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 explained01:03 – How smart shower sensors work03:29 – The Surrey study and the impact of timers06:06 – Why real-time feedback beats egg timers09:15 – What the data reveals about shower habits15:22 – Key findings, surprises, and future research25:56 – 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 – Introductions01:25 – The Rainwater Management Platform05:17 – Lessons from drainage history09:14 – Climate change and local action12:45 – Smarter infrastructure and policy16:04 – Practical steps at home22:54 – The need for national strategy30:00 – Rethinking storm overflows36:36 – Water use, homes, and future planning40:00 – 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 overview02:35 - Why wet winters matter for water supplies06:27 - Drought planning and the idea of winter droughts10:13 - Climate extremes and changing rainfall patterns13:29 - Why saving water still matters18:57 - 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 – Introduction00:01:32 – National Water Challenges00:04:44 – How Severn Trent Tackles Leaks00:07:16 – Tools and Technology00:08:42 – Smart Meters and Helping Customers00:17:06 – Building Trust and Everyday Tips00:18:13 – 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 Overview1:15 – Guest Introduction 2:12 – Vox Pops on Daily Water Use6:02 – Real Water Usage vs Perception10:10 – Benefits of Smart Water Meters14:11 – 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 mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 16/8/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 2/8/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, we travelled 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 19/7/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 5/7/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 14/6/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 24/5/2024.

In this mini edition of Waterfall, 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. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 10/5/2024.