Waterfall Rapids

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by sewer experts Steve Grebby and Steve Homer from Southern Water to uncover the truth about FOG (fats, oils and grease) and fatbergs. They discuss the costly impact of sewer blockages, how businesses can prevent them, and why disposing of fats, oils and grease correctly can help protect homes, businesses and the environment. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 27/10/2023. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:27 – What is FOG and how do fatbergs form? 02:23 – The cost and impact of sewer blockages 05:21 – Preventing FOG build-up in kitchens and businesses 07:40 – Grease management systems and industry challenges 08:39 – Project 100 and the link between water saving and sewer health 10:00 – Key takeaways and closing reflections

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Chris Philpott, Chief Executive of the Water Conservancy in Australia. They discuss Water Night, an initiative that encourages people to spend an evening without using water at home to better understand its value. The conversation explores Australia's experience of droughts and water scarcity, the inspiration behind Water Night, and how the campaign is helping people, particularly younger generations, develop a greater appreciation for water and adopt more water-efficient behaviours. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 14/4/2023. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 00:22 – Meet Chris Philpott and learn about Water Night 01:01 – Australia's experience of droughts and water challenges 04:00 – Why Water Night was created 05:53 – Reaching younger audiences and changing attitudes to water 09:34 – The impact of Water Night and key takeaways 11:47 – Final thoughts and close

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Natasha Wiseman, founder of Make Water Famous, to discuss how positive storytelling can help more people connect with water. Natasha shares the mission behind the growing platform, why people are more interested in water than many assume, and how raising awareness of water issues can inspire action, attract future talent to the sector, and support a more sustainable future. Plus, the team talk water-saving habits and the importance of celebrating the people working behind the scenes to keep our water services running. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 16/6/2023. Timestamps 01:39 Introductions 02:21 The idea behind Make Water Famous 04:00 Getting more people interested in water 05:36 Growing a global water community 08:56 Natasha's water-saving habits 10:50 Why making water famous matters

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen chat with Andrew Tucker, Demand Reduction Manager at Thames Water, about one of the biggest hidden sources of household water waste: leaky toilets. They discuss how modern dual-flush toilets leak internally without people noticing, how a single leaky loo can double a household's daily water usage, and what smart meter data is revealing about continuous leaks across thousands of homes. Andrew also breaks down why internal mechanisms fail and how upcoming regulations, like Defra's mandatory water labeling, aim to fix the issue on a national scale. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 29/9/2023. Timestamps 00:45 – Introductions 02:08 – What is a leaky loo and why modern toilets fail 03:49 – What smart meter data reveals about household leaks 05:20 – The national scale: 50 million litres lost daily 06:40 – Why dual-flush mechanisms fail and how to fix them

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen speak with Dr Claire Houlihan from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and Professor Alison Brown from the University of Manchester about their Ofwat-funded project, Enabling Water Smart Communities. They discuss what a "water smart community" really means, how new housing developments could better manage water, the challenges of water reuse, and why understanding why people use water matters more than just measuring how much. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 16/8/2024. Timestamps: 01:52 – What is a water smart community? 03:48 – Interesting findings so far 04:33 – The challenge of water reuse 05:20 – Why social science research on water matters 06:59 – Why understanding people matters more than numbers

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Lisa Craven, MD of Stormsaver, to talk about rainwater harvesting. She explains how the systems work, clears up common misconceptions about rainwater being dirty, and shares the impressive savings possible for both homes and businesses, plus practical tips for retrofitting older properties. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 2/8/2024. Timestamps: 00:56 – What is rainwater harvesting? 02:25 – Is rainwater actually clean? 04:04 – Typical water savings at home 07:16 – Business appetite for reuse 10:21 – Retrofitting an older home

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Lia takes us on two walks with water in Wales to promote the Walking with Water campaign. She speaks with Tony Rees from South East Wales Rivers Trust about the Taff Trail, its industrial heritage and its links to local reservoirs, then with land artist Rebecca Wynne-Kelly in Aberarth about Welsh water folklore, slowing down in nature, and the fight for water justice. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 21/7/2023. Timestamps: 00:39 – What is Walking with Water? 01:38 – Meeting Tony and the Taff Trail 04:21 – How reservoirs feed the river 07:42 – Meeting Rebecca in Aberarth 10:42 – The legend of the witch and the pool

