When it comes to utility costs, most businesses have a firm grip on electricity and gas, but water bills often slip under the radar.
With so many operational demands and regulatory requirements to juggle, water management can seem like a low priority. But by doing so, you could be costing your business more than you realise.
In fact, 1 in 3 water bills contain errors, meaning you could be unknowingly overpaying – and these aren’t just minor discrepancies.
Some businesses have reclaimed thousands due to historical billing mistakes.
The good news? By taking a few simple steps, you can identify overcharges, cut unnecessary water costs, and secure long-term savings. Here’s how.
In this guide, we’ll clearly detail how to:
- Audit your water usage
- Switch to a competitive water supplier
- Implement water-saving solutions
How to Identify If Your Business Is Overpaying for Water
Business water savings start with identifying whether you’re overpaying for water. How do you check? Your best bet is to conduct a business water audit.
This audit will evaluate factors such as:
- Your property’s surface area.
- Rateable value.
- Size and number of your water meters.
- An estimate of the wastewater returned to the sewer.
Errors in any of these areas are surprisingly common and can lead to your water supplier overcharging.
Step 1: Review Your Water Usage for Inefficiencies
Leaks are a major culprit behind high water bills. Even small issues, such as a running toilet, dripping faucet, or hidden pipe leaks, can lead to water waste.
A single leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day. It’s also important to consider seasonal factors that might be contributing to higher water consumption, such as increased water use in summer for irrigation and outdoor activities.
Reviewing your landscaping and irrigation practices can help reduce outdoor water use, perhaps by adopting drought-resistant plants.
Household habits can also impact your water usage. Encourage staff to adopt more water-efficient practices, such as taking shorter showers (if applicable), running washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads, and being mindful of how much water is used during daily activities.
Step 2: Compare Suppliers and Secure a Better Rate
Switching providers can lead to significant savings—sometimes up to 80% on water and wastewater bills.
The key is to compare suppliers based on pricing, contract flexibility, and customer service quality. Look for a provider that offers competitive rates, clear billing structures, and no hidden fees to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Customer support is another crucial factor—choosing a supplier with highly rated service can make a big difference if you ever need assistance with billing or account management.
Switching should always be easy, and should never disrupt your service, which is why it is so heavily recommended to shop around for the best deal.
Step 3: Implement Water-Saving Solutions for Long-Term Savings
Water-efficient technology is constantly adapting, and it is one of the most effective ways to achieve long-term savings.
Low-flow toilets, taps, and urinals can significantly reduce water usage without affecting day-to-day operations.
They may require an initial investment. However, the reduction in water consumption leads to substantial cost savings over time.
Water recycling and reusable systems also work well for businesses. This repurposes wastewater for non-drinking purposes such as cooling systems, cleaning, or even irrigation.
Small steady changes over time can lower their utility bills drastically, reduce environmental impact, and future-proof operations against rising water costs.
Reduce Waste and Cut Costs Today
Water is a vital resource for any business, but overpaying for it shouldn’t be the norm.
By taking on these practices, you can easily start unlocking significant cost savings while boosting sustainability credentials.
With rising operational costs, now is the time to take action and ensure you’re not paying more than you should.
Don’t let unnecessary expenses drain your bottom line. For more insights and the latest business cost-saving strategies, visit Business News This Week.
