Business Stream

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Our expert guide to Business Stream

Business Stream is a licensed water retailer serving businesses across both England and Scotland. It is the default water supplier for non-household customers in Scotland, as well as in the Southern Water and Yorkshire Water regions.

If your business is based in one of these areas and hasn’t switched water supplier, Business Stream is likely to manage your account. In other parts of England, you would only be with Business Stream if you’ve actively chosen them.

While sticking with the default supplier can be convenient, it’s not always the most cost-effective option. Changing your business water supplier could unlock lower prices, tailored tariffs, and better service.

See what your business could save by entering your postcode above.

Business Stream customer service

Here’s how to reach Business Streams support team:

phone number

Business Stream contact number

You can call Business Stream on 0330 123 2000. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.

login

Business Stream login

Business Stream customers can manage their account online via the ‘My Business Stream‘ online portal. You can view bills, update details, submit meter readings, and track your water usage.

email

Business Stream email

Business stream customers can email customer services at customerenquiries@business-stream.co.uk for support, complaints, or general enquiries.

Business Stream prices

​Business Stream is the default water retailer for all business customers in Scotland, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water regions.

Below are the 25/26 default business water rates for commercial properties in these regions if you haven’t signed a fixed-price contract with Business Stream.

💡 Business Stream also offers fixed-price contracts across both Scotland and England. These fixed rates are not publicly listed and are available on request.

Scotland default charges

These are the default rates for Scotland, effective from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:​

  • Water Standing Charge: £191.63
  • Water Volumetric Charge:
    • First 20 m³: £2.8752/m³
    • Next 100 m³: £1.0784/m³
    • Additional volumes: £1.0784/m³
  • Wastewater Standing Charge: £185.08
  • Wastewater Volumetric Charge:
    • First 20 m³: £3.2158/m³
    • Additional volumes: £1.9338/m³

Southern Water Region Charges

For businesses in the Southern Water region, the following contracted rates apply from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:​

  • Water Standing Charge: £92.47
  • Water Volumetric Charge: £2.7702/m³
  • Wastewater Standing Charge: £56.51
  • Wastewater Volumetric Charge: £3.9717/m³
  • Surface Water Drainage: £42.78
  • Highway Drainage: £21.39

Yorkshire Water Region Charges

For businesses in the Yorkshire Water region, the following contracted rates apply from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:​

  • Water Standing Charge: £67.52
  • Water Volumetric Charge: £2.1796/m³
  • Wastewater Volumetric Charge: £2.7202/m³
  • Wastewater Standing Charge: £56.51
  • Surface Water Drainage: Dependent on the property’s surface area.

Business Stream acquisitions and regional coverage

Business Stream was originally established as the default retailer for all non-household customers in Scotland following water market deregulation, but its reach has grown significantly in recent years.

In 2017, following Southern Water’s decision to exit the non-household retail market, Business Stream was appointed to take over its business customer base, a transfer approved by Ofwat.

Similarly, in 2019, Business Stream became the retailer for Yorkshire Water’s non-household customers after Yorkshire Water Business Services exited the market, with the transfer also sanctioned by Ofwat.

These strategic customer transfers have helped position Business Stream as one of the largest business water retailers in the UK, with a broad customer base spanning Scotland and major regions of England.

Business Stream tariffs

Business Stream offers a variety of tariff options designed to meet the needs of different business types, from small premises to large multi-site organisations.

default

Default contract

Businesses that haven’t selected a tariff are automatically placed on a default business water tariff. While this option provides simplicity, it’s usually more expensive than a fixed contract. Switching to a more fixed deal could help reduce your ongoing water charges.

fixed

Fixed contract

A fixed contract with Business Stream secures a set retail fee for the duration of the agreement. This helps with cost control and is often more competitive than default pricing. You can explore new tariff options once your contract comes to an end.

