Correcting past errors is only part of the picture. For many organisations, the more valuable result of a water bill review is understanding how to pay less in future – by making sure charges reflect how the site really works, and by spotting wasted water early. This page explains where business water savings may come from and how we help you find them.
Where future savings can come from
Your water bill is driven by two things: how much water you use, and how you are charged for it. Savings may be possible on either side.
Paying the right charges
- Wastewater allowances – if a meaningful share of your water does not return to the sewer, a non-return to sewer allowance may reduce future sewerage charges. Water companies set their own criteria and usually require evidence such as sub-metering. Our wastewater charge check explains more.
- Surface water drainage – if rainwater from your site doesn't reach the public sewer, or your charge is based on an inaccurate site area, correcting this may reduce ongoing charges. See our drainage charge review.
- Tariffs and standing charges – fixed charges are often linked to meter size. A meter that is larger than your site needs can mean higher standing charges, and some wholesalers offer tariffs designed for particular usage profiles. Read about our tariff and standing charge review.
Using less water
- Leaks and unexplained usage – consumption that continues overnight or when a site is closed can point to a leak on your side of the meter. Finding it early limits both waste and cost. Our consumption and leak anomaly check looks for these patterns.
- Everyday efficiency – dripping taps, constantly flushing urinals, inefficient kitchen equipment and poorly controlled irrigation can all add up. We may highlight areas where usage looks high for the type of site.
Savings versus switching
Changing retailer is one possible route to a lower bill, but it is not available to everyone and it is not the only option. In England, most business customers can choose their retailer. In Scotland, business customers can choose a licensed provider. In Wales, most business customers cannot switch: only those supplied by a Welsh-based water company and using more than 50 megalitres a year are eligible, according to Open Water.
Even where switching is possible, a retailer only controls part of the bill. Wholesale charges – for supplying water, taking away wastewater and draining surface water – are passed through, so if the underlying property data is wrong, it can stay wrong after a switch. That is why we focus first on whether your charges are correct. If you want to understand your options, our guide can a business switch water suppliers? is a good starting point, and Open Water's find a retailer page lists licensed retailers.
How we help you find possible savings
When you upload your bills, we review both the charges and the consumption behind them. Your summary will set out:
- Any charges that look out of line with your site and may be worth challenging.
- Usage patterns that may suggest a leak or avoidable waste.
- Allowances, rebates or tariff options that may be worth investigating.
- What evidence you would be likely to need, and who to approach.
We will be clear about which opportunities look strong and which are more speculative, and we won't put a figure on savings we cannot evidence. The outcome of any application for an allowance or rebate is a decision for your water company or retailer.
Savings for particular types of business
Where savings come from varies by sector. Hotels and restaurants often use large volumes in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms; industrial sites may lose water through evaporation or in products; schools and offices may see waste from unattended washrooms; and organisations with many premises may find large differences in cost per site. Our sector guides and the article how to reduce water bills in hotels and restaurants go into more detail.
Getting started
If you'd like to know where your organisation may be able to reduce future water costs, send us up to 12 months of bills. You can also read about our business water bill audit or check how the process works. We'll explain any fees before any work goes ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much could my business save on water?
We can't give a figure in advance. Possible savings depend on your current charges, how your site uses water and whether your supplier accepts any changes. Your summary will explain which opportunities look strongest and why.
Is switching retailer the best way to save money?
Not always. Switching is only open to some businesses – most in Wales cannot switch – and a retailer only controls part of the bill. Correcting wholesale charges such as wastewater and drainage may matter as much, wherever you are.
What is a non-return to sewer allowance?
Sewerage charges usually assume most of your water returns to the sewer. If your business loses a significant amount through evaporation, irrigation or products, your water company may offer an allowance. You will normally need evidence, such as sub-meter readings.
Can you help me find a leak?
We can identify consumption patterns in your bills that may suggest a leak, such as usage that rises steadily or continues when the site is closed. Locating and repairing a leak on your side of the meter is usually your responsibility, often with help from a plumber or leak detection specialist.
Do savings apply in Scotland and Wales too?
Many do. Allowances, drainage charges, tariffs and leak detection are relevant across Great Britain, although the rules and schemes differ between water companies and nations. We take your location into account in the review.
Last reviewed: 16 October 2026 · Written by the WaterBillCheck team
