Expanding your business internationally is an exciting move – but it comes with new operational challenges, especially when it comes to utilities like water supply. Whether you’re setting up in Europe, Asia, or the Americas, understanding how water services are managed in different regions is key to maintaining efficiency, compliance, and cost control.
At Scalex Technology, we help UK-based businesses navigate the complexities of water management at home and abroad. Here’s what you need to consider when running a business across multiple countries.
Business Costs Around the World Ranked
| Rank | City | Country | Avg Salary (£) | Office Rent | Water Cost | Internet | Tax Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Budapest |
Hungary | 15600 | £33.51 | £0.94 | £12.23 | 9% | 90.72 |
| 2 |  Prague |
Czech Republic | 20230 | £34.81 | £3.28 | £17.35 | 19% | 83.91 |
| 3 |  London |
United Kingdom | 39000 | £68.50 | £2.30 | £25.00 | 19% | 75.60 |
| 4 |  Berlin |
Germany | 42000 | £49.10 | £1.85 | £20.00 | 15% | 78.30 |
| 5 |  Mumbai |
India | 7000 | £28.00 | £0.35 | £8.00 | 25% | 70.50 |
| 6 |  Dubai |
UAE | 32000 | £60.00 | £2.00 | £15.00 | 0% | 74.00 |
1. Water Supply Regulations Vary Widely
One of the biggest surprises for UK businesses expanding overseas is how much water regulation differs from country to country.
- In the UK, business water is deregulated, meaning you can choose your water supplier for better rates and service.
- In countries like France or Spain, water supply is often centrally managed by local municipalities.
- In Germany, water services may be decentralised but subject to strict environmental standards.
- In parts of Asia or South America, water infrastructure may be less reliable, and private suppliers often play a bigger role.
🔍 Tip: Always check local rules on metering, billing, and environmental obligations before launching operations.
2. Water Quality Standards & Safety
Water quality isn’t guaranteed equally worldwide. While the UK meets some of the highest water quality standards, this isn’t always the case elsewhere.
- In developing countries, you may need to install filtration systems or source bottled water for employees.
- For food production or pharmaceuticals, water purity can directly affect product safety and legal compliance.
💡 Ensure you conduct a local water safety assessment during the setup phase.
3. Usage Monitoring and Efficiency
Managing multiple sites means monitoring usage becomes more complex. A lack of centralised reporting can lead to:
- Water waste going unnoticed
- Difficulty in benchmarking performance
- Increased costs and carbon footprint
At Scalex Technology, we provide smart water management tools that help you track and compare usage across countries and locations – all from one dashboard.
4. Commercial Water Costs: Prepare for Differences
In the UK, you can shop around to get a better deal on business water. But abroad:
- Some areas have fixed rates based on property type.
- Others apply tiered pricing depending on volume.
- Hidden charges like wastewater fees or environmental levies may apply.
It’s important to work with a local utility consultant or a global procurement partner like Scalex to avoid overpaying.
5. Sustainability & CSR Compliance
Sustainable water use is increasingly important for both brand reputation and regulatory compliance.
- In the EU, water-saving policies are often mandatory for large businesses.
- In regions prone to drought, like parts of Australia or Africa, poor water planning can hurt your supply chain and local relations.
Scalex Technology supports businesses in developing sustainable water strategies that meet international CSR standards and reduce environmental impact.
6. Language, Billing, and Admin Barriers
Even something as basic as reading a water bill can become a challenge when it’s in another language or format.
Scalex offers centralised account management and translation support for businesses managing water across multiple countries – saving time and reducing billing errors.
Why Work with Scalex Technology?
At Scalex Technology, we specialise in helping UK-based organisations:
- Compare international water suppliers
- Manage usage across multiple locations
- Negotiate better water contracts
- Maintain compliance and sustainability
We bring UK-level clarity and service to your global operations, ensuring that water never becomes a barrier to your business growth.
Final Thoughts
Running a business across different countries involves navigating a patchwork of water regulations, quality issues, billing structures, and sustainability requirements. With the right guidance and tools from Scalex Technology, you can stay in control – no matter where in the world you operate.
