How Exeter businesses can save on water bills
Exeter sits in quite an unique position when you look at how we get water, and its relative softness compared to nearby areas. If we were positioned just a few miles more easterly, water hardness would typically be much higher, and we’d be reliant on water from more underground sources rather than the local rivers and reservoirs we currently use.
The ease with which we get water and the quality of it can’t be understated, but there is a little truth in that most people don’t give a second thought to how we use and pay for water. We might question a bill from time to time at home, but many businesses in Exeter don’t have the time to stop and investigate every penny on their water bills.
Luckily, they don’t need to if they want to start saving money on water bills. Here are some of the ways any business can get bills down and improve water services in the process.
Ask your neighbours
Every business uses water differently, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be charged differently. Double-check with neighbouring businesses if they’re on the same water supplier as you, and if they have the same experiences as you do. Most will be happy to get clued up on what you’re both paying for, and whether either of you are getting a raw deal.
Learn about other providers
Businesses are very lucky in this part of the country as the water market is very competitive, with different water retailers all vying for your attention. If you didn’t already know, you have the right to switch water supplier if you feel there’s a better deal to be had. I would make an effort to research other retailers around Devon after figuring out your average usage from recent bills.
A good retailer will always give an indication of what tariffs they can provide based off of your usage, and if they can provide any additional services for free, or for a nominal fee. In most cases, you can use this information to have an open dialogue with your current retailer about your research and the options you’ve seen.
Double-check your meter
A bit like moving from an old glass television to a brand new OLED display with all the mod cons, you might be surprised as to how many businesses don’t really think about or know that their water meters are outdated. If your business currently works off an estimated tariff, it’s a good sign you have an old meter.
It will then tend to be the case that your provider either goes off an estimate where you could be losing credit, or they don’t provide the means to assist with upgrading meter technology. You should definitely look into smart meter installation, as it counts to the millilitre, which is then sent directly to the provider, and will see you getting billed for the exact amount you use.
Again, if your current provider says they can’t help at all with meter upgrades, ask other providers and see if they’ll do it for free if you say you’ll switch.
Check your wastewater too
With many businesses in Exeter being service-based, a good volume of wastewater could see bills creep up every month. Much like meters, ask your current provider if they can put you in touch with a local water agent who can come and check your wastewater system. They should analyse disposal and then provide recommendations. It may be the case they see an opportunity to employ some form of greywater recycling in your business, which will reduce the level of waste and reintroduce more water. That, in turn, will bring bills down.
Always remember, you should have total flexibility over water bills and how much to pay. Understanding this, talking with your current supplier, and having even a little knowledge of the local water market could help you save a lot of money on water bills in the long-term.
