Compare Business Water Rates

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    Why should I compare business water suppliers?

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    Our experts can compare business water quotes from leading UK water and wastewater suppliers to find you the best deal. We can also identify ways that you can save on your business water rates. Whether your business is within retail services or manufacturing, we can help find the right water tariff for your sector.

    90K Businesses Helped
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    How to compare water rates for business

    It has never been easier to compare business water rates online.

    To find the best water deal for your business, simply supply the following details

    1. Your business name
    2. Your business address
    3. Your supply point identification number (SPID)
    4. Your contact details

    Push the ‘Get Prices’ button, and we’ll provide you with your business water quote in a matter of seconds.

    Business Water

    Why compare commercial water rates?

    Our independent research shows that as many as one in three businesses have previously been overcharged on their business water rates. If you use us to help you change water suppliers, we’ll help you find the most cost-effective business water rates for your business, so you can make savings where they matter.

    We understand that as a business owner, your priority is running your business, so you don’t have time to compare the market for water deals and you don’t want to see your water rates increase. The open water market in England and Scotland allows business owners to save on their water bills and reduce unnecessary water consumption.

    We’d recommend a water audit as this will help us figure out where you may have been overcharged, which can then be claimed back.

    Water bill

    Are business water rates cheaper than domestic?

    Typically, business water rates are cheaper than domestic. Your industry, your water usage and the location of your business premises are all factors considered when calculating your rates, and some companies may need different tariffs depending on their unique demands.

    Although the overall water bill is likely to be higher than a domestic household’s, business water rates are cheaper due to the larger premises catering to more people.

    Due to the deregulation, businesses can switch business water suppliers. Ofwat regulates water rates yearly, so it’s a constantly shifting industry. This makes it quite an open-ended market that could require constant analysis.

    However, at Utility Bidder, our experts compare business water rates, so we’ve got you covered.

    Business Water

    What type of business are you?

    We help find the best business water rates for businesses of all sizes from a range of sectors. Find out more about the sectors we work with below:

    Small and medium businesses

    Easy-to-manage business water solutions for SMEs and sole traders.

    Find out more about how we help SMEs secure the best business water deals.

    Large business and public sector

    Business water solutions for the public sector, corporates and consortiums.

    Check out how we support large businesses to save on their business water tariffs.

    water falling into hand

    How are your commercial water rates calculated?

    Business water rates can have complicated tariffs that can make finding the ideal plan difficult. However, we’ve illustrated some handy tips to help you understand your water bills and compare business water suppliers.

    Business water rates are calculated using:

    • Portable water metered rates: this will depend on the amount of clean water supplied to your premises. The higher the amount of clean water used, the more you will be charged. Business water providers will take regular readings from meters to accurately understand how much to charge you.
      Portable water standing charge: also known as a metering charge, this is a daily fixed charge that will be invoiced for all businesses, regardless of what water is used. This charge is applied to keep all pumping systems and external pipes that supply water to the property.
       Wastewater metered rates: business water suppliers will assume that the clean water used in premises will eventually end up in the wastewater systems. They will also use meter readings to determine wastewater charges.
    • Wastewater standing charges:wastewater leaves premises through sewerage pipes and so this standing charge is applied to all business premises to maintain sewage systems.
    • Surface water drainage rates:businesses will pay for removing any rainwater that lands within the property’s boundary and ends up in the drainage system.

    Compare business water rates and deals with us today and discover how much you can save.

    water falling into hand

    Can you switch business water supplier?

    Yes, since the deregulation of the business water market in 2017, companies and organisations in England and Scotland have had the freedom to choose their own water suppliers. It’s slightly different for companies in Wales – only businesses that use in excess of 50 million litres of water per year can switch.

    Deregulation has offered lots of benefits and led to businesses, like yours, being able to make great savings on water and wastewater services. However, it also poses a few challenges. How do you know which water providers are best? How can you find the best business water rates in the UK?

    Don’t worry – we’ll handle that part for you. Here, at Utility Bidder, we provide your organisation with alternative deals, allowing you to save on your business water bills.

    By using us to compare business water rates, you receive the following benefits:

    • Lower business water prices
    • Better value for your money
    • Tailored water and wastewater services that suit your specific business needs
    • Help in becoming more water-efficient and reduce your business water usage

    Unsure about switching business water suppliers? Two factors figure out whether you can switch:

    1) Is your company predominantly business based or domestic?
    2) Where is your waterboard or water provider based?

