water matters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One year after beavers were reintroduced to this site, Tim Smedley returns to see what’s changed.
Joined by Ben from the Wildlife Trust, he explores how the beavers have shaped the landscape — from tree felling and canal building to water storage, habitat creation, and public reaction.
Filmed on location, this documentary-style episode offers a grounded look at how rewilding works in practice, and what these animals can teach us about restoring nature and managing water in a changing climate.

In this episode, Callum and author Tim Smedley take a deep dive into why the UK is more water-stressed than most people realise—and how solutions from both the ancient world and modern engineering could transform our future.
From Australia’s household rainwater tanks to Mexico City’s ambitious urban schemes, and from Iranian qanats to forgotten cisterns in Europe, this conversation uncovers the systems that once sustained entire civilisations and the technologies that could help us do the same today. They also explore emerging UK initiatives—like smart water butts and slow-drain systems—that could ease pressure on overwhelmed sewers and help communities adapt to extremes of drought and downpours.

Host Callum sits down with videographer Luke to discuss the ongoing hosepipe bans across the UK and the growing impact on everyday gardeners. They share customer stories from Yorkshire and Oxfordshire, show how reservoirs are visibly struggling, and explore practical ways people are collecting and re-using rainwater at home.

Host Matt is joined by author Tim Smedley to ask: was the summer of 1976 really as bad as we remember, or are today’s droughts even tougher? They compare two generations of water scarcity, discuss how Britain’s weather and infrastructure have shifted, and explore what needs to change — from national reservoirs to home rainwater harvesting. A clear-eyed look at nostalgia, climate, and the future of water in the UK.

📘 In this special episode of Water Matters, we dive into the launch of the very first Water Matters Yearbook 2025 — a new annual publication designed to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about the state of water globally.
We’re joined by Damian and Shaun, the creators of the Yearbook, to discuss why it was created, the insights it reveals about water challenges around the world, and how it aims to become a catalyst for change. From global trends and UK-specific issues to innovative projects and hopeful stories, this episode explores how the Yearbook brings crucial conversations into focus.
🌐 Download the Yearbook for free and join the conversation at WaterMatters.life
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