How to get a new connection for a commercial premises
Before you begin, make sure you know who supplies your water and wastewater services. You check this easily on the Water UK website.
Submit your application, any supporting documentation and pay the application fee.
You’ll need to show us:
*A non-permeable surface is any surface that doesn’t allow water or other liquids to pass through it.
Common examples of non-permeable surfaces include:
Once we’ve got your application, we’ll complete checks on our network to make sure we’re able to supply water to your desired location.
If we have everything we need from you, your application will be progressed to the next stage and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Customer Connection Manager – they’ll be your point of contact from this point onwards.
If we need extra information to progress your application – we’ll be in touch to support you.
Your dedicated Customer Connection Manager will call you to arrange for one of our team to visit your site on a date and time that works for you.
Whilst we’re on site, we’ll check your plans and assess the work needed to get you connected. Afterwards, we’ll send you a drawing and supporting guidance so you know exactly where and how to lay your private supply pipe.
As well as a drawing and supporting guidance, we’ll send you a tailored quote for making the water connection. Your quote comes with an acceptance form that you’ll need to sign when you’re ready for us to inspect the private supply pipe.
You can now lay your private supply pipe from your premises to the boundary in line with the plans and supporting guidance we left with you when we first visited your site.
Read our guidance on how to install a private water supply pipe on a non-household property.
Now that you’ve laid your supply pipe you can now pay your quote and send us your signed acceptance form. This tells us that you’re ready for an inspection and want us to make the water connection for you.
Once we’ve received your signed acceptance form and you make your payment we’ll call you to book a suitable date and time to inspect the pipework you’ve laid.
We’ll visit on the date agreed to check your pipework has been laid correctly.
We’ll make the new connection to our water network and the supply can be used.
We aim to connect you within 21 days of the passed inspection however connections through private land, or locations where traffic management is needed may take longer (this can be up to three months depending on highways permits or land entry requirements).
Once the connection is made and a water meter is installed; we’ll register the connection and customer details and pass them over to the retailer you had chosen when you first applied (where applicable).
Use an approved plumber
A Water Industry Approved Plumber (WIAPS) is fully qualified and trusted by UK water companies to work to the highest standards. They’re trained to meet water regulations, carry the necessary insurance, and can certify their own work - saving you time and hassle.
Choosing a WIAPS plumber means your installation is safe, legal, and done right the first time.
Instead of a physical site inspection, you’ll just need to provide evidence of your contractor’s accreditation and photos showing that the private supply pipe has been laid to the agreed point outlined when we visited your site.
Choosing a retailer
We’re not responsible for sending bills for commercial premises so you’ll need to set up an account for billing with a retailer. Retailers manage all billing, meter reading and account queries for commercial customers.
You can choose a retailer ahead of your new water connection – just tell us on your application. If you don’t tell us on your application, you’ll be able to choose once your new connection has been registered. If you don’t choose, you’ll be assigned a retailer automatically.
If you need any help around billing non-household water supplies, visit the Open Water website.
Things to consider before you apply
Read our installation guidance
View our supporting guidance for making a new water connection to a commercial premises
Apply for a new connection for a commercial premises
Once you know the connection size you need, you can apply for your connection to our existing water network. Application fees are required.
If you need help finding the right application form to use, get in touch with our team - they're here to help.