Business Stream contract features

Business Stream fixed contracts include practical terms and conditions that help businesses stay on top of their payments, manage risk, and maintain control over their water services.

payment method

Payment methods

Business Stream usually requires payment by Direct Debit for fixed-term contracts. Payment amounts can be adjusted to reflect the total amount owed. If a Direct Debit fails or is cancelled, the customer remains responsible for paying by other means. Business Stream may remove any discounts if payment conditions are not met.

check your bill

Billing

Customers are billed in arrears, meaning you pay after you’ve used the services. This setup helps with cash flow management and avoids paying for services you haven’t yet received. Bills are sent by post or email, depending on your preference.

End of contract

End of contract and renewals

At the end of a fixed contract, Business Stream will either offer a renewal or move your account onto default rates if no new agreement is signed. These default rates are usually higher, so reviewing your options is important before the contract ends.

Credit checks and security deposits

Credit checks

Business Stream may carry out credit checks before or during the contract. A security deposit might be requested if your business has a limited credit history or a record of late payments. This deposit can be used to settle outstanding charges if needed and is refundable once your account is fully paid.

No advance payments

Non-payment and disconnection

Failure to make payment or to allow access to your water meter can result in the disconnection of services. Business Stream will issue a disconnection warning notice before carrying out the disconnection. Services can be reconnected once the issue is resolved and any reconnection charges are paid.

Switch Water

Switching supplier

You can usually switch to another retailer when your contract ends. However, if any invoices are more than 90 days overdue, Business Stream may object to the switch until the balance is cleared. All charges must be settled before completing the transfer to a new supplier.

How to get a Business Stream quote

At AquaSwitch, we specialise in helping companies compare business water suppliers and find the best deals. If you’re looking to compare Business Stream with other business water suppliers, our simple three-step process makes it easy to switch and save.

postcode

Enter your postcode

Start by entering your business postcode above and a few simple details about your business.

Compare prices

Compare prices

Review quotes from Business Stream and other business water suppliers to find the best rates and contract terms for your needs.

Switch and save

Switch and save

Once you’ve found the right deal, you can switch business water supplier quickly and easily, ensuring you get competitive rates and the right service for your business.

Business Stream additional services

Business Stream offers a suite of added services to help businesses use water more efficiently, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term cost control. Whether you run a single site or a national operation, their expert team can help improve performance and compliance.

water audit

Water efficiency audits

Business Stream provides professional water audits that assess how your business uses water and highlight areas where consumption can be reduced. These audits often reveal commercial water leaks or inefficiencies, helping businesses cut usage and costs with minimal disruption to operations.

Analyse

Resilience planning

Business Stream can assist with water resilience planning for organisations that rely heavily on water. This service supports the development of contingency strategies to maintain operations during supply interruptions, helping you stay productive and compliant in unexpected situations.

Smart Water Meter

Smart metering and monitoring

Business Stream offers a range of advanced metering options that allow you to track water use in real time. Smart water meters and water data loggers help identify irregular patterns, leaks, or unusual consumption spikes, allowing you to respond quickly and keep water bills under control.

Water connection

New connections

If you need new water connections, Business Stream can manage the full process, from application to delivery. Their experienced team coordinates with local water companies to ensure your connection is installed smoothly, saving time and reducing administrative burdens.

Trade effluent services

Trade effluent support

Business Stream provides full support for businesses that produce trade effluent, such as those in manufacturing, food and drink, or chemical processing. They can help with consent applications, volume monitoring, compliance reporting, and managing effluent charges.

Business Stream customer reviews

Business Stream has an excellent Trustpilot rating of 4.6, based on feedback from verified business customers across the UK. Reviews highlight a number of positives, along with some areas where improvements have been suggested.

Pros

  • Helpful customer service: Many reviewers describe Business Stream’s support team as friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to deal with.
  • Smooth setup: Customers often say that getting started is quick and straightforward, with minimal admin.
  • Transparent communication: Several users appreciate regular updates and clear billing and service queries explanations.

Cons

  • Estimated bills: Some businesses report frustration with receiving estimated rather than actual bills, especially when meter readings are submitted.
  • Support delays: A few customers mention slower response times during busy periods or when dealing with complex account changes.
  • Contract renewal frustration: There are occasional complaints about being moved to higher default rates after missing renewal notices.