The Business Water Connection Process Explained

Setting up a business water connection might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually much simpler than many people think. 

With the right supplier, the process should always be smooth and hassle-free. You should never feel like you are jumping over hurdles or impacting your operations. 

Whether you're moving into new premises, expanding your operations, or setting up a completely new connection, understanding how it works is important. 

To help you navigate the process, APSense, the all-in-one business hub, aims to break this down, bit by bit—so you know exactly what needs to happen.

Key Takeaways

• Determine if your business requires a new connection.
• Understand the connection process.
• Find out which suppliers and wholesalers handle business water connections.
• Clear guidance on how to get set up.

Does Your Business Need a Water Connection?

If you’re setting up a new business premises that doesn’t already have a water or wastewater supply, you’ll need to arrange a new water connection. 

This is typically required for newly built offices, retail spaces, industrial units, or even smaller properties like holiday lets. 

The process can take time and requires several steps, so it’s important to be prepared and understand what’s involved. Thankfully, choosing the right supplier means most of the work is handled for you, but it is still important to understand what goes on.

If you’re moving into an existing premises with an active water supply, you won’t need to arrange a new connection. Instead, you’ll simply take over the existing supply. 

In this case, you may want to review your options and consider switching suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best service and rates for your business needs.

How to Switch Business Water Supplier

Switching your business water supplier is a straightforward process, and with the right provider, it can be entirely hassle-free. A good supplier will handle the transition for you. Simply register your interest with potential suppliers and compare quotes to find the best deal for your business. 

Shopping around assures you get the most competitive rates and service options. Once you’ve chosen a new provider, they will take care of the switch.

What Makes Up a Business Water Connection?

A business water connection consists of several key components that ensure a reliable supply of clean water and proper wastewater management. Most connections are made up of three main parts:

Fresh Incoming Water Supply

This is the clean water that enters your premises and is used for essential daily operations, such as running taps, flushing toilets, and filling appliances like dishwashers or hosepipes.

Outgoing Wastewater Connection

Just as water enters your premises, it also needs to leave once it has been used. Wastewater from sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and other facilities is directed through an outgoing wastewater connection. 

Drainage Connection

Drainage plays a crucial role in managing excess water on and around your property. There are typically two types of drainage connections: property drainage, which manages rainwater and surface water within your premises, and road or highway drainage, which handles water runoff from surrounding streets.

Who Provides Business Water Connections?

Business water connections are typically managed by both a wholesaler and a retailer. 

The wholesaler owns and maintains the infrastructure that delivers water and wastewater services in your area. 

Since your connection is linked to the local network, you cannot choose your wholesaler, and some may only manage water or wastewater services, rather than both.

Your retailer (or supplier) is the company you deal with directly for billing and customer support. 

They liaise with the wholesaler on your behalf to handle any issues, such as low water pressure or supply interruptions.

What Type of Water Connection Does Your Business Need?

Most businesses require a standard water, wastewater, and drainage connection, but in some cases, a more tailored setup may be needed. The type of connection your business requires will depend on how you use water and whether wastewater needs to be treated off-site or managed independently.

Water-Only Supply

A water-only connection is suitable for businesses that do not produce wastewater requiring treatment. This might apply to agricultural businesses using water solely for irrigation, where water naturally returns to the ground instead of entering the wastewater network. Similarly, businesses with on-site wastewater treatment, such as those using a septic tank and soakaway system, may not need a mains wastewater connection.

Waste-Only Supply

A waste-only connection is less common but is necessary for businesses with a private water supply. If your business sources water from a borehole, river, or private supplier but still requires access to a wastewater network, you may need a dedicated waste-only service.

Always ensure you’re only connected to the services you need.

Summary & Getting Set Up

Now that you understand the business water connection process, the next step is to get set up based on your location.

In England, new connections must be arranged directly with the relevant water and wastewater wholesaler or through an independent contractor, known as a self-lay provider. 

In Scotland, the process begins with Scottish Water, which will confirm whether it can provide your connection and advise on any necessary design changes. You’ll then need a qualified plumber or engineer to design the connection and complete the required application forms, which must be submitted through a licensed supplier. Once approved and site inspections are complete, the connection can be made, and a meter installed where applicable.

For more guidance on setting up and managing business services, check out additional resources at APSense Business Guides.