In this episode of Waterfall, Mike and Karen are joined by Ana Millan from CCW and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero, water resources engineer at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, to explore Colombia's remarkable water saving story. When a tunnel collapse in 1997 threatened Bogota's entire water supply, the city launched urgent conservation campaigns that permanently transformed how its eight million residents use water. The episode explores how a powerful combination of price signals, universal metering and behaviour change brought daily water use down to just 92 litres per person per day, and what the UK could learn from it.

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

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

00:52 – Guest introductions: Ana Millan and Luis Alejandro Camacho-Botero

01:22 – The 1997 water crisis in Bogota

04:31 – Did the water saving measures work?

06:41 – A culture of water saving passed down through generations

08:55 – The recipe for success: metering, pricing and behaviour change

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 – Introduction 0:34 – Guest introduction: Helen White, WRAP 0:53 – What is WRAP? 3:48 – The staggering scale of everyday food waste 5:31 – The food waste and water connection 8:21 – Practical tips to reduce food waste at home

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 welcome 00:00:47 Why saving water matters 00:02:00 Future water demand 00:04:30 Balancing supply and demand 00:06:00 The wider water cycle

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 setting 00:01:40 – “Walking with Water” initiative explained 00:04:20 – What CCW does for customers 00:07:50 – Why water saving matters 00:08:50 – Personal water use and saving tips

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

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 – Introduction 00:00:53 – What Fluidion does 00:02:16 – Why the Seine isn’t safe to swim 00:03:39 – Global water monitoring 00:04:49 – Real-time alerts and data 00:06:01 – Olympic clean-up efforts 00:08:23 – Hidden pollution sources 00:10:09 – New tech vs lab testing 00:12:01 – Rethinking water safety standards

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 – Introduction 01:34 – What to Expect from Your Water Company 03:00 – Guaranteed Service Standards 05:09 – Compensation for Sewer Flooding 06:50 – Supply Interruptions and Payments 10:06 – Personal Water Use & Saving Tips

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