Excellent 5* Rating
Business Water for Schools
Schools across the UK rely on water for everything from kitchens and science labs to washrooms, sports facilities, and cleaning. That means water usage is often much higher than in typical commercial properties, whether you manage a small primary school or a large secondary campus.
If you’re responsible for your school’s utilities, it always makes life easier when you’re fully up to speed on how business water rates work, and how to reduce costs while staying compliant with hygiene and safety standards. That’s where we can help at The Business Water Shop – here, we explain how water charges are calculated, ways to lower your bills, and how switching suppliers could benefit your school.
What are the water rates associated with schools?
Schools pay volumetric charges (for water used and wastewater returned) and standing charges (fixed fees for supply, drainage, billing, etc.).
• Volumetric Charges: High usage areas include toilets, kitchens, sports field irrigation, and cleaning. For example, at £1.25 per m³ and 1,200 m³ annual usage:
£1.25 × 1,200 = £1,500 per year.
• Standing Charges: Fixed daily costs, e.g., £0.85/day × 365 = £310.25 annually.
Why schools often pay more for water
Schools have large populations, multiple buildings, canteens, and facilities such as swimming pools, driving up consumption and costs.
Some of the best ways to lower your school’s water bills include:
• Fit low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets in all washrooms.
• Install smart meters to monitor usage and detect leaks early.
• Capture rainwater for gardening or cleaning where permitted.
• Schedule regular plumbing checks to prevent wastage.
Can I switch my school water supplier?
Yes. The commercial water markets in England and Scotland have been deregulated for a long time now – since 2008 in Scotland and 2017 in England. That means schools are free to choose suppliers, and there are often plenty of good reasons to do so. Switching can save costs, improve billing options, and deliver better service levels.
Here at The Business Water Shop, we’re here to help you find the best water contract for your needs. Our handy online tool enables you to easily compare different business water rates, so you can find the best supplier to suit you.
What if our school doesn’t have a water meter?
Unmetered tariffs are based on property values. Comparing suppliers can still save money, but installing a water meter may offer better savings for a high-use site like a school.
Use our comparison tool, and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can help.
