You can switch your business water supplier. Most businesses never have.
Businesses in England have been able to choose their water retailer since 2017, yet many are still with the one they were given. Here's how the market works.
Most businesses review their energy regularly. Very few have ever looked at their water.
That's surprising, because since April 2017 almost every business, charity and public sector organisation in England has been able to choose who supplies its water and wastewater services. In Scotland, the business water market has been open even longer, since 2008.
How the business water market works
The pipes and the water itself don't change. Your regional water company still looks after the network, the treatment and the physical supply.
What you can change is your retailer: the company that bills you, reads your meter, handles your account and deals with your queries. When the market opened, businesses were automatically allocated a retailer, and many have simply stayed there ever since.
Why it's worth a look
Switching retailer doesn't involve any work on site, and there's no interruption to your supply. A review can help with:
- Billing accuracy: estimated bills and incorrect meter readings are common, especially for businesses that have changed premises or usage.
- Charges you may not need to pay: surface water and drainage charges, for example, can sometimes be reduced where rainwater doesn't drain into the public sewer.
- Multi-site businesses: bringing every site onto one account and one bill.
- Leaks and high usage: spotting unusual consumption early.
- Service: a single point of contact who answers the phone.
Who can switch
- England: almost all non-household customers can choose their retailer.
- Scotland: all non-household customers can choose.
- Wales: only very high-volume users can currently switch.
The Vantage View
Water is one of the easiest running costs to review, and one of the most overlooked. Because nothing changes on site, it's a quick win to check alongside your energy, waste and telecoms.
What to do next
Find a recent water bill and check who your retailer is, whether your bills are based on actual or estimated readings, and what charges are listed.
Request a Free Business Health Check and we'll review your water alongside your other running costs in one go.
This article is general information only and does not constitute a contract offer or tailored advice. No savings figures are stated, as outcomes depend on your individual circumstances.