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, producer Tom and Karen report live from Gardeners' World Live. They speak with Malcolm Moody from the Solihull and District Orchid Society about why orchids are water efficient and how to water them properly, then talk to Josh Fenton about his award-winning show garden, designed to demonstrate water-saving solutions like drought-tolerant planting and a composting toilet. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 19/7/2024. Timestamps: 01:43 – Are orchids water efficient? 02:54 – Rainwater vs tap water for plants 04:34 – Malcolm's top water-saving tips 06:59 – Josh's water-saving show garden 09:33 – The eco toilet, the "Cuddy"

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by author and environmental journalist Tim Smedley to talk about his book The Last Drop. They discuss the world's most shocking water crises, from Jordan's disappearing groundwater to the drying up of Lake Mead in the western US, the pros and cons of desalination, and why personal water use still matters. Tim shares how he cut his own household's water use by more than half through simple changes. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 14/7/2023. Timestamps: 01:37 – The world's most shocking water crises 03:07 – The drying up of Lake Mead 05:57 – Desalination: pros and cons 08:16 – Cutting personal water use 11:26 – Should water cost more?

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Cath and Karen are joined by Nicole McNabb and Nick Mills from Southern Water to talk about a trial using water butts and planters to cut storm overflows. They explain the difference between standard, slow-drain and smart water butts, share strong results from a trial on the Isle of Wight, and talk about the bigger picture: too much hard, non-permeable surface (like driveways) sending rainwater straight into the sewers. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 7/7/2023. Timestamps: 01:11 – The problem: storm overflows and runoff 02:37 – Isle of Wight trial results 03:23 – Types of water butts explained 07:04 – Bigger roofs and planters 08:05 – Driveways and permeable surfaces

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Cath and Karen are joined by Dr Mark Gush from the RHS to talk about water-wise gardening. He shares simple tips like letting your lawn grow longer to build deeper roots, watering in the morning to cut evaporation, and using mulch to lock moisture into the soil. He also points listeners to the RHS "Mains to Rains" pledge website for more ways to save water in the garden. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 23/6/2023. Timestamps: 01:42 – RHS's Mains to Rains pledges 04:16 – RHS's own water-saving changes 05:04 – Longer lawns, deeper roots 08:04 – Best time to water 09:11 – Why mulch works so well

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Cath explain why the water pressure drops or the water goes off when it's really hot. It's not because there isn't enough rain - there was plenty over winter and spring. The real problem is that when it's hot, everyone uses much more water at once, and the pipes and treatment works can't keep up. They talk about how companies can get ready for this, why saving water all year round helps, and why South East Water brought in a hosepipe ban - not because of drought, but because their network couldn't cope with demand. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 30/6/2023. Timestamps: 00:48 – Is it because of not enough rain? (No) 02:11 – Why it really happens: too much demand at once 02:41 – How companies can get ready 05:58 – Easy ways to use less water 07:47 – Saving water helps your community, not just the company 09:37 – South East Water's hosepipe ban explained

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Natasha Wiseman, founder of Make Water Famous, a positive news platform dedicated to connecting people with water in all its forms. Calling in from a camper van in the Pyrenees, Natasha explains how the platform is reaching over half a million people across more than 100 countries by telling water stories through angles people already care about, from swimming and fishing to gaming and food. The episode is a refreshing reminder that people are far more interested in water than the industry often assumes. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:39 – Guest introduction 02:24 – What is Make Water Famous? 04:46 – Reaching new audiences with positive water stories 07:43 – Why the water sector needs better storytelling 08:56 – Natasha's personal water use

