Waterfall Rapids

#15 Go Bananas to End Water Waste

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Helen White, Special Adviser on Household Food Waste at WRAP, to explore the surprising connection between food waste and water waste. Helen reveals the staggering scale of what ends up in our bins every day, from 920,000 bananas to over 3 million glasses of milk, and explains the hidden water cost of throwing food away. The episode is packed with practical, easy to follow tips on smarter shopping, correct food storage, and creative ways to use up what you've already bought.
Get in touch with the show with any questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction0:34 – Guest introduction: Helen White, WRAP0:53 – What is WRAP?3:48 – The staggering scale of everyday food waste5:31 – The food waste and water connection8:21 – Practical tips to reduce food waste at home

#14 The nature of water

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Alistair Chisholm to discuss why water is essential for both people and the environment. They explore future challenges around water supply, the importance of using less, and how everyday actions connect to the wider water cycle. The episode highlights that saving water can reduce pressure on nature while helping secure supplies for the future.
Timestamp
00:00:00 Introduction and guest welcome00:00:47 Why saving water matters00:02:00 Future water demand00:04:30 Balancing supply and demand00:06:00 The wider water cycle
 
 

#13 Myth‑Understood

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by producer Tom and Emma Clancy for a special outdoor recording along the River Thames in Berkshire. The conversation introduces the “Walking with Water” initiative, which encourages people to explore local waterways and build a stronger connection with the water they use every day. Emma also explains CCW’s role as a consumer advocate, supporting customers and ensuring the water sector works in their interests. The episode highlights why saving water is increasingly important and how small, practical changes at home can make a meaningful difference.
Timestamp
00:00:00 – Introduction and outdoor setting00:01:40 – “Walking with Water” initiative explained00:04:20 – What CCW does for customers00:07:50 – Why water saving matters00:08:50 – Personal water use and saving tips

#12 Every drop counts mini edition

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen speak with Laura from South West Water about water efficiency in the South West. After a dry year, the “Stop the Drop” campaign encouraged customers to use less water, improving reservoir levels and highlighting how small actions make a difference. With ongoing dry conditions, the campaign has evolved into “Save Every Drop”, alongside plans for long-term solutions like desalination. The episode showcases the importance of continuous engagement and sustainable water use.
Timestamp
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:36 – “Stop the Drop” campaign overview
00:02:47 – Campaign results
00:05:19 – Customer behaviour insights
00:08:45 – “Save Every Drop” campaign launch

#11 An Olympic Challenge

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen speak to Dan Angelescu, founder of Fluidion, about the cutting-edge technology being used to monitor water quality in Paris ahead of the Olympics.
They explore how real-time monitoring is helping track pollution levels in the River Seine, the challenges cities face with sewage and stormwater, and whether the river is truly safe for swimming. Dan also explains how new technology can detect bacteria more accurately than traditional lab methods and what that could mean for the future of water quality monitoring worldwide.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction00:00:53 – What Fluidion does00:02:16 – Why the Seine isn’t safe to swim00:03:39 – Global water monitoring00:04:49 – Real-time alerts and data00:06:01 – Olympic clean-up efforts00:08:23 – Hidden pollution sources00:10:09 – New tech vs lab testing00:12:01 – Rethinking water safety standards

#10 Know your water rights!

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Janine Shackleton to explain what customers should expect from their water companies. From accurate bills and reliable water supply to customer service standards, they break down the Guaranteed Standards of Service and when customers may be entitled to compensation if things go wrong.
They also discuss where to find information about your rights, why it’s important to speak up if you’re unhappy with your service, and share practical water-saving tips from everyday life.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction01:34 – What to Expect from Your Water Company03:00 – Guaranteed Service Standards05:09 – Compensation for Sewer Flooding06:50 – Supply Interruptions and Payments10:06 – Personal Water Use & Saving Tips
 

#9 Waterfall Live!

In this special live episode of Waterfall Rapids, recorded at the Institute of Water’s Annual Conference 2023, the team explores the theme “Trust in Water” and why trust is so important when it comes to saving water. Guests include Nicci Russell, CEO of Waterwise, and Nicholas Adjei, Deputy Chief Inspector at the Drinking Water Inspectorate, who discuss why trust matters for water conservation, the value of tap water, and the challenges facing the water sector in maintaining public confidence.
The full-length edition of this episode was originally released on 15/09/2023.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Live show intro
00:01:44 – Meet the team
00:02:17 – Talk with Nicci Russell (CEO, Waterwise)
00:06:16 – Talk with Nicholas Adjei (Deputy Chief Inspector, DWI)
00:12:23 – Outro and thanks

#8 Making a splash in our communities

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Evan Joanette, water market specialist and consumer advocate at MOSL, to explore how businesses use water and the vital role they play in reducing demand. Together, they discuss how smarter water use can cut costs, save energy, and reduce carbon emissions, while easing pressure on water resources during times of drought.
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome
01:40 – What MOSL does and how the business water market works
02:55 – Why business water use matters
04:18 – Practical ways businesses can save and reuse water
05:42 – Trade effluent and responsible drainage
08:10 – Personal water use and simple saving tips

#7 From source to tap

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Alastair Chisholm, Director of Policy at CIWEM (The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management), for a detailed and stimulating discussion on water’s relationship with the wider natural world. Together, they explore why conscientious water use matters, the growing pressures on the UK’s water resources, and how individual actions can help protect both the environment and future supplies.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome00:47 – Why saving water matters02:06 – Future water demand and infrastructure challenges03:13 – One litre saved = one litre back to the environment04:35 – Balancing the needs of people and nature05:28 – Rethinking water storage: land, soil and trees07:31 – Reasons for optimism and the need for action09:16 – Reflections and conclusion

#6 Water saving wisdom

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Steph and Nathan from WaterWise, an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting water efficiency across the UK. They share insights on why using water wisely matters, practical tips for saving water at home, from checking for leaky toilets to smart shower habits, and ideas for making everyday choices that help both your bills and the planet.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction02:08 – Why water efficiency matters06:50 – Toilet tips09:21 – Everyday household tips11:28 – Conclusion