Compare Business Water Suppliers

When is the right time to compare water suppliers? What about water supplier prices? Are they fixed, or do they change? These are just a few of the questions that business owners ask us every week. 

The business water landscape can be confusing. Industry jargon, complex bills, and volumetric rate calculations can make business owners feel like they have been left in the dark. 

This guide supports business owners who want to compare business water suppliers and make the switch.  

Water Suppliers Vs. Water Retailers

Lots of business owners wonder, what is the difference between water suppliers and water retailers? This is a common misconception. The terms water supplier and water retailer can be used interchangeably. The main difference is between water suppliers and water wholesalers. 

Wholesalers maintain the water network across their region. They source the water and distribute it throughout their networks. They are responsible for maintaining the networks and collecting wastewater. They are also responsible for treating the water so that it is safe for consumption.

Wholesalers sell water services to suppliers. You might have heard of suppliers such as Veolia Water, Castle Water, and Clear Business Water, or even Yü Business Water. Suppliers add a small percentage on top of the cost of wholesale prices. Water supplier prices cover customer-facing activities. These activities include creating package prices, implementing customer service structures, and billing. 

Who Are the Water Suppliers in the UK? 

Water Suppliers in England

Supplier’s Name	Founded	Area Covered
Affinity Water	2012	Northwest London and the Home Counties
Albion Water	1999	Upper Rissington, Victory Fields, Gloucestershire, Knowle Village
Anglian Water	1989	East Anglia and East Midlands from the River Humber to the River Thames
Bristol Water	1846	Bristol and the surrounding area of around 2,400 square kilometres
Business Stream	2005	England and Scotland
Cambridge Water	1853	453 square miles in South Cambridgeshire
Cholderton & District Water	1904	Villages of Cholderton and Shipton Bellinger in Wiltshire
Dee Valley Water	2011	831 square kilometres in North East Wales and North West England
Essex and Suffolk Water	1994	Essex, South Norfolk, and North Suffolk
Everflow	2016	England and Scotland
Northumbrian Water	1989	Urban populations including Tyneside, Wearside, Teesside, and large rural areas in Northumberland and County Durham
Portsmouth Water	1857	868 square kilometres through Hampshire and West Sussex from the River Meon to the west of the River Arun
Severn Trent Water	1989	Humber Estuary to Bristol Channel
South East Water	1992	Parts of Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex, and Surrey
South Staffordshire Water	1853	1,490 square kilometres in South Staffordshire
South West Water	1989	The whole of Devon and Cornwall, as well as parts of Dorset and Somerset
Southern Water	1989	Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight
Sutton and East Surrey Water	1902	834 square kilometres in East Surrey
Tendring Hundred Water	1989	Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and some London boroughs
Thames water	1989	London and a large part of central Southern England
Three Valleys Water	2012	Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and some London boroughs
United Utilities	1995	North West of England
Wave Utilities	2008	England and Scotland
Welsh Water	1989	Parts of Hereford, Worcester, and Gloucestershire, as well as parts of Wales
Wessex Water	1973	10,000 square kilometres in the South West of England including Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, most of Wiltshire and parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire
Yorkshire Water	1973	Sewage services to Yorkshire

Water Suppliers in Wales

Supplier’s Name	Founded	Area Covered
Anglian Water	1989	20% of the land area in England and Wales
Cambrian Utilities	2016	Throughout Wales
Dŵr Cymru	1989	Most of Wales and parts of Western England that border Wales
Hafren Dyfrdwy	1997	Areas of Wales that were previously supplied by Dee Valley as well as Powys and Monmouthshire
Waterplus	2016	Most of Wales and Hertfordshire and parts of Deeside and Cheshire

Water Suppliers in Scotland

Businesses in Scotland can switch to a licensed business water retailer, however Scottish Water provides wholesale water.

Water Suppliers in Northern Ireland

Businesses base din Northern Ireland are unable to switch to a new retailer, therefore Northern Ireland Water will serve all their water needs.

What Are the Benefits of Switching? 

The benefits of switching suppliers are endless. 

• Better water supplier prices - When business owners shop around, they are sure to find better water supplier prices. The deregulation of the water market has ushered in lots of competition. Suppliers are more conscious than ever of the importance of competitive prices. 
• Smaller business water bills - Switching suppliers is the quickest, easiest way to secure smaller bills. Business owners can spend weeks and even months implementing water-saving tips just to reduce their overall bills by a small percentage. By switching, business owners can make lump sum savings in a few minutes. 
• Understand the water landscape - We encourage business owners to compare suppliers and compare business water rates once a year. Regardless of whether they switch, the process helps them to understand the water landscape. Ill-informed business owners make poor decisions about their utility bills. 
• Access other features - Business water suppliers have a lot to offer. Prices are not the only important part of business water deals. Business owners can survey the market and choose a supplier that invests in local infrastructure and meets their eco-conscious values.  

