Water Industry News

How to switch business water supplier?

SwitchWaterSupplier.com   •   March 6, 2026

This guide will help you understand whether you are eligible to switch business water supplier and how to switch. Now, only business customers can switch water supplier meaning domestic customers cannot switch as your water provider is based on your location in the UK.

 

 

It is possible to compare business water 

 

rates. From 2017, property owners who are not used for home use in Scotland or England may switch their water provider. Water deregulation is designed to reduce wastewater costs in business water supply. Before we begin the benefits of changing business water supplier, we should look at different water supply companies that provide high-quality drinking water to businesses. In 2017, regulated water companies were split up into water wholesalers and supply companies for distribution.

 

What happens when I change business water supplier?

 

Ofwat will store all the information in authorised databases called The Central Market Operating System, The Water Retail Market is managed and operated by Market Operator Services Limited, This database is updated every time an update on the account is made. All suppliers are connected to the database to ensure the switching process is simple. Once you have switched supplier, your supplier will send you the final bill to your previous supplier. Whilst all of this is happening, it is important to remember your water supply with continue without disruption.

 

How long does it take to switch business water suppliers?

 

Switching business water supplier is a quick and simple process. Firstly, you will receive a quote, you will then receive your contract and LOA which is a letter of authority to act on your behalf, that you will need to sign and a direct debit mandate. Our Water Industry Experts will be able to make the switching process easy and will handle the switch for you. You will then receive a notification to show when your business water supplier changes.

 

Will changing water supplier affect my water bill?

 

Most water costs in your business come from underlying wholesale charges. These charges from your local wholesaler are carried over by your business water provider. All wholesale costs are unchanged unless you change water supply. If a company is re-using their water service, the bill will continue to be calculated using volumetric charges. Standing charges – Fixes incurred annually no matter the water usage.

 

Can I add multiple premises to a single water contract?

 

Yes, adding multiple sites to your contract will massively help improve water efficiency, Water Bill processing costs one bill for multiple sites how easy is that!

 

Who can switch their business water supplier?

Any business can switch their water supplier including schools, universities, and charity organisations.
These customers are best described as None residential Customers.

What is a SPID Or Supply Point Identifier?

 

SPID stands for Service Supply Identification Number which is a 13-digit unique identifier that is included on your bill. This SPID is used as a reference address for your water services.
To switch supplier, you must have your SPID as this is how your property can be identified. On your bill, you will see two SPID identifiers, one for your water and the other referencing water and wastewater services.
Your Water SPID will look like this “0000000000W00” and your sewage SPID will look like “0000000000S00”. These can be found on your water bills.

Why switch business water suppliers?

 

There are many benefits that come from switching business water supplier.
Businesses could save around 30 percent simply by Switching Water Supplier, and in the process taking a FREE Water Audit which will identify savings and refunds due to historical Water Billing Errors.
It’s Called Water Billing Data Correction So What Is It?
Without historical auditing of your water bills and especially since industry deregulation, where a number of inconsistencies were introduced into the market data, it’s quite possible your organisation may be being billed incorrectly.  These billing errors will continue to go unnoticed unless your bills are audited by someone with the correct experience, who knows exactly what to look for and what to check.
SwitchWaterSupplier.com has potentially unsurpassed experience in exactly this field, and quickly establish the accuracy of your water bills across your entire property portfolio and manage the process of applying for the data to be corrected and reclaiming any overcharges on your behalf.
Once corrected, you may think that your water bills should remain accurate forever more.  However, there are a number of factors that can lead to you paying more than you should, including, for example, corrections that have been agreed but are not later reflected in the bills, and also as a result of a lack of physical meter reads, or an undetected water leak. 
Our water bill validation service continues to pay for itself and ensures you always only pay for the correct water and wast water volumes and realise any potential efficiencies.

 

Do I need an assessment?

 

If your premises is considered as mixed use, you may require an assessment. Here are some quick ways to find out if your property is eligible to switch business water suppliers:
  • If the property pays only business rates, you will be eligible to change supplier without assessment.

 

  • If the property pays only council tax, you will not be eligible to change suppliers.

 

  • If the property pays both, then you will need an assessment.

 

Properties that can switch water supplier.

 

Here you can find a list of properties that are eligible to switch water supplier without any problems:
  • Appointed business premises – this is any property that has an office. This also includes hotels.

 

  • Allotments – these are not designated as live in home, so they are eligible to change supplier. These also include individual allotments and those runs by association or societies.

 

  • Self-catering holiday units – these are not permanent residences, so they are eligible.

 

  • Temporary supply for developers – properties that are under construction or are show homes are eligible.

 

  • Youth Hostels – as these are providing temporary accommodation, like hotels, they are eligible to change supplier.

 

Properties That Cannot Switch Water Supplier.

 

Below is a list of properties that are not eligible to switch business water suppliers. These are mainly residential premises; these include the following.
  • Household premises with management companies – as these are used primarily for living accommodation.

 

  • Local authority housing – since these are providing residential housing, they are not eligible to switch supplier.

 

How Can I Change My Water Supplier?

 

Once you know whether your business is eligible to switch business water suppliers, you can begin comparing deals for a new water contract which our experts will be able to help you with. The switching process is like changing your business electricity and business gas prices.

 

Switching water supplier has never been easier!

 

If you’re unhappy with the level of service you are receiving from your current water supplier, or simply want to to find out if you could save money by getting better rates elsewhere, then we can help.

We have created a simple form to complete in seconds!

 

Switch Now!