What is Ofwat non-household market?

What it is

The non-household retail market separates retail services, such as billing, meter reading and customer service, from wholesale services, such as treatment and networks. Retailers buy wholesale services and sell to business customers. The market is administered by a market operator that manages data and settlement.

Ofwat also runs innovation funding for water companies and their partners, including the Water Breakthrough Challenge. These competitions fund projects that address challenges such as leakage, water efficiency and resilience. Check Ofwat's current guidance for eligibility and timelines.

Who it applies to / where it is used

The market affects businesses, public sector bodies, charities and other non-household customers in England. Multi-site organizations, such as retailers, hospitals, schools and property portfolios, often use it to consolidate supply and improve data. Scotland has its own separate market.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

Business customers benefit most when they can see their own consumption, rather than relying on infrequent meter reads.

• Accurate meter reads and consumption histories by site
• Leak and high-use investigations with evidence
• Water efficiency actions and their measured effect
• Project outcomes for innovation fund partners

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supports loss reduction on non-household sites and can join water company partners on innovation projects such as Water Breakthrough Challenge collaborations.

• Continuous consumption by site through aQ WaterGuard, rather than periodic reads
• Leak and burst detection on private supply pipework
• Bill validation against metered use
• Measured results that support innovation project reporting