Could you save by switching business water supplier?

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How to Compare Water Suppliers?

Business owners all over the UK ask us how to compare water suppliers.

At Business Electricity Prices, we specialise in securing competitive utility tariffs for business owners. We have expanded our offering to include water utilities. 

We know how difficult it can be to find time to compare business water suppliers. Business owners have hundreds of decisions to make every day and, since water utilities are an essential part of operations, comparing suppliers often falls to the bottom of their to-do lists.

We have created a hassle-free, seamless water comparison generator. It helps business owners compare water suppliers and compare water rates in just a few minutes. 

Our comparison generator only needs a few key details. Business owners need to note the name of their business, where their business is located, their Supply Point Identification Number, and their contact details. Put your information in, wait a few minutes, and browse through a range of suitable suppliers. We hand-pick suppliers that meet your business needs. 

Things to Look Out for When Changing Suppliers?

It is easy to fall into the trap of choosing the first big-name supplier that you find. Lots of business owners secure contracts with recognisable names, only to be disappointed that the services do not match the supplier’s reputation. 

We encourage business owners to compare business water suppliers at least once a year. Here are some of the most important things to look out for. 

• Customer service ratings - Business owners can browse through Trustpilot to find relevant reviews from similar customers. But beware, some companies create multiple Trustpilot accounts to direct potential customers away from poor ratings. 

Business owners can also search for their new supplier’s contact us page. The contact page tells prospective customers a lot about how the supplier handles customer interactions. Some suppliers have detailed contact us pages, whereas others provide customers with the bare minimum. 

• Water-saving tips - Lots of suppliers are willing to go above and beyond to secure customers, especially in the competitive deregulated market. Some suppliers are more than happy to help customers reduce their consumption with nifty tips and tricks. 
• Eco-friendly practices - Now, environmental impact is more of a hot-button topic than ever before. Companies all over the UK are conscious of their carbon footprints. Most companies are under pressure from consumers to reduce their consumption and embed eco-friendly practices into their operations. Business owners who compare water suppliers will be able to find suppliers that better reflect their values. 
• Cheap water supplier rates - Of course, cheap rates are the biggest reason why business owners make the switch. There is a fine balance between finding a good supplier and competitive rates. 

How Many Water Suppliers Are There?

The answer to this question depends on where your business premises are located. 

Business owners in England and Scotland can choose from approximately 20 different suppliers. Some suppliers provide both fresh potable water and wastewater services, whilst others only provide one or the other. 

How to Change Water Suppliers?

Lots of business owners compare water suppliers and find a suitable deal, but fall at the next hurdle. Switching suppliers can seem daunting, especially when business owners have already had negative experiences. 

We help business owners seamlessly switch from one supplier to another. Our experts take the stress away from comparing suppliers. Once you have chosen a supplier, we will handle the rest of the process. 

Start the process by putting your details into our water comparison generator.

Why Compare Business Water Suppliers?

When business owners compare water suppliers, they have the knowledge and power to make informed decisions about their water bills. 

The water market became deregulated in April of 2017. Ofwat, the regulatory body that manages the water market in the UK, decided that business owners should be allowed to choose their water suppliers. Business owners are no longer restricted to choosing the supplier that managed their region.

This decision has led to a lot of competition in the water industry. Suppliers are more conscious than ever of the importance of offering comprehensive deals. Business owners can also secure cheaper water supplier prices than ever before. 

Competition between suppliers has also encouraged more innovation in the industry. Suppliers are always looking for new ways to entice consumers. This might look like eco-friendly practices, smart features, or in-built maintenance clauses. 

We encourage business owners to compare business water suppliers to get the best deal possible.  

Who Can Compare Business Water Suppliers?

Anyone can compare water suppliers and water supplier prices, but not all business owners can make the switch. Despite the deregulation of the water market in England, there are still strict rules about which businesses can make the switch across Great Britain.

Compare Water Suppliers in England

The business water market became deregulated in England in 2017. Non-domestic property owners in England now enjoy the ability to choose their water supplier with very few restrictions. 

Although there are around 20 water suppliers active in the water market, most suppliers only cover small areas of England. Your favourite supplier might not cover the area in which your premises is located. 

Compare Water Suppliers in Scotland

The business water market became deregulated in Scotland in 2008. It was the first country in the world to offer non-domestic water consumers the ability to choose their own suppliers. 

