Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

In this special wrap-up episode of Waterfall, Mike Keil is joined by CCW’s Catherine Jones to look back on Season 5 and put their guests’ water-saving claims to the test. From academics and campaigners to water industry experts, they rank the season’s guests by their actual daily water use, revealing who really walks the walk when it comes to saving water. Along the way, they revisit standout moments from the series, share personal water-saving confessions, and show that cutting water use doesn’t require big lifestyle changes - just small, achievable tweaks that add up.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome and overview

In this milestone 100th episode of Waterfall, , Mike is joined by Professor Maja Kutlaca from Durham University to explore why recycling has become part of everyday life while saving water still lags behind. Drawing on her research in social psychology, Maja explains how visibility, social norms and trusted messengers shape our behaviour, and why water saving often feels less urgent or personal. Together, they discuss how better communication, community leadership and simple tools like water meters could help make water conservation a normal, everyday habit.

00:00 – Introductions

Most football fans don’t realise just how many millions of litres of water are needed to keep pitches in top condition each season. In this episode, Mike chats with Jack Shuttleworth, founder of sustainable drainage company FORMA, to explore how cutting-edge systems at Everton and Hednesford Town are helping tackle water scarcity, flooding and pollution.   

Time stamps

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – What is Formavoid and what inspired it?

03:40 – Replacing deep storm tanks

07:01 – Ventilation

11:41 – How rainwater harvesting works

14:06 – Monitoring water quality and nitrates

17:34 – Water and cost savings

23:15 – Sustainability

28:13 – Grassroots application

38:35 – Closing thoughts

Show notes 

Inside Keys Park | A pitch special 

Non-League. World-Class. Hednesford Town FC Unveils Next-Generation Pitch Technology - Hednesford Town FC  

Innovation in attenuation – ready for take-off - Government & Public Sector Journal  

Water meter calculator - CCW 

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 explained

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 – Introductions

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 overview

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