    We can help you switch water suppliers today and make savings on your bills. Our team of experts will compare and find you the best deals, so you can focus on the important stuff.

    Man completing water audit

    What is a water audit and how can it help your business’s water rates?

    Water audits are perfect for in-depth research on the history of business water rates to see how we can potentially save you money.

    Scouring the markets for business water suppliers can be time-consuming for any business owner, so by conducting a water audit we do all the research for you and find the most effective solution.

    Using three simple steps, we can put forward suggestions on how to cut down you’re spending on business water rates in the UK.

    water falling into hand

    What are the latest business water rates?

    Business water rates typically change annually, on 1 April. So, the most recent change happened on 1 April 2022, which saw prices increase. The next rate change is due to happen on 1 April 2023.

    Business water rates in England, 2022/2023

    To give you a better idea of how much a business in England might expect to spend on its water bills, we’ve put together the following table, featuring the wholesale region and the default water supplier, as well as the cost of water and wastewater per cubic metre.

    The system works slightly differently in Scotland. Rather than multiple organisations servicing its water infrastructure, Scotland has just one – Scottish Water.

    We’ve put together the table below to help you get a better understanding of how much a business in Scotland with a small meter size of 12-15mm might spend on its water and wastewater rates in the year starting 1 April 2022.

    Rate type Default Scottish water wholesale
    Water annual standing charge £152.64 £74
    Water – First 20 cubic meters £2.2901 / Cubic meter Nil cost
    Water – Next 100 cubic meters £0.8589 / Cubic meter £1.3581 / Cubic meter
    Water – All additional volumes £0.8589 / Cubic meter £0.7836 / Cubic meter
    Wastewater annual standing charge £147.41 £53
    Wastewater – First 20 cubic meters £2.5614 / Cubic meter Nil cost
    water falling into hand

    We can find the perfect business water suppliers for you

    Our years of experience in the business utility industry have enabled us to form strong relationships with the UK’s top business energy suppliers.

    Our premium status with these business water providers means we can go in and negotiate prices that you may not be able to negotiate yourself.

    Our industry experts will search the markets for business utility rates, including gaselectricity and water, that maximise your savings and benefit your company.

    Compare Business Water Prices

    Business water rates 2023

    Region Default water supplier Water price (£) per cubic meter Wastewater price (£) per cubic meter
    Anglian Water Wave 1.6306 1.857
    Northumbria Water Wave 1.2547 1.31
    Severn Trent Water Water Plus 1.6429 1.1867
    South East Water Source For Business 2.0644 3.4386
    Southern Water Business Stream 1.545 2.2252
    Thames Water Castle Water 1.5934 0.9833
    United Utilities Water Plus 1.7136 1.1709
    Wessex Water Water 2 Business 2.1401 1.7221
    Yorkshire Water Business Stream 1.5408 1.8244

    Disclaimer: Business water rates change on the 1st of April each year.

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    Business water rates for large businesses

    We are experts at finding the best UK business water suppliers and quotes for your company. The need for large business water rates should be treated differently due to the corporate environment and business size.

    That’s why we have a team dedicated to dealing with larger companies to ensure all your business requirements are taken into consideration.

    For more information on how we can help you secure the best business water providers for your organisation, visit our page.

    Business Water Comparison Jargon Buster

    Your business water supplier will be a licenced company that supplies water services to business customers.

    Business water rates

    Business water rates include the wholesale water rates and retail fees invoiced by your business water supplier for the water services they are providing.

    Default water tariff

    If you have never switched from your original water supplier, you will be charged out-of-contract rates known and placed on a default water tariff.

    Non-household property

    A business premises that can use the open water market to switch business water suppliers.

    Retail fee

    This is a charge invoiced by your water supplier for meter readings, invoicing and excellent customer service.

    Return to sewerage allowance

    A calculation used by your business water supplier to work out the volume of water returned to the sewers based upon the volume of potable water used measured by your water meter.

    Smart meter

    A smart meter will automatically send your water usage to your business water supplier.

    Supply Point ID (SPID)

    A SPID is a ten-digit code to find your water supply points. This is a common term used within the water industry.

    Water efficiency

    Water-efficient solutions to save money on your water bills and reduce water wastage by fixing leaks, smart meters and much more. Find out more water efficiency tips within our guide.

    Wholesale water rates

    Wholesale water rates are for local maintenance, water and sewerage charges.

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      Frequently asked questions

      If your current UK water suppliers maintained their license to act as a supplier, then nothing will have changed. They will have automatically transferred you onto their default tariff.

