What are the factors that affect my business water bills?
15th November 2025
Unlike domestic water bills, the make-up of business water bills varies and is subject to a greater number of components.
Water supply charges include that of a standing charge and volumetric charge. The standing charge is used to cover the connection to the network, meter maintenance and account management.
The volumetric charge varies from business to business (depending on how much water is used) and is measured in m3. The volumetric charge is typically the most expensive part of the bill.
Additionally, the removal and treatment of wastewater is covered through a standing charge and a volumetric wastewater charge. The volumetric wastewater charge is calculated by a percentage known as “return to sewer” or RTS, which will differ for each company according to what each business uses water for.
For example, much of the water used by offices and restaurants will be returned to the sewer. For businesses that manufacture products, water may be lost in the process through consumption or evaporation.
Other charges also include trade effluent charges, where applicable. This only applies to businesses that use water in controlled environments such as food processing factories, breweries and chemical manufacturers amongst others. This is due to the cost of sampling charges for the testing of pH levels, suspended solids, COD and others.
For businesses that are rapidly expanding, infrastructure charges may also be relevant – particularly where it is necessary to install new pipelines and connections to expand an existing water supply.
How have bills changed in recent years for businesses?
Since the deregulation of the market in 2017, businesses have had the freedom to choose their own water supplier. As a result, business water prices have become increasingly competitive.
The wholesale price of water is still set by Ofwat in the UK. In recent years, factors such as the energy crisis – which has driven up the cost of processing water and wastewater – and ageing infrastructure has had a significant impact on wholesale water prices.
However, the cost of water to end customers has benefitted from greater competition in the marketplace and an influx of new water retailers – like Everflow – doing more to help organisations manage their bills effectively.
What role do water retailers play in business water bill pricing?
Since the deregulation of the water market in 2017, retailers have been able to compete for customers in the same way that energy retailers do. Prior to deregulation, different locations were provided with different tariffs, bills and suppliers, which could be incredibly confusing (and expensive!) for businesses.
At Everflow, we aim to offer consistent and transparent pricing for customers. A unified approach simplifies the process, helping businesses to understand their costs.
If you’re hoping to simplify your business’ water bills, trust us to get you competitive pricing on your water contracts and support you to improve water efficiency wherever possible. Contact us today to see how we can transform your utilities.
Contact Everflow today!
At Everflow, our goal is to make your utilities simpler. We ensure you get great-value contracts that are tailored to your needs and easy to manage.
