How To Change Your Water Supplier in the UK
Only non-household customers, such as businesses, charities, and public sector organizations, can switch suppliers.
In the UK, household customers cannot choose their water supplier.
If you’re a business, you can compare and switch suppliers to potentially save money and get better services, and you may even be entitled to reduced charges going forwards and a rebate to historical billing errors by your previous water supplier.
For Household Customers:
All domestic properties are tied to a specific water and sewerage company based on their location.
No Market Competition:
Unlike energy, there’s no open market for household water supply, so you can’t switch to a different supplier for a better deal.
Focus on Efficiency:
Instead of switching, focus on managing your water consumption and bills. Citizens Advice says you can ask your current supplier about tariffs and potential discounts for single occupants or to see if you can get a water meter.
For Businesses and Non-Household Customers:
Switching Water Supplier is Possible:
If you’re a business, charity, or public sector organisation, you can switch your water and sewerage supplier.
How to Switch:
You can compare quotes from different suppliers and appoint a retailer to manage the switch, which includes a seven-day cooling-off period. The water market for businesses was deregulated in April 2017, allowing for competition and choice.
Benefits of Switching:
According to SwitchWaterSupplier.com, businesses can potentially save money, get better billing options (like consolidated or electronic billing), and potentially access better service agreements.
How to Switch:
You can compare quotes from different suppliers and appoint a retailer to manage the switch, which includes a seven-day cooling-off period through the UK’s ONLY Business Water Comparison website and after the Switch they will deliver a free Water Audit for you sites which will highlight and savings and rebates due to historical billing errors from your previous water supplier.
You never know you could be owed £1,000s