In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Professor Benjamin Gardner from the University of Surrey to explore how smart shower technology is reshaping our understanding of everyday water use. Ben shares insights from a major research project that used sensor-based timers in student accommodation to track shower habits, reveal what drives long showers, and show how simple feedback can cut shower times by up to 43 percent. Together, they uncover how small nudges, smarter tech, and better awareness can help us save water, energy, and money without compromising comfort.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introductions and smart showers explained01:03 – How smart shower sensors work03:29 – The Surrey study and the impact of timers06:06 – Why real-time feedback beats egg timers09:15 – What the data reveals about shower habits15:22 – Key findings, surprises, and future research25:56 – Closing thoughts and personal water use
Show notes
Water meter calculator - CCW

Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

CCW - The Consumer Council For Water

#98 Smart Showers, Smarter Habits: University of Surrey’s Water-Saving Revolution

NOV 17, 202528 MIN
Waterfall - Saving Water Podcast

#98 Smart Showers, Smarter Habits: University of Surrey’s Water-Saving Revolution

NOV 17, 202528 MIN

Description

In this episode of Waterfall, Mike is joined by Professor Benjamin Gardner from the University of Surrey to explore how smart shower technology is reshaping our understanding of everyday water use. Ben shares insights from a major research project that used sensor-based timers in student accommodation to track shower habits, reveal what drives long showers, and show how simple feedback can cut shower times by up to 43 percent. Together, they uncover how small nudges, smarter tech, and better awareness can help us save water, energy, and money without compromising comfort. Timestamps 00:00 – Introductions and smart showers explained 01:03 – How smart shower sensors work 03:29 – The Surrey study and the impact of timers 06:06 – Why real-time feedback beats egg timers 09:15 – What the data reveals about shower habits 15:22 – Key findings, surprises, and future research 25:56 – Closing thoughts and personal water use Show notes Water meter calculator - CCW