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by Matt Croxell, Interim Charity Director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, to talk about water safety, drowning prevention and the power of water. With child drowning figures having doubled in recent years, Matt explains what is driving the rise, what the Water Safety Code is and how to follow it, and why more than half of all drowning fatalities happen in inland waterways rather than at the coast. The episode also explores the broader message of respecting water in all its forms, from open water swimming to water conservation. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Guest introduction 00:54 – Drowning Prevention Week and rising child drowning figures 02:11 – The link between hotter weather and drowning risk 03:34 – The Water Safety Code explained 05:45 – Connecting water safety with wider water messages 08:23 – Why inland waterways are more dangerous than people think

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Helen Roberts, a socio-meteorologist from the Met Office, to explore how understanding human behaviour can help us respond better to weather and climate challenges. Helen explains what socio-meteorology is, how cognitive biases shape the way we make decisions and why the right message in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. The episode draws fascinating parallels between weather communication and water efficiency, and introduces a practical behavioural model that could help change the way we all think about water use. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:34 – Guest introduction 01:02 – What is socio-meteorology? 03:31 – How better messaging drives behaviour change 06:13 – The COM-B model explained 08:47 – Linking weather, water and public awareness in the South West 10:54 – Helen's personal water use

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Cath are joined by Lia, a water sector professional originally from Greece and now based in Cardiff, to explore the water situation in one of Europe's sunniest countries. From prolonged drought and devastating wildfires to desalination on the islands and households drilling their own wells, Lia paints a vivid picture of a country under real water pressure. The episode also touches on some surprising water saving practices in Greece, including municipalities cutting off supply during the hottest hours of the day, and what the UK could learn from it all. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 00:42 – Guest introduction 01:07 – Greece's water resources and the challenge of drought 03:25 – Islands, desalination and agricultural pressures 06:26 – Attitudes towards water in Greece vs the UK 09:09 – Water saving practices: bidets, wells and rainwater tanks 10:28 – Cutting the supply off during the hottest hours of the day

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike heads out as roving reporter to visit the garden of David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, to see how one person has transformed their home into a mini rain garden. David explains how he ripped up concrete, installed an ingenious water butt overflow system and planted fruit trees, all to reduce surface water runoff and give nature a helping hand. The episode is full of simple, practical ideas for anyone looking to make their outdoor space work harder for both wildlife and water efficiency. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Guest introduction 02:09 – From concrete to garden: David's transformation 04:23 – The water butt overflow system explained 07:05 – What David did with his front garden 09:25 – The case for surface water rebates 10:31 – Inspiring the street and scaling up the idea

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen share their top 10 tips for staying cool, saving water and saving money during the heatwave. From paddling pools and water fights to garden watering and chilled tap water, this episode is packed with simple, practical advice for making the most of the hot weather without wasting a drop. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – Lawns and sprinklers 01:35 – Water fights and outdoor pools 02:27 – Water butts and gardening 03:16 – Car washing 04:40 – Paddling pools 06:35 – Final tips and wrap up

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by Pete O'Hanlon and Annie Lamb from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to explore the work they are doing to support customers in vulnerable circumstances. From specialist support teams and social tariffs to outreach events and free water efficiency products, Pete and Annie explain how Welsh Water is taking a personalised, community focused approach to helping customers who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The episode is full of inspiring examples of how water companies can go beyond the bill to make a real difference in people's lives. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:22 – Guest introductions: Pete O'Hanlon and Annie Lamb, Welsh Water 03:53 – Water efficiency and the personal touch 06:28 – Innovative approaches to engaging customers 08:18 – Water saving tips available to all Welsh Water customers 10:31 – Water resilient communities projects

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Ana Millan from CCW and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero, water resources engineer at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, to explore Colombia's remarkable water saving story. When a tunnel collapse in 1997 threatened Bogota's entire water supply, the city launched urgent conservation campaigns that permanently transformed how its eight million residents use water. The episode explores how a powerful combination of price signals, universal metering and behaviour change brought daily water use down to just 92 litres per person per day, and what the UK could learn from it. Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 00:52 – Guest introductions: Ana Millan and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero 01:22 – The 1997 water crisis in Bogota 04:31 – Did the water saving measures work? 06:41 – A culture of water saving passed down through generations 08:55 – The recipe for success: metering, pricing and behaviour change