Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

#85 Making your water bill more affordable

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 
 

#84 Clearing the FOGs: The Impact of Fats, Oils, and Greases

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

#83 Pulling the plug

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.

#82 Cape Town's Day Zero: Harnessing Behavioural Change

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.

#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