What deregulation means

Deregulation, often called market opening, or “Open Water” in England, separated the company that supplies your water from the company that bills you. The wholesaler still owns the pipes and supplies the water, but you can now choose your retailer: the company that handles billing, service and meter reads. That choice is what creates competition on price and service.

When it happened

Scotland led the way, opening its non-household water market in 2008. England followed in April 2017, giving around 1.2 million businesses, charities and public bodies the right to choose their retailer. Wales hasn’t deregulated in the same way. Most Welsh businesses still can’t switch, which is an important exception to be aware of.

What it means for your business

If you’re in England or Scotland, you can switch water retailer for better service, a single bill across multiple sites, clearer account management or a sharper price. Switching doesn’t touch your actual supply. Same wholesaler, same pipes, same water. It only changes who you deal with. For sites in Wales, the old rules still apply.

What changed in April 2017

Before 2017, an English business took whatever water company served its postcode and that was that. Since April 2017, eligible businesses in England can choose who retails their water, the same way they already chose their energy supplier. The company that treats and delivers the water didn’t change. The company that bills you and manages the account is now yours to pick.

That split matters. Deregulation opened up the retail layer, not the pipes. Your water still arrives through the same regional network. What’s competitive now is the service wrapped around it, including billing, account management and the retail margin built into your rate.

What deregulation means for your business

In practical terms, you can compare business water suppliers and move to one that suits you better. For a single site that might mean a clearer bill. Across several sites it often means consolidating everything onto one account and one renewal date.

The switch itself is designed to be low-friction, with no interruption to supply. The water keeps flowing exactly as before. The only thing that changes is who you deal with and what you pay them on top of the wholesale cost.

Where deregulation applies across the UK

England has had an open retail market since 2017. Scotland got there earlier, opening in 2008, and runs its own separate market. Wales is largely closed, with only the very largest users able to switch.

So the answer to “can I switch” depends on where your sites are. A business spread across England and Scotland can usually move both. A site in Wales may not have the same option, which is worth knowing before you start comparing.

Water deregulation FAQs