WiseOnWater podcast

About WiseOnWater podcast

This podcast delves into the critical issues shaping the future of water in the UK. Join host Natasha Wiseman as she chats with industry experts, policymakers, and researchers about the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the UK water sector. Every month, we'll be bringing together a diverse range of voices to spark insightful conversations and actionable solutions.

Publisher

WiseOnWater podcast

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Sept 2024

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   S2 E11 Circular Economy

   In season 2, episode 11 of WiseOnWater, Conversations in Flow, host Natasha Wiseman dives into the concept of the circular economy within the UK water sector. Moving away from traditional linear models, the industry is exploring innovative ways to recover energy, valuable materials, and high-purity water from sewage and wastewater. Natasha is joined by two leading experts to discuss how cutting-edge technologies, cross-sector partnerships, and changing regulatory and social frameworks are unlocking the hidden value in wastewater. Guests: Lisa Mansell, Head of Innovation and Outperformance at United Utilities, explores: United Utilities' historic investment programme in the North West and how standardisation and innovation act as twin levers for outperformance Insights into major Water Innovation Fund projects, including Splitting Biogas, Multiplying Value (converting sewage biogas into hydrogen and graphene) and recovering cellulose and biopolymers from wastewater How the utility is breaking down silos through co-funding, academic partnerships, and supply chain collaboration. Verónica García-Molina, Senior Director, High Growth Verticals at Xylem, discusses: What a closed-loop water system looks like and how wastewater can be treated to give it a second life The real challenges of water reuse - focusing on public perception, engagement, and education rather than technology gaps Global perspectives - drawing on international examples from Spain (where up to 90% of wastewater is reused for agriculture) to demonstrate how reusing water for industry and irrigation frees up fresh water for public consumption How green funding mechanisms are helping utilities offset initial capital burdens, and why seawater desalination and water reuse will be complementary pillars of future water security.

2. 

   14 Sept 2026

   S2 E10: Trust, Innovation and Demand Reduction

   This episode brings together a diverse lineup of guests representing a water company, regulator, campaign groups, and the charity sector to explore how reducing household water usage to meet regulatory targets can be achieved through a combination of cross-sector collaboration, radical innovation, behavioural science, and trusted messaging. Guests: Tim Wagstaff – Water Efficiency & Innovation Lead, Ofwat. Outlines the £100m Innovation Fund, the £25m Water Efficiency Lab, customer accountability, and commercial workplace initiatives. Rachel Dyson – Project Manager, Waterwise. Introduces the £3m 50 Litre Home Project (co-led with Northumbrian Water, Procter & Gamble, and global manufacturers). Dr Nicholas Cryer – Senior Scientist in Horticultural Water Management, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Discusses smart meter data, sensor technology, and behavioural strategies to transition UK gardens toward water neutrality. Sarah Castelvecchi – Consumption Lead, Anglian Water. Explores utility demand-reduction strategies, leakage eradication, and rebuilding consumer trust from the ground up. Jane Ballard – Weir the Agency. Explores creative campaign execution, targeted behavioural messaging, and high-impact communication strategies. Key discussion points Public trust: Why water utilities cannot achieve ambitious reduction demand goals without restoring consumer confidence and utilising neutral, cross-sector messengers Innovation: How the £100m Ofwat Innovation Fund and the Water Efficiency Lab are financing cross-sector pilots, behavioural nudges, and customer-centric campaigns Efficiency: Shifting household efficiency away from personal sacrifice toward low-flow smart technology, automated appliances, and default home design. Demand management: Leveraging smart meters, flow sensors, and behavioural science Commercial: Tackling non-household consumption and workplace water behaviours.

3. 

   10 Aug 2026

   S2 Summer Special

   In this special highlights edition, host Natasha Wiseman looks back at some of the key discussions from Season 2, including: the call for a unified national water strategy, the opportunities of long-term regional planning, and the challenges of regaining public trust. Featuring takeaways on the regulatory overhaul, scaling nature-based catchments, and real-world deployments of leak-detecting AI, this episode packages the water sector's crucial strategic shifts into an essential summer listening. Featured guests include: Marcus Rink OBE (Chief Inspector, Drinking Water Inspectorate), Karma Loveday (Editor, The UK Water Report), Matt Wheeldon (Director of Infrastructure Development, Wessex Water), Dr Jo Jolly (Director of Environment and Innovation, Ofwat), Lee Pitcher MP (Chair, APPG on Water), David Millar (Senior Innovation Fellow, Scottish Hydro Nation Chair Programme), Angela McOscar (Head of Innovation, Northumbrian Water), Siân Thomas (Director of Strategic Asset Management, Anglian Water), and Steve Plumb (Asset Strategy & Capital Delivery Director, Affinity Water).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

30

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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