How can I find out how much I’m paying for my business water?

Check your latest bill and past charges

Obviously, your most recent water bill is the first and most direct place to start. This will show your current rates and any charges applied for the most recent billing period. Make sure to note both volumetric charges (based on how much water you use) and any standing charges or fixed fees. It’s also important to look closely at the small print, as the way these fees are displayed can vary between suppliers.

It’s also worth looking back through older bills to spot patterns. Are your charges consistent, or have they changed sharply without explanation? Look out for seasonal differences, any sudden spikes in usage, or shifts in the way charges are calculated. Some invoices may include hidden charges such as service fees or infrastructure levies which may not be clearly labelled. You’ll also want to check the start and end dates of each bill – irregular billing periods could point to errors or missed readings. If you see gaps in billing history or unusual gaps between invoices, it may be an idea to flag this with your supplier.

Look at your meter readings and usage

Your meter reading is a direct record of the water you’ve used, so comparing it with the usage shown on your bill is a really useful way to help identify discrepancies. If the numbers don’t match, your supplier may be estimating usage rather than billing based on actual readings, which can lead to inaccurate charges. (Estimated usage can be especially unreliable if your business has fluctuating demand.)

A sudden jump in consumption could suggest an internal leak or a change in how your business is using water. On the other hand, if your usage stays fairly steady each week or month, you can use past readings to calculate your average daily consumption, which can be highly useful in helping you understand your baseline usage and spot any unusual spikes. It may be an idea to start keeping a simple log of meter readings – once a week is usually enough. Over time, this record can show whether water-saving steps like new taps, flush systems or process changes are actually reducing your consumption.

Speak to your internal facilities or accounts team

If you’re not the one responsible for managing water services day to day, then it’s worth consulting with whoever does hold that responsibility. The facilities or accounts department often holds historical billing data or maintenance records that could help build a clearer picture of your usage. They might also be aware of past problems such as leaks, meter faults, or disputed bills.

It’s never a bad idea to ask whether the business has undergone any recent changes – such as pipework repairs, system upgrades, or the installation of water-saving equipment – that could have affected water consumption or charges. Reviewing this breakdown can uncover cases where one part of the business is being charged too much, or where usage is missing from the records completely. If your company runs multiple sites, check whether each one is being billed correctly and separately.

Contact your supplier

If anything about your bill is unclear, you may find that the best way to get clarification is by speaking directly to your supplier. Ask for a full breakdown of charges, including how each component is calculated and what rates are being applied. Most suppliers will provide this if requested, though you may need to be persistent.

It’s also a good idea to request a copy of your current wholesale tariff so you can compare it against alternative options. Be sure to confirm the type of contract your business is on – whether it’s a default, deemed, or negotiated deal – as this can significantly affect your rates. A supplier’s customer service team should be able to provide this information and explain how to challenge inaccurate charges. If you’ve recently moved into the premises, make sure to confirm that the account details match your location and supply point.

Use your SPID to track charges

Every business water supply point has a unique Supply Point Identification Number (SPID), which can usually be found on your bill. This number links your business premises to a specific meter and service type, and helps ensure that you’re being charged accurately. It also confirms that your bills match the correct address and supply.

Using your SPID, you can match billing information to the correct location, confirm which services are being billed, and verify the rates being applied. It’s also useful if you’re planning to switch suppliers or carry out a full audit, as it ensures all data refers to the right site. If your business operates across multiple sites, each will have its own SPID – so make sure your accounts or facilities team keeps a clear record of which SPID belongs to which location. This helps them match each meter to the correct site when checking bills or requesting tariff information, so nothing is misassigned or missed.

Check if you’re eligible for a water audit

A water audit can be a hugely helpful method for helping you establish exactly how much you’re being charged for your business water, and it’s a service that we’re pleased to be able to offer right here at The Business Water Shop. It can identify waste, detect leaks, and assess whether you’re being overcharged based on your actual usage and contractual terms. The process can also reveal data entry errors or outdated account classifications that affect billing.

A thorough audit can also highlight longer-term opportunities to reduce water use, such as installing more efficient fixtures or changing internal processes. Some audits include recommendations for behavioural changes that generate immediate improvements through better habits and awareness.

Compare business water rates

Once you know your current usage and charges, that’s where we can help you compare your business water supplier to benchmark your rates against other suppliers in your area. All you need to do to kick off with is enter your business type, location, and average usage to generate a list of potential savings. (You can also enter your SPID for a more accurate result.)

With a network of trusted suppliers at our disposal that spans across the UK, we’re perfectly positioned to get you the most competitive water quotes for your business. In fact, we’re able to save some customers up to 55% on their water bills, and you can count on us to use all our resources and industry expertise to get you the best deal.

It only takes a few minutes to get your online quote – so if you’re thinking about switching business water suppliers, there’s never been a better time to do it!