We are in a drought emergency situation in Spain. The southern and northeastern regions of the peninsula are the most affected by this drought. Catalonia has already activated the state of emergency with restrictions, therefore, water conservation has become a priority for many businesses, including restaurants, hotels, cafés and bars.

Tourism contributes to Spain more than 50 million visitors, especially in summer, when rainfall is scarce. While the average Spanish citizen uses 127 litres of water a day, consumption by tourists varies between 450 and 800 litres.

The sector's significant water footprint highlights the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices in relation to water. In addition, saving water can have a significant impact on operating costs, since the Water accounts for approximately 15% of utility bills in most establishments.

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies that these establishments can implement to reduce their water consumption.

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7 practical ideas to save water in your business

Before implementing any initiative to save water in your hotel, restaurant or cafeteria, you must identify what your consumption is and start monitoring it periodically to identify areas for improvement. From this, you can implement strategies such as:

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1. Using Smart Technology for Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes

Technology can play an important role in efficient water management in commercial establishments. From real-time monitoring systems to flow control devices, there are numerous technological solutions available that can help businesses identify waste areas and optimize their water use.

Here are some of our technology recommendations for saving water:

• Toilets and urinals with timer, equipped with a push button whose actuation causes the correct discharge of water. Also, with two options to choose from, between more and less water.
• Showers with aerators that incorporate air into the jet and thus reduce water consumption by up to 40% compared to the initial one.
• Faucets with a timer or with a presence detector, which are very common, and reduce water consumption.

2. Installation of water-efficient devices 

One of the easiest ways to reduce water consumption is to install energy efficient devices in faucets, showers and toilets. These devices are designed to reduce water flow without sacrificing quality or user experience. By switching to low-flow faucets and shower heads, as well as to dual-flush toilets, establishments can significantly reduce their water consumption without affecting the comfort of their customers.

‍3. Leak repair

Water leaks can waste significant amounts of this necessary resource. It is important for establishments to carry out regular inspections to identify and repair any leaks in faucets, pipes and irrigation systems. A small leak may seem insignificant, but over time it can result in a significant loss of water. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to carry out constant maintenance and have a good service. Polaroo takes care of procedures with suppliers, resolving incidents or complaints and any management you need. This way, you can ensure the best service and avoid failures in the management of your business's basic supplies, such as water leaks.

4. Implementation of water conservation practices in the hospitality industry

The kitchens are one of the places where the most water is consumed in a restaurant, hotel, cafeteria or bar. To reduce this consumption, several efficiency practices can be implemented, such as:

- Use washing equipment with low water consumption.

- Wait until the dishwashers are completely full before running the wash cycle.

- Reuse water whenever possible, for example, using vegetable rinse water to irrigate plants or clean floors.

- Use biodegradable detergents and soaps.

In the case of hotels and open spaces, also have a high water consumption, especially if they have spaces such as swimming pools or indoor swimming areas. For responsible water use, we recommend:

• Minimize pool water use: swimming pools can increase freshwater consumption by up to 10%. Maintenance is essential and includes regular checks for leaks and cleaning programs that take into account water. If the pool has hours when it's not in use, consider covering the pools to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for emptying and refilling.
• Minimize water use in landscaping: many hotel landscapes are full of grass and exotic plants that require expensive irrigation systems that waste water. Consider planting native species that have adapted to their environment and require less human intervention.
• Minimize water use for laundry services: represents a significant percentage of water use in the hotel industry. It indicates policies regarding towel placement and washing. Many hotel guests have become respectful and request laundry service only when necessary.‍

‍5. Rainwater collection‍

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable practice that can help reduce dependence on drinking water sources for certain activities, such as garden irrigation or outdoor cleaning. Establishments can install rainwater collection systems in their facilities and use this water for non-drinkable purposes.

6. Staff education and awareness

Involving staff in water conservation efforts is critical. Providing training on efficient water use practices and creating a culture of environmental awareness can motivate employees to take steps to reduce water consumption in the workplace.

Another measure that favours saving water would be to opt for local and seasonal ingredients and products, which can not only reduce the carbon footprint of an establishment, but also its water consumption. Food production requires large amounts of water, so choosing sustainable products can contribute to the conservation of this resource.

7. Encourage customer engagement

Involving customers in water conservation efforts can raise awareness and encourage sustainable habits. Restaurants or coffee shops can offer options such as serving water only upon request, and hotels and hostels can provide information about their water conservation practices when cleaning rooms, or even offer incentives to customers who actively participate in water conservation programs.

In short, water conservation is a fundamental aspect of environmental responsibility for restaurants, hotels, cafés and bars. By implementing efficiency and awareness strategies, these establishments can not only reduce their environmental impact, but also save long-term operating costs. With a proactive approach and the adoption of sustainable practices, we can work together to preserve this vital resource for future generations.

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Your Polaroo manager helps you

At Polaroo, we will always encourage you to be greener and so is your business. If you have questions about how to save water in your business, don't hesitate to contact your manager, ask us!

If you want to know more about us and about the advantages of a service that saves companies time and money in managing basic supplies, you can consult the webpage.