Bathrooms
• Shower flow should be no more than 10 litres / min. This can be very simply measured with a bucket and stopwatch
• Low flow toilets use an average of just six litres per flush, compared to older models that use roughly two to four times more than that. Additionally, you can install duel flush toilets so guests can opt for a shorter flush. If it is not feasible to change all toilets, you can reduce the water used in flushing by placing a brick or full water bottle in the cistern (effectively displacing some of the water)
• Taps should have a maximum flow of six litres / min, or four in hand washing sinks in public bathrooms. Flow restrictors or better aerators can both help reduce tap flow
• Maintenance is a key part of saving water consumption – a leaking toilet can lose 750 litres of water day
Laundry
• Where outsourced, ask your supplier what procedures they have in place to reduce water and energy use
• Wash small quantities in a 5kg machine and always ensure machines are fully loaded
• Minimise the rinse cycle as much as possible without reducing quality
• Consider using “intermediate extraction” between rinse operations
• Consider the reuse of water from previous rinse cycles for the first wash of the next cycle by installing temporary holding tanks
• Maintenance is also key: Check regularly for leaking dump valves, ensure that all water inlet valves are closing properly and check that level controls on water reuse tanks are working properly
• 500-room-plus hotels could consider installing a continuous batch washer (CBW), which uses all the rinse water for pre-washing and main suds operation
• Ensure that the water flow rates on tunnel washers and CBWs are adjusted to the manufacturer’s recommended setting
• When buying washing machines, look out for a good water consumption rating
• Consider using ozone laundry systems. These inject ozone into the water, which works in conjunction with the laundry chemicals to provide a more efficient wash
Swimming pools
Having a swimming pool can increase fresh water consumption in a large hotel by up to 10% so think hard about whether it is really necessary before installing one. These steps will help ensure no water is wasted.
• Conduct regular maintenance to prevent leaks. Checking for leaks is best done by reading water meters last thing at night and first thing in the morning
• Backwash the swimming pool every two to three days rather than daily. It is also best to opt for a backwash system where water can be recaptured and used for irrigation
• Always cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation and reduce the need to empty and refill
• Installing push-button showers by the pool will reduce water use
Grounds
• Do not water grounds in the heat of the day. In hot climates, the best time to water is in the evening
• It’s best to avoid using automated watering systems, however if they do have to be used water can be saved by fitting timers on sprinklers to control water use. Moisture sensors in gardens and grounds can also be used to avoid over-watering
• Put a procedure in place for manual watering and train gardening staff to reduce water use where possible
• Use rainwater harvesting techniques to divert and capture rainwater from roofs and gutters. Water can be diverted into underground storage tanks or into water butts. Plants actually prefer rainwater to treated water from a tap
• If possible, use grey water from baths and sinks for irrigation. Consider installing a treatment system that will enable you to use treated black water from toilets in the gardens. The treatment plant needs to be carefully positioned in relation to prevailing winds and screened from view. Management of these systems must be well controlled
• A well-designed and controlled irrigation system will deliver water when and where it is needed
• Using your own organic compost will add nutrients and help retain moisture in the soil
• Placing wood chips on top of soil helps to reduce evaporation
• Native species of plant often need less water so design and landscape your grounds in keeping with the existing environment
Kitchens
• Taps in kitchens should have a maximum flow of 10 litres per minute
• Only use dishwashers on full load
• Pre-soaking utensils and dishes saves using running water. Similarly, wash vegetables and fruits in a sink of water rather than a running water rinse
• Avoid thawing food under running water and avoid using running water to melt ice in sink strainers
• Minimize the use of ice machines and adjust settings to dispense less ice
Housekeeping
• Put procedures in place and conduct training to inform housekeeping on how they can reduce water use. These procedures should include how many times to flush the toilet when cleaning, not to leave taps running or use excessive water, using a mop rather than hose when cleaning floors
• Implement a linen reuse programme. As well as saving water, these programmes mean less wear on fabrics, prolonging their life, and saves housekeeping staff time.