The hospitality industry has made great strides implementing innovative strategies to minimize water usage, driven by both economic necessity and a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. Here are four of the ways operators in the hospitality sector are making an impact.

1. Smart Technology Integration for Real-Time Monitoring & Leak Detection

Lots of water pipes.

Beyond installing low-flow fixtures, the hospitality industry is employing sophisticated technology to optimize water consumption.

Smart water management systems, incorporating advanced sensors and data analytics, are being deployed to monitor water flow in real-time across entire properties. This technology provides operators with granular insights into their property’s water usage patterns. Now, they are able to identify areas of high consumption and can detect leaks with unprecedented speed.

For example, pressure sensors can detect subtle variations in water flow indicative of a leak within a pipe network, behind walls, or underground. Similarly, acoustic sensors can “listen” for the telltale hissing of a hidden leak. The value this technology brings is immense — it minimizes water waste and enables proactive maintenance, thwarting soggy disasters and costly repairs that would occur if the problem were to go unnoticed.

Furthermore, the data generated by smart water management systems is valuable for optimizing irrigation schedules for landscaping. With it, watering can be based on real-time weather conditions and soil moisture levels, reducing water usage in outdoor areas that don’t require it.

A data-driven approach such as this one represents a paradigm shift from unsustainable reactive maintenance to proactive resource management.

2. Greywater Recycling & Treatment for Non-Potable Uses

Reclaimed water in use sign near plants.

Operators within the hospitality industry are increasingly recognizing the potential of greywater recycling to reduce its reliance on freshwater resources.

Greywater, defined as wastewater from showers, sinks, and laundry, constitutes a substantial portion of total water usage in hotels and resorts. Implementing greywater recycling systems allows this water to be treated and reused for non-potable applications, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling tower make-up water.

Advanced treatment technologies, including membrane filtration and UV disinfection, ensure that the recycled water meets stringent quality standards for its intended use.

The initial investment in greywater recycling infrastructure is a significant one. However, the long-term benefits are substantial, including reduced water bills, decreased strain on local water resources, and enhanced brand image as a leader in sustainable practices.

3. Optimized Laundry Operations & Linen Reuse Programs

A Save our Planet sign in a hotel bathroom.

Hotel laundry operations use a lot of water. The industry is tackling this challenge through a multi-pronged approach. High-efficiency washing machines, utilizing advanced wash cycles and reduced water volumes, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Ozone laundry systems, which use ozone gas instead of hot water to disinfect and clean linens, are gaining traction, significantly reducing both water and energy consumption.

Beyond technological advancements, behavioral changes also play their part. Linen and towel reuse programs, incentivizing guests to opt out of daily changes, have become a standard practice in many hotels. Clear communication with guests about the environmental benefits of these programs is essential for their success, which is why many hotels keep small, informative signs in guest bathrooms.

Hotels are also optimizing laundry schedules, ensuring full loads are washed whenever possible, and implementing staff training programs to promote water-efficient laundry practices.

These combined efforts are yielding significant reductions in water usage associated with laundry operations, demonstrating the impact of both technological innovation and behavioral change.

4. Sustainable Landscaping & Xeriscaping Practices

Plants native to arid regions.

Outdoor water use, particularly for landscape irrigation, can be a major drain on water resources in the hospitality industry, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. To counter this issue, some industry operators are adopting sustainable landscaping practices that minimize water consumption.

Xeriscaping in particular, a landscaping approach that utilizes drought-tolerant native plants, is gaining popularity. These plants are adapted to the local climate and require minimal supplemental watering, significantly reducing irrigation needs.

Some operators are adopting efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, because they deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation losses. And as we mentioned earlier, smart irrigation controllers, connected to weather data and soil moisture sensors, further optimize watering schedules, preventing overwatering and water waste.

Hotels are also incorporating permeable paving materials in walkways and parking areas, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and reducing runoff. They conserve water while creating beautiful, eco-friendly outdoor spaces for guests.

Leading By Example

Landscaping at a Hilton hotel.
Hilton’s Grand Wailea Resort in Maui created this landscape using drought-resistant plants native to Hawaii. (Photo courtesy of Hilton.)

Sustainability leaders within the hospitality industry are making significant progress in water conservation through a combination of technological innovation, operational optimization, and behavioral change.

As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, the hospitality industry’s commitment to water conservation serves as a model for other sectors and demonstrates that economic viability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

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