In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Cath and Karen are joined by Dr Mark Gush from the RHS to talk about water-wise gardening. He shares simple tips like letting your lawn grow longer to build deeper roots, watering in the morning to cut evaporation, and using mulch to lock moisture into the soil. He also points listeners to the RHS "Mains to Rains" pledge website for more ways to save water in the garden.

The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 23/6/2023.

Timestamps:

• 01:42 – RHS's Mains to Rains pledges
• 04:16 – RHS's own water-saving changes
• 05:04 – Longer lawns, deeper roots
• 08:04 – Best time to water
• 09:11 – Why mulch works so well

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Cath explain why the water pressure drops or the water goes off when it's really hot. It's not because there isn't enough rain - there was plenty over winter and spring. The real problem is that when it's hot, everyone uses much more water at once, and the pipes and treatment works can't keep up. They talk about how companies can get ready for this, why saving water all year round helps, and why South East Water brought in a hosepipe ban - not because of drought, but because their network couldn't cope with demand.

The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 30/6/2023.

Timestamps:

• 00:48 – Is it because of not enough rain? (No)
• 02:11 – Why it really happens: too much demand at once
• 02:41 – How companies can get ready
• 05:58 – Easy ways to use less water
• 07:47 – Saving water helps your community, not just the company
• 09:37 – South East Water's hosepipe ban explained

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Natasha Wiseman, founder of Make Water Famous, a positive news platform dedicated to connecting people with water in all its forms. Calling in from a camper van in the Pyrenees, Natasha explains how the platform is reaching over half a million people across more than 100 countries by telling water stories through angles people already care about, from swimming and fishing to gaming and food. The episode is a refreshing reminder that people are far more interested in water than the industry often assumes.

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

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:39 – Guest introduction

02:24 – What is Make Water Famous?

04:46 – Reaching new audiences with positive water stories

07:43 – Why the water sector needs better storytelling

08:56 – Natasha's personal water use

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike is joined by Matt Croxell, Interim Charity Director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, to talk about water safety, drowning prevention and the power of water. With child drowning figures having doubled in recent years, Matt explains what is driving the rise, what the Water Safety Code is and how to follow it, and why more than half of all drowning fatalities happen in inland waterways rather than at the coast. The episode also explores the broader message of respecting water in all its forms, from open water swimming to water conservation.

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

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Guest introduction

00:54 – Drowning Prevention Week and rising child drowning figures

02:11 – The link between hotter weather and drowning risk

03:34 – The Water Safety Code explained

05:45 – Connecting water safety with wider water messages

08:23 – Why inland waterways are more dangerous than people think

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen are joined by Helen Roberts, a socio-meteorologist from the Met Office, to explore how understanding human behaviour can help us respond better to weather and climate challenges. Helen explains what socio-meteorology is, how cognitive biases shape the way we make decisions and why the right message in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. The episode draws fascinating parallels between weather communication and water efficiency, and introduces a practical behavioural model that could help change the way we all think about water use.

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

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:34 – Guest introduction

01:02 – What is socio-meteorology?

03:31 – How better messaging drives behaviour change

06:13 – The COM-B model explained

08:47 – Linking weather, water and public awareness in the South West

10:54 – Helen's personal water use

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Cath are joined by Lia, a water sector professional originally from Greece and now based in Cardiff, to explore the water situation in one of Europe's sunniest countries. From prolonged drought and devastating wildfires to desalination on the islands and households drilling their own wells, Lia paints a vivid picture of a country under real water pressure. The episode also touches on some surprising water saving practices in Greece, including municipalities cutting off supply during the hottest hours of the day, and what the UK could learn from it all.

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

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

00:42 – Guest introduction

01:07 – Greece's water resources and the challenge of drought

03:25 – Islands, desalination and agricultural pressures

06:26 – Attitudes towards water in Greece vs the UK

09:09 – Water saving practices: bidets, wells and rainwater tanks

10:28 – Cutting the supply off during the hottest hours of the day

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike heads out as roving reporter to visit the garden of David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, to see how one person has transformed their home into a mini rain garden. David explains how he ripped up concrete, installed an ingenious water butt overflow system and planted fruit trees, all to reduce surface water runoff and give nature a helping hand. The episode is full of simple, practical ideas for anyone looking to make their outdoor space work harder for both wildlife and water efficiency.

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

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction

01:06 – Guest introduction

02:09 – From concrete to garden: David's transformation

04:23 – The water butt overflow system explained

07:05 – What David did with his front garden

09:25 – The case for surface water rebates

10:31 – Inspiring the street and scaling up the idea

In this episode of Waterfall Rapids, Mike and Karen share their top 10 tips for staying cool, saving water and saving money during the heatwave. From paddling pools and water fights to garden watering and chilled tap water, this episode is packed with simple, practical advice for making the most of the hot weather without wasting a drop.

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

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 00:54 – Lawns and sprinklers 01:35 – Water fights and outdoor pools 02:27 – Water butts and gardening 03:16 – Car washing 04:40 – Paddling pools 06:35 – Final tips and wrap up