits
• 13:50: The impact of rising energy costs
• 19:47: Elise’s water usage
• 22:16: Final thoughts and goodbye to Tom

Show notes

• uSwitch Pulling the Plug research
• CCW bathroom habits research

In this episode, Mike and Karen are joined by Rachel Coyle MBE, the Global Managing Director of the Behavioural Insights Team, to discuss the Cape Town drought and the successful “Day Zero” campaign that helped avert the crisis. They delve into how Cape Town faced a severe drought with dangerously low dam levels. In 2018, a team of behavioural scientists launched the “Day Zero” behaviour change campaign, which focused on simple, practical actions like using grey water and providing clear guidance on water-saving measures. This campaign not only successfully averted the crisis but also left a lasting impact on the community. Rachel also shares insights on the enduring effects of the campaign and how its strategies could be applied in other parts of the world.

Timestamps

• 00:01: Introductions and hellos
• 04:37: An introduction to Behavioural Insights Team and their work.
• 07:12: UK projects including working with Affinity Water to explore different ways bills can be presented.
• 13:10: Cape Town, Day Zero – the situation.
• 14:43: Behavioural scientists launch a day zero behaviour change campaign.
• 24:35: The enduring effects of the Day Zero campaign
• 28.34: What is Rachel Coyle’s water usage.
• 31:43: Closing thoughts

Show notes

• Behavioural Insights Team
• BIT – Using behavioural science to redesign customer water bills

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 

• Arqiva Water metering services

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

• Water Night UK – Waterwise
• Water Night FAQ – Waterwise
• Water Night Featured Products – Waterwise

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

• Make a complaint

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

• Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC)

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

• River Seine run highlights challenges for the Olympics 
• Stormsaver 

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

• Gardeners’ World Live
• Solihull and District Orchid Society
• Fenton Gardens
• Joshua Fenton Transforms BBC Gardeners World 

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

• Severn Trent reveals the Top Ten weird and wacky things that have been incorrectly put into the sewers 
• Fluidion
• 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

• Tony’s Peecycling podcast recommendation
• RLSS

Drowning Prevention Week

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 

• Welsh Water Priority Services
• Welsh Water’s Cartef Community

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

• CCW’s smart meter calculator 

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 

• Reviving The Sunnah
• Water & Wudu – Cambridge Water & Cambridge Central Mosque: Reviving the Sunnah
• Cambridge Central Mosque

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

• The Institute of Water’s magazine 

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

• Surfers Against Sewage
• More information about the app 

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

• Richard’s personal page @ University of Reading 

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

• LeakBot
• 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

• Gloom and Bloom – CCW

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

• Moors for the Future

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

• Bogota’s 1997 water crisis

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

• The Rivers Trust
• The Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch 

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 

Thames’ water calculator

CCW’s water calculator

Waterfall #16 – Getting Ready For Winter

Watersafe’s guide to leaky loos 

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

• Environment Agency told to protect wetlands in landmark court case
• Catfield Fen Conservation Case 

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

• Institute of Water
• Waterwise
• Drinking Water Inspectorate

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

• Walking With Water
• Rebecca Wyn Kelly

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

• Waterwise’s ‘Dry July’ 
• Waterfall #27 – Live From The Waterwise Conference 
• Waterfall #14 – Water Saving Wisdom With Waterwise 

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

• Droughtcast
• The Last Drop

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

• Droughtcast
• Tips from Southern Water on what people can do to get involved
• Slow The Flow
• Kent town benefits from cutting-edge technology to help reduce storm overflows
• Further information on Southern Water’s Pathfinder projects

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

• Waterfall #3 – Heat Beating Tips
• The latest from SE Water on the current situation

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 

• Mains To Rains
• RHS
• Water Industry Awards 2023 

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

• Make Water Famous
• Go Tap!
• Walking With Water 

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

• Water Saving Week
• Mike’s fundraising page

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

• Bin The Wipe
• Bin The Wipe x WaterUK

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’s fundraising page
• WaterAid 

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

• Go Tap!
• Full ‘Lifting The Lid’ research

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

• The Water Conservancy 
• Water Night

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

• WRAP

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

• Save every drop

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

• Waterwise conference

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

• Havant Thicket reservoir

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

• • Our vulnerability manifesto

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

• Severn Trent’s sustainability strategy

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

• BBC article: Shower at home vs at the gym: What’s cheaper?
• Ofwat standards of service
• Credit Where It’s Due: Your Right to a Refund
• What to expect if your water supply is interrupted

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’s Instagram account
• Milanzi Holdings

‘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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account
• Water saving advice and products
• Discover Water
• Help with bills
• WaterSure scheme

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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account
• WaterSafe
• CIWEM
• Met Office
• Waterwise
• MOSL
• Walking with Water

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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account

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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account
• South West Water

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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account
• Watersafe

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

• Waterfall’s Instagram account
• Walking with Water

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

• Dr Alicia Jeffrey Thomas on TikTok
• Our post on businesses wanting more help to understand their water consumption
• MOSL’s consumption dashboard
• MOSL’s environmental impact performance page

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

• Social Tariff guide
• Water Meter Calculator
• Benefits Calculator
• Grant Search Tool
• Contact your water company
• Organisations that help those struggling to pay

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

• Water saving advice and products
• Help with your water bills

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

• Is there enough water where you live?
• Water meter calculator