      The default tariff is likely to be more expensive tariff than other suppliers may be offering.

      Gain a free, no obligation quote from Utility Bidder to see how they compare to other water providers.

      If your current supplier decided to exit the commercial market and you didn’t switch providers, your commercial water supply will have been allocated by the central market agency, however you will not be in contract.

      There are two factors that determine whether you are able to switch your business water supplier:

      1) Is your company predominantly business based or domestic?

      2) Where is your waterboard or water provider based?

      The deregulation is now live in England and Scotland; however, if your commercial water supplier is in Wales, then you cannot switch water supplier yet, unless you use a large amount of water for business.

      As of 1st April 2017, the non-domestic water market was deregulated. This means that like , all businesses within England can now choose which company supplies their water and waste water services.

      While the water wholesaler will be determined by the region, the supplier can be chosen by you. The changes came after the successful deregulation of water in Scotland in 2008.

      You are likely to save money, but for the first several years of the deregulation it may not be as dramatic as you would hope. However, in time we will see increased competition and differences in prices between suppliers. The current savings in the Scottish market are between 10–25%, depending on the mark-up charges, but they have been deregulated since 2008.

      We have found that savings can be made, and rebates can be claimed, through completing a water audit.

      to discuss your business water requirements and we can guide you through the process of switching and undertaking a water audit.

      There are currently 25 water suppliers across the UK:

      List of Uk Water Suppliers
      Affinity Water
      Albion Water
      Anglian water
      Bristol Water
      Cambridge Water
      Cholderton & District Water
      Dee Valley
      Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water)
      Essex and Suffolk Water
      Independent Water Networks
      Northern Ireland Water
      Northumbrian Water
      Portsmouth Water
      Scottish Water
      Severn Trent Water
      South East Water
      South West Water
      Southern Water
      Sutton and East Surry Water
      Thames Water
      United Utiliies Water
      Wessex Water
      Yorkshire Water

      Looking to switch business water suppliers?

      Due to having a choice of water providers, you may benefit from:

      • Improved service
      • Expert advice
      • Lower water bills
      • No negative effect on your water bill
      • Tailored service and business water deals

      Business water bills vary in value depending on your commercial location, company size and usage. Our experienced water team can audit your bill and gather the relevant information to help find you the best commercial water quotes and prices for your business. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team.

      ‘Trade effluent’ is a term used to describe any business waste water that’s produced on commercial trade premises, aside from domestic sewage (wastewater). The Water Industry Act 1991 defines trade effluent as “any liquid, either with or without particles of matter in suspension in the liquid, which is wholly or partly produced in the course of any trade or industry carried on at a trade premises.”

      Example businesses that must be aware of effluent water discharge are: Petrol stations, hotels, hospitals, manufacturers, engineering and chemical plants.

      Limits are placed within your business trade effluent agreement. This includes the consideration of all the below, all mentioned and agreed in your business agreement:

      – Volume

      – Discharge rate

      – No flammable or toxic substances such as petroleum

      – pH levels must be between the agreed levels

      – Check temperature limits

      Our business water experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

      To protect the environment, you need permission if your business is going to discharge any trade effluent into public sewers. Effluent water consent is included in the trade effluent public register. Please find a link to this here.

      For temporary discharges, this must be for less than six months and full consent is required. This must be leaked into a foul sewer and not the surface water system. Please contact your retailer, they will require you to complete the relevant application.

      Unfortunately, every year in the UK, there are many spillage incidents from businesses. If these business water spillages contain hazardous water, this can cause issues for the local environment and companies. For companies that deal with hazardous waste, such as handling chemicals in the chemical industry, a leak can be catastrophic. This links with trade effluent and wastewater.

      The authorities that deal with environmental legislation are below. If there’s an on-site spillage relating to business water or trade effluent, it’s recommended that you contact:

      EA – Environmental Agency

      NIEA – Northern Ireland Environmental Agency

      SEPA – Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

      Natural Resource Wales

      A section 104 sewer agreement is a strict agreement between businesses and sewerage undertakers. For developments and businesses, the sewage and wastewater systems have to meet agreed standards. This is called a section 104 agreement.

      Are you overpaying for your business electricity? You can compare your business electricity prices.

      The amount you pay on your water bill doesn’t just cover your commercial water supply. You’ll also be paying for additional services. These include sewerage services. Your premises will produce wastewater, such as from toilets and kitchens. They also produce effluent waste, which is liquid waste contaminated with oil, grease, chemicals or food waste. All of these drainage and sewerage services will be added as an extra to your bill.

