Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

In this special wrap-up episode of Waterfall, Mike Keil is joined by CCW’s Catherine Jones to look back on Season 5 and put their guests’ water-saving claims to the test. From academics and campaigners to water industry experts, they rank the season’s guests by their actual daily water use, revealing who really walks the walk when it comes to saving water. Along the way, they revisit standout moments from the series, share personal water-saving confessions, and show that cutting water use doesn’t require big lifestyle changes - just small, achievable tweaks that add up. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and overview 01:00 – Measuring water use 02:25 – Guests and water awareness 08:00 – Mid-table rankings 15:00 – Top 10 water savers 22:35 – Top 5 revealed 28:35 – Season’s top saver 29:35 – Mike and Cath’s water use 33:45 – Season 5 highlights 35:35 – Final thoughts and resources

In this milestone 100th episode of Waterfall, , Mike is joined by Professor Maja Kutlaca from Durham University to explore why recycling has become part of everyday life while saving water still lags behind. Drawing on her research in social psychology, Maja explains how visibility, social norms and trusted messengers shape our behaviour, and why water saving often feels less urgent or personal. Together, they discuss how better communication, community leadership and simple tools like water meters could help make water conservation a normal, everyday habit. Timestamps 00:00 – Introductions 01:00 – Recycling and water saving 03:13 – Why water saving is less visible 05:41 – Emotion and motivation 08:48 – Public trust and water saving 13:21 – Who should deliver messages 17:32 – Social pressure and habits 29:18 – Closing thoughts

Most football fans don’t realise just how many millions of litres of water are needed to keep pitches in top condition each season. In this episode, Mike chats with Jack Shuttleworth, founder of sustainable drainage company FORMA, to explore how cutting-edge systems at Everton and Hednesford Town are helping tackle water scarcity, flooding and pollution.    Time stamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – What is Formavoid and what inspired it? 03:40 – Replacing deep storm tanks 07:01 – Ventilation 11:41 – How rainwater harvesting works 14:06 – Monitoring water quality and nitrates 17:34 – Water and cost savings 23:15 – Sustainability 28:13 – Grassroots application 38:35 – Closing thoughts   Show notes  Inside Keys Park | A pitch special  Non-League. World-Class. Hednesford Town FC Unveils Next-Generation Pitch Technology - Hednesford Town FC   Innovation in attenuation – ready for take-off - Government & Public Sector Journal   Water meter calculator - CCW 

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 - CCW

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 - CCW Refresh your routine campaign: Engaging Gen Z to protect our water future - CCW    

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 – 02:52 – Introduction & guest welcome 02:52 – 05:44 – Common laundry myths 05:44 – 08:37 – Eco-wash cycles & benefits 08:37 – 11:29 – Caring for your washing machine 11:29 – 14:21 – Drying clothes efficiently 14:21 – 17:14 – Tools like Utrack & final tips   Show notes: Uswitch    

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   Show notes Report a leak to Severn Trent Severn Trent Water    

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.

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. Timestamps 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   Notes Water meter calculator - CCW 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.   Timestamps 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.   Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk   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 liters   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.   Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps  00:00:00: Introduction  00:01:32:  Saving money on your water bill - metering and reducing water use  00:08:08:  Help for those struggling to afford their water bill - payment plans, social tariffs etc.  00:17:03:  Help for high water users with medical conditions (WaterSure scheme)  00:19:03:  Dealing with water debt  00:23:53:  Other CCW resources: benefits calculator and grant search tool  00:26:08:  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.   Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk   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

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.

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.