Business Water Services
Since April 2017, most businesses in England have been able to choose their water retailer — the company that handles billing, meter reading and customer service for water and wastewater. Scotland has its own business water market, while in Wales only a limited number of high-usage business customers can switch.
Meridian helps eligible businesses review their water retailer options and understand what changes — and what stays the same — when they switch.
How do business water services work in the UK?
Your water retailer handles billing, meter reading and customer service, while the regional water wholesaler maintains the pipes and supply. Most non-household premises in England have been able to choose their retailer since 1 April 2017; Scotland has had its own business market since 2008; in Wales only customers using at least 50 megalitres a year can switch.
Who it’s for
- Offices and professional services
- Shops and convenience stores
- Restaurants, cafés, pubs and hotels
- Salons and businesses with high hot-water use
- Businesses with several premises or meters
What we help you with
Review your retailer's service
Compare how retailers handle billing, meter reads and customer service for your premises.
Check your bills
Make sure your bills are based on actual meter readings where possible, rather than repeated estimates.
Simpler multi-site billing
Businesses with several premises may be able to consolidate billing with one retailer.
Your supply stays the same
Switching retailer does not change the pipes or the water itself — the regional wholesaler continues to maintain the network.
How it works
- 1
Check eligibility
Tell us where your premises are, and share a recent water bill and your supply point details.
- 2
We help you compare
We review options from the providers we work with, explain the differences in plain English, and tell you which provider you would contract with.
- 3
Review the retailer's offer
You review the retailer's terms, charges and service before deciding.
- 4
Retailer manages the switch
If you go ahead, the new retailer arranges the switch and bills you directly.
Water retailer vs wholesaler
| Water retailer | Water wholesaler | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Billing, meter reading and customer service | Pipes, treatment, supply and wastewater network |
| Can you choose? | Yes, if your premises are eligible | No — set by your region |
| Changes when you switch? | Yes | No |
Before you start
- A recent water bill, including your supply point ID (SPID) if shown
- Your premises address and meter details
- Eligibility to switch depends on where your premises are and how they are supplied
- Wholesale charges are set by the regional water company, so the scope for price differences between retailers can be limited
Our role and your provider
Water retail services are supplied by licensed water retailers. Meridian is not a water retailer or water company and acts as an intermediary.
Your retailer's terms govern charges, billing and switching. The regional wholesaler remains responsible for the physical water supply and network.
Read more in our Terms & Conditions.
Business Water: frequently asked questions
Can my business switch water supplier?
Most businesses in England can choose their water retailer, and Scotland has its own competitive business water market. In Wales, only a limited number of high-usage business customers are eligible. We can help you check.
Will switching retailer affect my water supply?
No. The physical supply, pipes and water quality remain the responsibility of your regional water wholesaler. The retailer handles billing, meter reading and customer service.
What information do I need?
A recent water bill, your premises address and, if available, your supply point ID (SPID) and meter details.
Who do I contact about a leak or supply problem?
Your retailer will explain how to report problems. Network issues such as burst mains are handled by the regional water wholesaler.
Can you guarantee savings on business water?
No. Prices and service vary by retailer and premises, and wholesale charges are set regionally. We help you review the options so you can decide.
How can I compare business water retailers?
Check you are eligible, then compare retailers' charges, billing arrangements, meter reading and customer service, using a recent bill and your supply point ID (SPID). Wholesale charges are set regionally, so differences between retailers can be limited.
Who can help me find a business water retailer?
Meridian Merchant & Energy Solutions Ltd helps eligible UK businesses review water retailer options. It is not a water retailer or water company; the retailer you choose contracts with your business directly.
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Request a Quote
Request a Business Water quote
Tell us what your business needs. Our team will review your enquiry and contact you.
- One enquiry for payments, energy, water and connectivity
- Select as many services as you need
- Our team reviews your requirements and contacts you
- No obligation to proceed