Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

#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

#71 - Water Safety First: Valuing And Respecting Water With The Royal Life Saving Society

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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction & hellos
1:16 - Tony V's Peecycling podcast recomendation
3:24 - Matt Croxall joins the podcast and explains what RLSS does
5:54 - How has the campaign of Drowning Prevention Week and the organisation evolved over time?
7:10 - Is there a link between climate change and the increase in child drownings?
8:40 - The importance of enjoying water safely
10:35 - The four key elements of the water safety code
14:50 - RLSS' collaborations with influencers as a messaging strategy
17:15 - Is the RLSS seeing a knock on impact on water safety due to the impact of Covid on swimming lessons?
23:45 - Being responsible and respectful with water
24:40 - How do listeners find out more about RLSS and engage with their work?
27:15 - The skills gained from being a lifeguard  
28:34 - Matt's personal water use
29:25 - Can Karen recall the water safety code?
Show notes
Tony's Peecycling podcast recommendation
RLSS
Drowning Prevention Week

#70 - Empowering Vulnerable Customers: Welsh Water's Stream Of Support

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.
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction and hellos
1:02 - A toilet with a hot water flush?!
3:10 - Pete & Annie join the show
3:50 - The perils of leaky loos
5:15 - The origins and purpose of Welsh Water's vulnerable customer team
7:17 - Services that the team offer
9:39 - How many people does Welsh Water help per year?
11:50 - The team's work with the charity, Designed to Smile
15:42 - How do the team know what vulnerable customers may need in terms of water efficiency?
19:40 - Experience with customers
22:56 - The team's use of behavioral science  
24:51 - Welsh Water's general water efficiency use
27:51 - Upcoming products the team wish to employ
30:56 - Future areas of Wales the team wish to explore
34:00 - Final thoughts and close 
 
Show notes 
 
Welsh Water Priority Services
Welsh Water's Cartef Community 

#69 - Exploring Defra's Approach To Reducing Water Use

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. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps
 
0:00 - Introductions 1:08 - Tony V's toilet trouble from back in the 1970s 4:05 - Katie joins the podcast and discusses her role at Defra6:12 - Actions that the government want to implement to help the public reduce their water use8:25 - Why has it taken so long for reduction targets to be established?9:40 - The role of the non-household market in reducing water use12:57 - The ongoing issues of leaking toilets 14:00 - The continual mystery of dual flush toilet buttons17:23 - Mythbusting about the Defra's targets for households and business customers 25:25 - Defra's view on smart metering 28:17 - Katie's water saving tips 31:00 - Shower song recommendations  
Show notes
CCW's water meter calculator

#68 - California Dryin'

Mike & Karen are joined by British-born California resident, Chris Worrall, to discuss his one-man mission against household water waste in the Golden State. 
 
Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
 
Timestamps
 
0:00 -  Introduction and hellos1:42 - Thoughts on Jonathan Ross' unusual shower confession5:24 - Chris joins the show and explains the water situation in San Jose8:04 - Chris' plan to cut costs and reduce water waste11:04 - The trouble of swimming pools14:15 - Chris' expert level spreadsheet of his water bills 19:31 - The impact of regular water bills being distributed to consumers21:24 - The changes that Chris has made to reduce water use 23:40 - Chris' water use and quick wins  24:45 - Low flow regulation in California 31:03 - Final thoughts and takeaways