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Castle Water delivers cost-effective, expert business water services for independent schools across the UK. From boarding houses to historic buildings, we help schools manage high water demand with tailored audits, smart tracking, and efficient billing, saving you money and supporting sustainability.
Independent schools face consistently high water usage due to boarding facilities, catering demands, extensive sports grounds, and the continued use of premises during holidays. Implementing a water efficiency strategy can deliver major cost savings, support sustainability goals, and reduce the risk of future water shortages.
Key measures include installing water meters, detecting and repairing leaks early, and exploring systems like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting. These improvements not only cut water bills but also strengthen a school’s environmental credentials, important for schools aiming for Net Zero by 2030.
Castle Water proudly supports members of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), delivering water services that reflect the high standards and expectations of the independent education sector. We understand the pressures facing bursars and facilities managers, from managing complex estates to meeting sustainability targets. That’s why we offer tailored water management strategies, transparent billing and usage reporting, and expert support from our UK-based account managers, all designed to help independent schools operate efficiently and sustainably.
When Verulam School saw a sudden rise in their water charges, Castle Water stepped in to help. Despite initial investigations by private contractors, the issue remained unresolved. We arranged a full site visit, identified the source of the leak, and managed the leak allowance application on the school’s behalf. The outcome? A refund of over £13,600 from the wholesaler, easing financial pressure on the school.
Kate Locke, Business Manager at Verulam School, said:
“I want to thank Castle Water for all your help in guiding us through this process and securing a leak allowance for the school. As you can imagine, the £13,629.20 allowance is a huge amount for a state school, and we are extremely grateful for all your support.”
Independent schools across the country trust Castle Water for our straightforward service, proactive support, and sector expertise. Our clients value our ability to simplify complex estates, manage multiple sites, and deliver reliable savings – without compromising on service.
With more five-star reviews than any other UK water retailer, we offer a level of reliability and trust that the private education sector can depend on.
Effective water management helps reduce operational costs, limit waste, and protect estate infrastructure – particularly in heritage buildings or high-consumption areas like sports facilities and boarding houses. It also supports broader sustainability goals, demonstrating environmental responsibility to staff, students, parents and governors.
Start with visibility. Use Automated Meter Reading (AMR) to monitor usage in real time, and carry out regular leak checks. Install water-saving devices like tap aerators and toilet cistern displacement bags, and educate staff and pupils on water efficiency. Partnering with a specialist supplier ensures your systems are optimised and supported.
Water audits identify where water is being used efficiently – and where it’s being wasted. For independent schools, this insight supports decisions on upgrades, maintenance, and behavioural change. Audits also provide data that can inform ESG reporting and long-term sustainability planning.
Private and independent schools are responsible for the safety and maintenance of their internal water systems. While the water wholesaler manages quality up to the site boundary, the school is responsible beyond that point. In England and Wales, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) oversees standards, while Scottish Water plays a similar role in Scotland. Compliance includes safe water storage, backflow prevention and trade effluent regulations, where applicable.
Independent schools should consider a supplier’s experience in the education sector, pricing transparency, billing simplicity, and access to value-added services like audits, AMR and emergency support. Choosing a supplier that understands the needs of complex estates and can provide tailored advice ensures long-term value and reliable service.
Managing water across private school estates, from boarding houses to heritage buildings, comes with unique challenges. Castle Water offers a range of additional services designed to support independent education providers in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and protecting valuable infrastructure. Whether you’re focused on sustainability, compliance, or long-term savings, our expert support is tailored to your needs.
Switching your school’s water supplier is quick, straightforward, and can lead to significant savings. Castle Water offers expert support and tailored advice to make the process simple from start to finish. Get in touch today to see how your school could benefit.
