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Business Water for Factories
Factories are among the most water-intensive business types in the UK. Whether you’re in manufacturing, processing, or packaging, water is essential for production, cooling, cleaning, and hygiene. Even small efficiency improvements can have a major impact on profitability.
This guide explains how factory water rates work, why your costs might be higher than average, and how switching suppliers or upgrading systems can save you money and improve sustainability.
How water is used in factories
Because so many operations depend on water, factories typically have much higher consumption than offices or retail premises. Some industries will use millions or tens of millions of litres of water per year.
Each cubic metre used is charged at your supplier’s unit rate, while wastewater returned to the sewer incurs additional costs. Factories also pay standing charges for network maintenance and service administration. These fixed costs are small compared to usage costs but still contribute to your total bill.
The challenge of managing industrial water bills
Unlike other utilities, water usage in factories can fluctuate dramatically depending on production cycles. Seasonal demand, new product lines, or cleaning schedules can all affect your consumption. Without proper monitoring, these fluctuations can make budgeting difficult and mask inefficiencies such as leaks or outdated equipment.
Furthermore, factories often operate on inherited infrastructure — old pipework, inefficient cooling towers, or worn valves that waste water without anyone noticing. Over time, these small losses accumulate into significant unnecessary expenses.
Improving efficiency on site
Effective water management starts with understanding how and where your water is used. A business water audit can identify inefficiencies, such as over-specified systems or redundant washdown processes. In many cases, the recycling and reuse of process water can dramatically reduce consumption.
Simple engineering changes, such as installing closed-loop cooling systems or automatic shut-off valves, can yield substantial savings. Staff training is also vital: operators who understand the true cost of water are more likely to adopt efficient habits.
The benefits of switching factory water suppliers
Since the deregulation of the non-household water market, factories can shop around for better deals. Some suppliers specialise in high-usage customers, offering bulk tariffs or tailored advice on reducing consumption. Others provide more flexible billing or dedicated account management.
Switching factory water suppliers can lead to lower rates, smoother billing processes, and added-value services such as water efficiency support or real-time monitoring tools. The Business Water Shop can compare suppliers across the UK and find the one best suited to your factory’s size and consumption profile.
Taking the next step
By improving your factory’s water efficiency and securing the right supplier, you can significantly lower your utility bills and your environmental footprint. Start with a comparison today and see how much your business could save.
