Looking For a Business Water Audit? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know
A business water audit is not a sales pitch for a new supplier. It is a technical review of your billing accuracy.
Many UK SMEs assume their water bills are correct because they come from a regulated utility company. This is a mistake. Since the deregulation of the English water market in 2017, billing complexity has increased. Errors are common. Overcharging is frequent.
At CheckMyRates, we provide independent cost reviews. We identify errors, risks, and inefficiencies. We do not push for supplier switches. We do not have hidden agendas. We simply confirm if your charges are accurate.
If you are considering a business water audit, here are 10 things you should know.
1. An audit is different from a switch
Most "audits" offered online are actually lead-generation tools for brokers. Their goal is to get you to switch suppliers so they can earn a commission.
We take a different approach. We focus on the accuracy of your current charges. We look for technical errors in how your site is classified and how your water is measured. You do not need to change your supplier to correct a billing error. We provide the evidence to fix the problem where it sits.
2. Your SPID is the key to everything
Every commercial water connection has a Supply Point Identifier (SPID). This is a unique number that tells the market exactly what services your site receives.
Errors often start here. If your SPID is set up incorrectly in the central market database, every bill you receive will be wrong. We validate your SPID data against the physical reality of your site. We ensure the market knows exactly what you are: and are not: using.
3. Surface water drainage is a major error zone
Surface water drainage is often the most expensive item on a water bill. It is a charge for the rainwater that falls on your property and enters the public sewer.
Many bills are based on outdated property size assessments. Some businesses are charged for drainage even if their water goes into a private soakaway or a local river.
We review your site plans.
We check the physical drainage routes.
We challenge assessments that overstate your site area.
We seek refunds for historic overpayments.
4. Assumptions about sewerage are often wrong
Water companies usually assume that 95% of the water you buy goes back down the drain as sewage. They charge you for "return-to-sewer" based on this assumption.
If you use water in a production process, for cooling, or for irrigation, your return rate is likely much lower.
We identify where water is "lost" to your product or the atmosphere.
We calculate the actual percentage of water returning to the sewer.
We apply for a permanent reduction in your sewerage charges.
We provide the data to back up the claim.
5. Historical data can be recovered
A business water audit is not just about the future. It is about the past. In England, you can typically claim back overcharges for up to six years.
We analyze your historic billing data to find patterns of error. We do not just look at your last bill. We look at the history of your account. If you have been overcharged for years, we help you get that money back. We deal with the retailer so you don’t have to.
6. Physical site surveys are often necessary
A desk-based audit can only do so much. To get true clarity, someone needs to understand the physical layout of your premises.
We don't rely solely on what the bill says. We compare the bill to the physical assets. Is the meter the right size? Is it actually on your property? Are you paying for a neighbor's supply by mistake? We look for the physical evidence that proves or disproves the charges.
7. Deregulation did not fix billing errors
When the business water market opened to competition, many hoped it would lead to better data. The opposite often happened. The transition created a layer of data fragmentation between wholesalers (who own the pipes) and retailers (who send the bills).
This fragmentation is where errors thrive. We act as the bridge between these entities. We use the market rules to force corrections. We ensure that the wholesaler’s data matches the retailer’s bill.
8. VAT and tariffs are frequently misapplied
Water billing involves complex VAT rules. Some parts of your bill are standard rated, some are zero-rated, and some depend on your business activity (SIC code).
We check your tariff allocation. We ensure you are on the most appropriate rate for your consumption volume. We verify that you are not paying VAT on charges that should be exempt. These small administrative errors add up to significant sums over several years.
9. Meter sizing affects your fixed costs
Every water meter has a standing charge based on its size. A larger meter costs more every day, regardless of how much water you use.
Many businesses have meters that are "oversized" for their actual needs. This often happens after a change in business use or a reduction in staff.
We analyze your peak flow requirements.
We compare this to your current meter capacity.
We recommend "right-sizing" where appropriate.
We help you reduce your fixed daily costs.
10. Evidence is the only path to a refund
The water companies will not give you money back just because you ask. They require evidence. They require technical proof that an error has occurred.
We don't start with assumptions. We start with a methodical review. We provide the reports, the calculations, and the site data required to secure a result. We remain independent. We remain objective. We focus on the facts.
Getting Clarity on Your Water Costs
A business water audit should provide clarity and control. It should tell you exactly what you are paying for and why.
We provide that clarity. We don't sell you a new contract. We don't hide our fees in your energy rates. We simply confirm the facts. If your bills are accurate, we tell you. If they are wrong, we show you why.
If you want to ensure your business isn't losing money to water billing errors, upload a bill for a review. We will provide the evidence you need to take control of your costs.
Comments