Billing

These frequently asked questions are designed to help you to answer queries you might have about your water and waste water bill and managing your account online.

Why have I been sent a water bill?

If your property is connected to the public water supply, you pay charges towards its maintenance. The same applies to waste water.

What do the charges on my water bill cover?

The bill is divided into different types of water charge:

a fixed charge to keep you connected to the water supply and or the sewers
‘volumetric’ charges, based on how much water you use and returned to the sewers
property and roads drainage charges, based on your property’s rateable value.

For more details, see our page on understanding your charges.

Why does my bill have charges up to 31 March 2012 and different charges from 1 April 2012?

Our charges are revised on 1 April every year. This means that for each part of your bill, two different charges apply. Services up to the 31 March are based on our 2011/12 charges and services from 1 April 2012 are based on our 2012/13 charges.

How do I pay my water bill?

We’ve made it as easy as possible. You can pay by any of these methods:

online via our secure online payment form
by direct debit (Sign up today and you’ll get a 2% discount)
by BACS or internet banking (our bank details are:
- Sort code 30-00-02
- account number 03029919
- account name Business Stream Revenue Account

How do I save money on my water bill?

We’ve already saved our customers over £10 million in consumption savings so we know what we’re doing with it comes to cutting bills. For example quick savings can be made by using direct debit and eBilling for 5%. Other methods can be tailored to your business – get in touch with us and we’ll work out what’s best for you.

How do I cut my water consumption?

In most cases, cutting water consumption will cut your water bills, simple. Follow our water saving tips for small and larger businesses to help cut your water consumption. Claiming your free water efficiency pack can be your first step.

I’m having difficulty paying my water bill – what should I do?

Get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find the best solution. To make a quick saving – sign up to eBilling and direct debit to save 5%.

How do I set up direct debit with Business Stream?

Easy. Just complete the direct debit mandate and you’ll get a 2% discount. If you sign up to eBilling too, you’ll get a bigger saving of 5%.

What discounts is my business eligible for?

We offer a range of discounts. The more you commit to us, the bigger the saving.

If you use our eBilling service to receive your bill or pay by direct debit you get a discount. Our discounts automatically increased on 1 April 2012. Your bill may show the discounts that you received up to 31 March 2012 and the new discounts from 1 April 2012.

From 1 April 2012, our eBilling discount has increased from 1% to 2%.
From 1 April 2012, our Direct debit discount has increased from 1% to 2%.
From 1 April 2012, if you take both eBilling and direct debit then our discount has increased from 2.5% to 5%.

Take a look at all our discounts and offers.

Which organisations are eligible for exemptions from water and waste water bills?

Charities and voluntary organisations can apply for exemptions if they:

have already been receiving exemption at 31 March 1999
have a net annual income of less than £60,000

To be eligible, they must not:

be a retail outlet or council building
have had a permanent liquor licence before 1 September 2009. Read the full detail on the Scottish Government’s exemption scheme

How do I get a statement of my water charges?

Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.

How do I get a duplicate water bill?

The easiest way is to sign up for our eBilling service. Your bills are then archived electronically – you can access and print them whenever you need to. Plus you get a 2% discount for signing up (or 5% if you sign up to direct debit too).

What is eBilling?

Our electronic billing service lets you view your bills online. It saves paper – and you get a 2% discount for signing up (or 5% if you sign up to direct debit too). Use our eBilling tutorial for a step by step guide.

How do I log in to eBilling?

Simple – use our login page to view your electronic bills. Make sure you are already signed up to eBilling first. Read our eBilling tutorial for a step by step guide.