Skip to content
Water4 min read22 March 2026

Switching Your Business Water Supplier: What to Expect

Since 2017 UK businesses can choose their water retailer. Most haven't switched. Here's why — and what changes when you do.

By WhiteNWise Water Team

In April 2017, the UK opened its non-household water market to competition. Eight years later, fewer than 1 in 3 eligible businesses has switched.

Why so few have switched

The most common reason is awareness — many business owners simply don't know switching is an option. Water bills also tend to be smaller than energy bills, so it falls down the priority list.

What actually changes

The water arriving at your tap is identical. The pipes are unchanged. The wholesaler delivering the water is unchanged. Only the retailer billing you changes.

What you can expect

  • Same water, same quality
  • 5-20% savings for most businesses
  • Cleaner consolidated billing across sites
  • Smart meter alerts to catch leaks early

The switch takes 28 days. We handle every form. You sign once.

Get started

Want help applying these tips?

Our consultants will audit your current contracts for free and tell you, in plain English, where you're overpaying.