Managing down consumption with Waterscan
By Emily Grice, Chief Financial Officer, Waterscan
For large organisations, water is a significant operational cost – but often one of the least visible. Waterscan helps businesses reduce spend. Part of this is achieved through seeking better tariffs, but managing down consumption is the most impactful lever. Achieving that starts with gaining access to robust, accurate data and taking control of the way water is bought and used.
We support our clients on a full Sustainable Water Management Journey – from strategic advice to operational delivery. An effective step on that journey is to take control at a foundational level through Self-Supply. With Waterscan’s support, many large companies like Sainsbury’s, Whitbread, and BT have already adopted Self-Supply, reaping the benefits of greater operational control and cost efficiency.
What is Self-Supply?
Self-Supply is a model that allows businesses to acquire a license to act as their own water retailer. Instead of buying from a retail intermediary, Self-Suppliers purchase water directly from water companies. This unlocks full control over consumption, cost, and operational performance, as well as procuring the water itself at wholesale rates, which are the lowest possible price.
Importantly, Self-Supply gives you the ability to communicate directly with wholesalers, cutting out an intermediary that often doesn’t truly understand the situation, leading to faster and better resolution of issues. Being a Self-Supply license holder also gives your organisation a voice in the market, meaning that you can contribute to regulatory conversations and help shape the future of the water sector.
Data-driven water management
Managing down consumption starts with one thing: data. Self-Supply gives your business direct access to accurate, timely, and meaningful consumption data. This data-driven approach supports:
- Leak detection and repair
- Reduction in long-unread meters
- Smarter, more efficient water usage
- Progress against sustainability goals
For example, BT – a Waterscan Self-Supply client – saved over £3 million and detected leaks wasting more than 500 million litres of water, while reducing long-unread meters from 25% to just 0.5%.
Financial benefits of Self-Supply
Self-Supply delivers clear and measurable financial value:
- Easy tracking of performance against budget
- Detailed cost analysis by service component
- Transparent billing, based on your actual data
- More accurate accruals on the balance sheet
- Time saved through simplified administration
These efficiencies are made possible by better data and more control.
Operational advantages
Self-Supply doesn’t just improve cost visibility – it enhances operational resilience:
- Peer-to-peer contractual relationships with wholesalers
- Direct communication with wholesalers for faster resolution of service issues
- A collaborative partnership model focused on outcomes
- Access to funding opportunities for water efficiency initiatives
- Simpler, more predictable invoice and management processes
With Waterscan managing the process, Self-Supply becomes a strategic asset—not an operational burden.
A partner in your sustainable water journey
Transitioning to Self-Supply is a significant step – but with Waterscan’s support, it’s seamless. We work alongside your team to:
- Advise on regulatory and procurement strategy
- Act with practical, on-the-ground services – leak detection, smart metering, issue resolution
- Access the right supply route, built for long-term value
Most importantly, we help you embed a Sustainable Water Management Journey that’s tailored to your business and measurable in results.
“As a CFO, my focus is always on finding ways to save costs without compromising on efficiency. By optimising your water usage, detecting leaks faster, and installing water efficiency measures, you reduce your overall consumption. With Self-Supply, and the accurate data it provides, you not only ensure more efficient water management but also pay less by securing the right rate for your business, without overpaying.”
Emily Grice, CFO at Waterscan
Ready to take control?
If your organisation is ready to reduce water spend, increase sustainability impact, and take control of your water strategy – let’s talk. Waterscan has the expertise, systems, and experience to help you unlock the benefits of Self-Supply.
Let’s meet at Water Matters!
The team and I will be attending Water Matters 2025 – a key event for those wanting to connect, learn, and drive change on water sustainability. I encourage you to 🔗 Sign up here
- 📅 Water Matters 2025
📍 Thursday 19th June 2025
⏰ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Convene, 22 Bishopsgate, London
Looking forward to seeing you there!
