Hi:
The one on the left is wire loom that is covering wiring and the one on the right is the parking brake cable. As far as the water, how far up does the mat get wet? The only thing I can think of is either the windshield is leaking or the weather strip iaround the door (most likely at the top) is allowing water to get in. On a dry day, take the car to the car wash or at home and have someone spray everywhere around the windshield while you watch for leaks under the dash and around the door. That would be my first guess. Sorry I can't be more helpful but that is what they would do at a shop.
Let me know what you find.
Joe
Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 5:46 PM