Since the water market opened in April 2017, the responsibilities for water and sewerage services has been divided between wholesalers and retailers.

Wholesalers continue to deliver water to customers through the existing pipes and networks, and some also manage wastewater removal and treatment. However, they no longer engage in direct customer interactions with businesses. Instead, they charge a wholesale rate to retailers, who then pass on the charges to customers while adding a small retail fee for billing, meter reading, and customer services.

In the event of a water or wastewater emergency, such as no water supply, a burst main, taste or odour issues with the water on your property, or if you become aware of a blocked public sewer, it’s important to contact your local wholesaler directly, rather than your retailer. The wholesaler is responsible for handling and resolving these issues promptly.

It’s a good idea to follow the social media accounts of your water and wastewater wholesalers for up-to-date information, planned disruptions and service announcements that may affect your business operations.

Who is my wholesaler?

A map of the wholesalers locations across the United Kingdom.

Wholesaler contact details

Affinity Water 
0345 357 2407

Albion Water 
0800 917 5819

Anglian and Hartlepool
03457 145 145

Bournemouth Water
0800 587 8979

Bristol Water
0345 702 3797

Cambridge Water
01223 706050

Cholderton and District Water 
07437 445 863

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water 
0800 085 3968

Essex and Suffolk 
0800 526 337

Northumbrian Water
0800 393 084

Portsmouth Water 
023 9247 7999

Scottish Water 
0800 0778 778

Severn Trent Water 
088 783 4444

South East Water
0333 000 0365

South Staffs Water 
0800 389 1011

South West Water 
0344 346 2020

Southern Water
0330 303 0368

Sutton and East Surrey 
01737 772 000

Thames Water 
0800 316 9800

United Utilities 
0345 672 3723

Wessex Water 
0345 600 4600

Yorkshire Water 
0800 573 553