Like English business owners, Scottish business owners can choose their water supplier. 

Compare Water Suppliers in Wales

Non-domestic consumers in Wales have to meet specific criteria in order to switch suppliers. They are only eligible if their premises uses more than 50 million litres of water a year. If non-domestic customers do not meet that criteria, they have to stay with their regional water supplier. 

Compare Water Suppliers in NI 

Non-domestic consumers in Northern Ireland cannot compare water suppliers or switch to new suppliers. The business water market in Northern Ireland is still regulated, which means that business owners have to rely on their regional water supplier.

Can My Business Compare Business Water Suppliers?

Anyone can compare business water suppliers, but switching is more complicated. If business owners want to switch suppliers, they need to meet the criteria set out above. 

Who Are the Best Business Water Suppliers Near Me?

Due to the deregulation of the water industry, business owners can now choose the supplier that best suits their needs. They no longer have to secure a contract with their regional supplier. 

It does not matter where the supplier is located. Business owners in England can choose from any retailer that supplies water to their region. The ‘best’ retailer is unique to each business. Different retailers offer different benefits, some of which may or may not suit your business needs. 

When Is the Best Time to Compare Business Water Suppliers?

There is no definite answer to this question. 

If you want to secure a better deal, you should compare business water suppliers. Likewise, if you are unhappy with any of the other services that your supplier provides, it might be time to compare water suppliers. Additional services can include advanced customer support, consolidated billing, and improved maintenance procedures. 

Of course, lots of business owners compare suppliers to get better water supplier prices. Ofwat controls how much suppliers can charge their customers. Every year, Ofwat approves an increase that comes into effect on the 1st of April. Suppliers can change their prices whenever, as long as they are within the bounds of Ofwat’s regulations. Some business owners prefer to change suppliers and secure a new unit rate before the 1st of April. 

Benefits of Comparing Business Water Suppliers?

The benefits of comparing water suppliers are endless. 

We encourage business owners to compare business water suppliers to gain a better understanding of the water industry. The water market was only deregulated in 2017, and a lot of business owners are still struggling to understand the implications of this change. 

Before the deregulation of the market, suppliers did not have to compete for customers. Businesses were automatically assigned to the supplier located in their region.  Now, business owners can choose from a range of suppliers. 

We encourage business owners to compare water suppliers at least once a year. The market is experiencing rapid growth, and suppliers are more conscientious than ever. Simplified billing, better customer service, and competitive water supplier prices are just a few things that business owners can access when they shop around. 

What Do I Need to Switch Suppliers?

Switching water suppliers can seem complicated. Our experts are here to make switching as seamless as possible. Here are a few things that business owners need to make the switch. 

1. Use our comparison generator to compare water suppliers and choose a suitable deal. Business owners should always compare water rates, but rates are not the most important consideration. Customer service ratings and new customer incentives can make all the difference. 
2. Once you have chosen a supplier, contact them. State your intention to switch. It really is as simple as that. Ofwat maintains a database that contains information about the amount of water supplied to all the properties in the UK. Suppliers have access to this database, which means that business owners do not have to provide much information. 
3. Tell your new supplier the name of your business and the location of the premises. 
4. You will receive a final bill from your old supplier. 

Cost of Comparing Water Suppliers

The good news is that it does not cost to compare business water suppliers! Anyone can compare water suppliers at any time. With our comparison generator, it has never been easier to take advantage of the newly deregulated market. 

It does not cost a penny for business owners to pop their details into our comparison generator. They can find over 150 tariffs at the touch of a button. Wait a minute and let our generator do the rest. 

It is free to compare business water suppliers, but the switching process might be more expensive. Business owners should read their existing contracts to ensure that there are no exit fees. They may have to pay hefty fees for the ability to switch to a better deal. 

How to Get the Best Water Supplier Prices

Business owners should compare water rates at least once a year. 

The best water supplier prices are just around the corner. There are a few ways to find different rates. The most time-consuming way is to call each supplier or to click through each site individually. The fastest, most hassle-free way is to use a comparison generator.

Once you have a list of the best suppliers on the market, you just have to compare water rates. 

Do I Need to Use My Local Water Supplier?

Business owners in England and Scotland can compare water suppliers and choose whichever supplier suits their needs. Businesses in Wales have to use their local water supplier if the premises do not use more than 50 million litres of water per year. 

Businesses in Scotland are even more restricted. The water market is regulated in Scotland, which means that business owners cannot choose their water supplier. Scottish businesses are locked into contracts with regional water suppliers by default. 