      The amount you’re charged by business water suppliers depends on a few factors. For example, the amount and strength of the effluent before it reaches the sewer. You’ll be charged a set rate for these services in one of two ways. The first is a set charge, if you have a water meter. The second is a set amount based on the value of your property. If you are a large business using a lot of water, you could be eligible for a special tariff. This is known as a large user tariff, which could make your water cheaper.

      Water and sewerage charges can be confusing. Utility Bidder can help you get to grips with your water bills and understand what you’re paying for. Our expertise and industry knowledge are also invaluable when it comes to comparing business water suppliers. We take all charges and costs into account, so you can be confident you’ll be paying the fairest prices across the board.

      According to our independent research, as many as one in three businesses have been previously overcharged on their business water accounts. The issue could be with the supply of water. Alternatively, you could have overpaid for sewerage services or surface water removal.

      Did you know that this can all be claimed back? If we can find evidence that you’ve been overcharged for business water in the past five years, you could have a claim.

      The best way to find this out is with a business water audit. We’ll check your previous water bills and give you honest advice you can trust.

      If you’ve recently taken the time to calculate your business’ water usage and discovered that you are, quite literally, leaking money, then you must do something about it. Why work so hard to generate a cash flow if you aren’t going to protect it? You’re never going to be able to invest the cash back into the growth of your company if you don’t consolidate your profit, which is why you need to put a stop to your water consumption conundrum — pronto!

      Serious about saving money on your water usage? If so, you should arrange for a professional to perform a business water audit on your premises right away. This is the first step that you must take in your attempt to curb your utility expenditure, simply because it will help you to pinpoint the specific problems that you face regarding your water consumption.

      Not sure if your company is currently in need of a business water audit? If so, be sure to read on. Come to the end of this comprehensive article on the matter, and you’ll be much better placed to come to a sounder and much more informed decision in this instance.

      Here’s everything you could want and need to know about the business water audit process.

      Water can seem like an endless resource that your business can use ‘on-tap’, as the saying goes. But the truth is that you’re paying for your access to this vital resource, and you’re going to need a great deal of water in many key industries across the UK.

      For instance, if you’re involved in manufacturing, you’re going to be using water not only for cleaning and to help your staff wash, visit the bathroom, and eat and drink – but also in your industrial processes. Meanwhile, many businesses require industrial amounts of water – like hotels, restaurants, and spas.

      So, here’s how you can reduce your business water bill this year – either by reducing the water that you use or by other means.

      No, your water supply will not be cut off whilst switching business water suppliers. You are only switching your provider so the supply at your business premises and pipes will stay the same. 

      Water meters measure your water usage and are usually concealed below a cover or on the pavement. You will find these water meters installed at most UK businesses, get in touch with your water supplier if you are having trouble locating your water meter.

      There are two types of water meters, these include:

      • A traditional water meter – This type of meter needs to be read manually. Water usage will be displayed on a dial.
      • A smart water meter – This type of meter will automatically send your water usage to your business water supplier, so no manual readings are needed.

      If you have a year left on your business water contract you cannot switch suppliers. If you try to switch suppliers during this period, you may incur an exit fee from your supplier.

      Business water rates only change once a year, so you don’t need to worry about agreeing on another contract a whole year in advance unlike comparing business energy deals.

      The best time to renew your business water contract is within the last three months of your contract. When you are in this period, get in touch with our water experts to compare the market and secure the best water deal for your business.

      We can help you find the best supplier for your business as this entirely depends on your priorities as a business. Some businesses want a supplier that offers the cheapest rates and others may be looking for excellent customer service.

      We can help understand your priorities when choosing a business water supplier and help compare the market to find a suitable option for your business needs. We can answer any questions you have about switching water suppliers, give us a call.

      Utility Bidder will take care of the entire switching process for you by working with your earlier and new suppliers on your behalf and agreeing on a switching date. The switching process should be complete within a month with zero disruption to your water supply.

      We have all seen price hikes over the last year, and this has also influenced the business water market. Energy prices are rising daily but wholesale water rates are only adjusted yearly. Avoid expensive out-of-contract rates by securing a fixed business water tariff.

      We can help your secure business water tariffs between 1 and 3 years. By securing a long-term contract, you can protect your business against future price rises. Secure your business water rates now.

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      ? What does this mean?
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