There are over 30 water suppliers in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Drought and low water levels in reservoirs and rivers have led many water companies across the UK to urge people to be sensitive about their water use.
So, this may have made you wonder who your water supplier is.
Here’s everything you need to know about who your water supplier is, whether or not you can switch water suppliers, and which areas are affected by drought.
How do they decide who supplies me with water?
Your water supplier is decided very simply, it all depends on the region in which you live.
There are several water companies that operate across the UK, and they each supply water to homes and businesses in certain geographical areas.
Therefore, where you live determines which water company supplies you with water.
If you live in Scotland, your water supplier will be a public company, Scottish Water.
In Northern Ireland, water and sewerage services are provided by Northern Ireland Water, a government-owned water supplier.
If you live in England or Wales, your water will come from one of 32 private companies operating as water suppliers.
Can I change who supplies me with water?
No, unlike other utilities, you cannot change your water supplier.
This means you can’t switch water providers, and you can’t look for another provider that can offer a better deal in the same way as gas and electricity or your broadband.
Instead, you have to accept charges from your local supplier, and the only way to change your water supplier is to move to a whole new area.
How can I check who supplies my water?
There are 32 separate water companies in England and Wales, but the good news is that if you’re not sure which of them supplies your home with water, it couldn’t be easier or faster to check.
There is a very useful website called Water United Kingdom who has practice tool to help you find who supplies your water.
Just enter your postal code.
If you live on the border of two water areas, you should contact possible water suppliers directly for confirmation.
A complete list of contact details for each of the water companies is available on the Ofwat website.
How can I check the water restrictions imposed by my water supplier?
The easiest way to check the restrictions put in place by your water supplier is to contact them directly.
You can check each of their websites or call the company.
A complete list of contact details for each of the water companies is available on the Ofwat website.
Where in England is there a drought?
A Drought was declared in the UK on Friday August 12 for the first time in four years, impacting nine areas across England.
It comes after the UK saw the hottest weather since records began in July, with temperatures reaching 41°C.
Before the news was confirmed, water companies including Welsh Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and South East Water were already imposing garden hose bans in order to save supplies.
Areas affected by the drought are: Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and North London, East Anglia, Thames, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and the East Midlands.