Charges on Business Water Bills

Water supplier prices can seem overwhelming, especially when they are surrounded by confusing jargon and unexplained phrases on monthly bills. It does not matter whether you compare business water suppliers and make the switch: all business water bills look the same. This is why business owners need to understand the facts, figures, and phrases that appear on their bills. 

Water Charges

Business owners will receive a charge for the amount of fresh potable water that their premises use. The term fresh potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption. It is not the same as pure water. Potable water almost always contains dissolved impurities. To meet the requirements of potable water, water must have only low levels of microbes and dissolved salts. 

If the premises are metered, suppliers will take a meter reading to produce an accurate bill. If the premises do not have a meter, suppliers have to use an estimate. In this case, suppliers use something called a Rateable Value. They send an independent assessor to the premises to get an estimate of the annual rental income of the property. The rateable value replaces the volumetric water consumption in calculations. 

Compare water rates and suppliers to secure the lowest potable water charges.

Wastewater Charges

Likewise, business owners can expect to find a charge for wastewater on their bills. Wastewater is classed as any water that has been altered by domestic, industrial, or commercial use. Examples include water that is used to prepare food in a restaurant, water that is used to wash chemicals off hair in salons, and water that is used to flush toilets in commercial properties. 

Standing Charges

Business owners can compare water suppliers for better unit rates, but they cannot avoid standing charges. Standing charges are sometimes referred to as fixed charges. 

As the name suggests, standing charges are billed regardless of whether or not any water is used. This charge covers the cost of reading and maintaining your water meter. It also supports customer-facing services such as customer support centres. 

Each supplier has a different standing charge. 

How Is My Business Water Bill Calculated?

Although water supplier prices can vary, all suppliers use the same calculations. 

For metered homes, suppliers use this calculation:

Standing charge + (Volume of water used + Volumetric rate)

For unmetered homes, suppliers use this calculation:

Standing charge + (Rateable Value + Volumetric rate)

What Is a Supply Point ID?

SPID (or Supply Point ID) is one of the most important pieces of information on your bill. It is a ten-digit number that is followed by one letter. All business premises have a Supply Point ID for fresh potable water and an ID for wastewater services. 

This code always remains the same. Business owners can switch suppliers any number of times and still have the same Supply Point ID. 

Do Water Supplier Prices Change?

If you compare water rates from one year to the next, you will notice a jump. Ofwat, the regulatory body in the industry, creates guidelines that stipulate how much suppliers can charge their customers. Ofwat assesses the business water landscape once a year and decides how much water supplier prices can increase. This increase comes into effect on the 1st of April each year. 

Do Water Prices Vary By Location?

This is one of the most common questions that business owners ask us.

Water prices vary by supplier. Water supplier prices can vary massively. Suppliers only have to ensure that their prices meet the regulations set out by Ofwat. Other than that, they have full control of their water rates. 

Due to the deregulation of the market, the location of water suppliers no longer matters. However, the location of business premises might. Several factors can impact the unit rates that business owners pay. Here are some of the factors that suppliers consider when they are creating contracts.

• Location of the premises
• Size of the premises
• Size of the company (number of employees, etc)
• Usage
• What the water is used for (laundrette, office, etc)

If you are concerned about prices, you should always compare business water suppliers. 

Who Supplies My Water?

So, who is my business water supplier?

Before the deregulation of the water market, businesses received water from the supplier in their region. These suppliers were obligated to inform customers about their new supplier. Your old supplier should have called to tell you who your new supplier is. Some suppliers may have failed to do so.

Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem. Simply find your most recent bill. Your bill will display the name of the supplier that is registered to your premises. 

If you cannot find a recent bill, do not worry. Suppliers have access to a database that contains information for all the business water consumers in the UK. You can contact any supplier and ask them to tell you which supplier is linked to your premises. 

What Is a Water Audit?

We encourage business owners to compare water suppliers because it often leads to cheaper contracts. Water audits can also lead to cheaper contracts. 

Even the cheapest water supplier prices on the market will not mitigate mistakes on your bill. Suppliers make mistakes on bills for a number of reasons including meter glitches, reading faults, and calculation errors. 

Water audits are handy tools for business owners who feel that their supplier is not charging them an accurate amount. Business owners also pay for water audits to maximise their water efficiency. 

A specialist water auditor will arrive at your premises and assess your water usage. If the water usage is less than the supplier has billed for, the business owners can seek repayments from their supplier. 

Auditors can also make recommendations about water usage. They create detailed reports which advise business owners on how to better manage their usage and reduce their overall bills. Water audits are a good investment for business owners who want to manage the cost of their bills in the long run.