Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

#81 The benefits of smart metering

In this episode, Mike and Karen recently 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.

#80 - Zero-Water Homes: The Future Of Water Efficiency

In this episode, Cath & Karen dive into Project Zero, an innovative collaboration between Ofwat and Nesta focused 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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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
Shownotes
 
Affinity Water's neutrality trial slashes consumption levels - Utility Week
Our water neutrality project - Affinity Water
Affinity Water's water neutrality project achieves milestone

#79 - Water Night 2024

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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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

#78 - Turn The Tide: How To Effectively Complain To Your Water Company

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.
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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 - CCW

#77 - Future Beer: Recycled Refreshment From Devil's Canyon

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.
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps 
0:01 - Introductions and hello
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

#76 - Shower Smarter, Not Longer: Saving Water With The Power Of Pressure

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. 
 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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 | Water | The Guardian
OSF Preprints | Beyond the water flow rate: Water pressure and smart timers impact shower efficiency

#75 - Enabling Water Smart Communities: Social Innovations In Water Conservation

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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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

#74 - Tapping Into Nature: Rainwater Harvesting 101

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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps 
 
0:00 - Introduction and hellos1:07 - 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 rainwater8:30 - 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 
 

#73 - Gardening Sustainably: Learning From The Experts At Gardeners' World Live

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.
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
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 garden11:35 - Malcolm's daily water use 13:00 - Reflecting on Malcolm's wisdom15:01 - Josh  Fenton joins the show15:55 - 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 

#72 - An Olympic Challenge: Cleaning Up The River Seine

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.
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps
 
0:00 - Introductions and hellos 1:26 - The weird and wacky things found in sewers3:42- Dan Angelescu joins the show and discusses the work of Fluidion5:53 - Measuring water quality from a human point of view. 6:54 - Swimming being banned in the Seine for 100 years8:54 - 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 far22:21 - Is there a possibility of the Seine not being used for the Olympics?26:12 -  The global problems of water pollution28:13 - Monitoring water pollution in the UK32:20 - Dan's personal water use34:56 - 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