Following a week of major water problems in Johannesburg, it is increasingly important to implement water saving stratagies.
Hotels can implement various water-saving measures to contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce water consumption. Here are several ways a hotel can save water:
- Install Low-Flow Fixtures:
- Replace standard faucets, showerheads, and toilets with low-flow alternatives. These fixtures are designed to use less water without compromising performance.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Fix leaks promptly. A dripping faucet or a leaking toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time.
- Guest Education:
- Provide information in guest rooms about water conservation practices and encourage guests to use towels and linens more than once to reduce laundry frequency.
- Linen and Towel Reuse Programs:
- Implement a linen and towel reuse program where guests can choose to reuse their towels and linens instead of having them replaced daily.
- Smart Irrigation Systems:
- Use smart irrigation systems for landscaping that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.
- Rainwater Harvesting:
- Collect and use rainwater for landscaping and other non-potable water needs.
- Greywater Recycling:
- Treat and reuse greywater (wastewater from showers, baths, sinks, and washing machines) for non-potable purposes like irrigation.
- Water-Efficient Landscaping:
- Choose native or drought-resistant plants for landscaping, as they require less water to thrive.
- Install Water-Reducing Technologies:
- Invest in water-saving technologies such as waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, and sensor-activated faucets.
- Regular Equipment Maintenance:
- Ensure that water-using equipment like dishwashers and laundry machines are well-maintained to operate efficiently.
- Water Metering and Monitoring:
- Install water meters to monitor consumption and identify any unusual increases that may indicate leaks or inefficient water use.
- Employee Training:
- Train staff to be mindful of water usage and to report any leaks or issues promptly.
- Guestroom Plumbing Checks:
- Regularly inspect and maintain the plumbing in guest rooms to prevent leaks and wastage.
- Wastewater Treatment Systems:
- Implement on-site wastewater treatment systems to treat and reuse water within the property.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances:
- Choose energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines, as they often use less water than their conventional counterparts.
- Water Conservation Policies:
- Develop and enforce water conservation policies to ensure that all staff and guests are aware of the hotel’s commitment to saving water.
By adopting a combination of these water-saving measures, hotels can significantly reduce their water consumption and contribute to sustainable practices.
Stephen is a hospitality professional from Johannesburg South Africa. His career started with THF hotels in the UK and subsequently with the Southern Sun Hotel group in Johannesburg. Stephen’s first steps into entrepreneurship was Hickmore Recruitment / CareerMap, a leading supplier of Senior and Exec recruitment services. Stephen was a founder of Pple Hospitality (formerly HSC) the largest Hospitality Industry full-service outsourced staffing company in South Africa. In March 2020 Stephen became a director and owner of the Swiss Hotel School South Africa, which is now his full time endeavour. Stephen writes for a number of publications on food and hospitality industry matters, trends and opinions.
