water matters

Episode 30: The State of Water 2026: Climate, Sewage and Water Security

In this special mid-year edition of Water Matters, Matt reflects on the biggest water stories shaping the UK in 2026 so far. From water security and infrastructure investment to sewage pollution, climate adaptation, and nature-based solutions, this episode takes stock of where we are today and what to watch in the months ahead.

Episode 29: Could This Shop Save Our Oceans? | The Rise of Refill Stores

Thinking about finding your nearest refill store? Visit refilluk.org.uk to find refill shops and water top-up stations across the country, or find Nothing But Footprints at nothingbutfootprints.co.uk.
Most of us generate around 420 kilos of packaging waste every year — and a lot of it ends up somewhere it was never supposed to be.
In this episode, host Jake visits Nothing But Footprints, a refill store in the UK, and sits down with owner Dan to find out how packaging-free shopping actually works. From washing up liquid and cereals to toothpaste tablets and compostable sponges, Dan walks through what a refill store stocks, how to use one as a first-time customer, and why he started the whole thing after a diving trip in Southeast Asia left him staring at a mattress floating 50km out at sea in a protected marine park.
For more on water, sustainability and the issues shaping our future, visit us at watermatters.life

Episode 28: Why Water Matters More Than You Think

Water is the issue hiding in plain sight — affecting floods, food, health, wildlife, housing and the cost of living, and yet most people only think about it when something goes wrong.
This episode is a short introduction to the Water Matters podcast and what it's all about. Host Matthew Rolph explains why the platform exists, what topics it covers, and why water is one of the defining challenges of the coming decades. Whether you've just discovered the channel or want to understand what Water Matters is really trying to do, this is the place to start.
You'll also hear about the Water Wednesdays newsletter and the annual Water Matters Yearbook, both designed to help people stay informed on one of the most important topics of our time.
Thinking about exploring the world of water? Visit us at watermatters.life 

Dirty Business: The Real Story of the UK's Sewage Scandal

You've probably seen the headlines, but how did the UK sewage scandal actually happen, and why has it taken this long to become front page news?
In this episode of the Water Matters podcast, Matt is joined by Tim Smedley, author of The Last Drop, to dig into Channel 4's Dirty Business, the three-part docu-drama that brought the UK's sewage crisis to a mainstream audience. They trace how campaigners Ash Smith and Peter Hammond first uncovered illegal sewage releases into the River Windrush, how the introduction of event duration monitors finally made the scale of the problem impossible to ignore, and why water companies were able to discharge untreated sewage into rivers and seas for so long without consequence.
Thinking about the state of the UK's water system? Read Tim's blog and join the conversation at watermatters.life

Have We Entered an Era of Water Bankruptcy?

In this episode of Water Matters, Matt is joined by Tim Smedley to unpack a major new report introducing the concept of “water bankruptcy” — a shift from short-term water crises to long-term, irreversible loss of water systems.
They explore what this means in practice, from disappearing lakes and overused aquifers to the potential knock-on effects on food supply and global markets. The conversation also looks at whether we’re already seeing early signs of this in parts of the world — and what can still be done to change course.

Episode 25: Why Managing Rainwater at Home Matters More Than You Think

In this episode of Water Matters, Matt is joined by Dr Ari Cooper-Davis, Technical Director at Our Rainwater, to explore a different side of water management — what happens when rainwater falls on our homes and streets?
They discuss why managing rainwater “where it lands” is becoming increasingly important, how simple changes like water butts and permeable surfaces can reduce flooding and sewer overflows, and why collective action at a household level can have a much bigger impact than most people realise.

Episode 24: One Year Later - The Reality of Water in the UK

In this episode of Water Matters, Matt takes a step back to revisit a podcast recorded this time last year — and the differences are striking.
From unusually dry conditions and early signs of drought in 2025, to today’s shifting weather patterns, the episode highlights just how quickly the water landscape can change.

Episode 23: What the 2026 Water Matters Yearbook Reveals About Global Water

In this episode of Water Matters, Jake steps in as host to sit down with Matt and explore the thinking behind the 2026 Water Matters Yearbook, Shared Waters, Unequal Worlds. They break down why the yearbook was created, how it tracks global water challenges year by year, and what this year’s focus on inequality reveals about how water impacts people differently around the world.

Episode 22: The Middle East: How the Driest Region Manages Its Water

Disclaimer
This episode of the Water Matters podcast was recorded prior to the current developments in the Middle East. The discussion focuses solely on water management challenges and opportunities in the region and is not related to, nor intended to comment on, any current political or geopolitical events.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals participating in the conversation and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of their respective organisations.
In this episode of Water Matters, Tim Smedley steps in as host to speak with Ahmed Assaf, GRAF’s Area Sales Manager for the Middle East. Drawing on his experience across the region, Ahmed shares insights into how countries in the Gulf and beyond are approaching water — from major infrastructure investment after the Dubai floods, to the role of desalination, stormwater management, and rainwater reuse.

Ep 21: Floods, Droughts and Beavers — Are Nature-Based Solutions the Answer?

Following on from our previous episode at Rushden Lakes, Matt and Tim look back on what’s happened in the year since beavers were reintroduced to Northamptonshire.
They discuss what the beavers have changed so far, how they adapted through the drought of 2025, and whether wild releases could play a bigger role in tackling flooding, restoring wetlands, and improving water resilience across the UK.