Questions about the Scottish water industry
We answer many of the FAQs about changes in the water industry in Scotland below. If you have any further enquiries, email us and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Q: How do the water industry changes in Scotland affect me?
A: If you are a non-household customer, you are now able to choose your water and sewerage supplier. Your business could save money on water and/or sewerage bills or enjoy better levels of service. If you are a household customer, you will continue to receive your services from Scottish Water and pay for those services through your Council Tax.
Q: I am a business customer in Scotland. How can I cut my water and sewerage bills?
A: You may be able to cut your water and sewerage bills, and to identify other benefits for your business, by switching supplier. First of all, talk to any or all of the licensed water and sewerage suppliers to discuss your requirements, and to see if they could offer cheaper water services.
Q: Is it only commercial businesses that will be able to save money on water bills?
A: No, the beneficiaries of the new competitive market are not just commercial businesses. The market also encompasses public sector organisations, such as schools, hospitals and council offices – in fact, any organisation that is not a household customer.
Q: Is it difficult to change your water company in Scotland?
A: No. Any non-household customer can switch supplier at a maximum of 20 business days’ notice by making a phone call to their new chosen supplier. The rest of the process will be handled by the new supplier, together with an independent industry body, the Central Market Agency.
Q: I am not a large-scale water user. Can I still change water company?
A: Yes. All non-household customers, regardless of their sector, size or water usage can change supplier. There are no threshold restrictions on those who can change supplier. A small shop with modest usage has the same opportunity to change supplier and possibly save money on water as a large industrial user.
Q: Does it matter where my business is located within Scotland?
A: No. Any non-household customer, wherever their location across Scotland, can choose from whom they buy their water and sewerage services.
Q: Where can I find out about how to become a water supplier?
A: The Water Industry Commission for Scotland provides information to new entrants into the water industry.
Q: I don’t have a connection at the moment. How do I go about getting one?
A: If you own, or are constructing a new build property or site, you may wish to arrange a water and sewerage connection(s). You may also wish to arrange a building water supply for the site during the construction period. The route you take to arrange a connection will depend on the nature of the property development and the type of customer you are.
The table below summarises who you should contact in each circumstance.
Please note that for developments that will require household and non-household connections you will need to contact both Scottish Water and a licensed supplier of your choice.