Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and the tourism industry, including vacation rentals, has a significant role to play in addressing this challenge. In our quest for a more sustainable future, innovative devices and applications have emerged to help vacation rental owners and managers conserve water and lower their bills at the same time.
From low-flow shower heads and to smart irrigation systems and leak detection tools, we will highlight the cutting-edge technologies that can help vacation rental owners optimise water usage without compromising guest comfort.
Additionally, we will unveil a range of water conservation apps that empower vacation rental owners and managers to monitor and manage water usage efficiently. These apps provide real-time insights into water consumption patterns, alerting you to any abnormal usage and encouraging responsible practices among guests.
Water saving devices for vacation rentals:
1. Low-flow shower heads
By promoting water efficiency, vacation rentals contribute to sustainable practices, conserve water, and lower water bills. Low-flow shower heads reduce water consumption but maintain adequate water pressure. If your showers are not low-flow you can simply add a shower flow restricter to your existing shower head.
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having low flow shower heads can get you up to 3,27% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria? A standard shower head uses about 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) of water per minute, while a low-flow shower head uses around 7.6 liters (2 gallons) per minute. If someone takes a 10-minute shower daily, the annual water savings could be around 6,935 liters (1,832 gallons) per person.
2. Dual flush toilets
Time to replace the toilets? Choose dual-flush toilets that offer different flushing options for liquid and solid waste, saving water with each flush. Take control of your water usage without sacrificing hygiene.
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having dual flush toilets can get you up to 7,22% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria? A conventional toilet uses about 13.2 liters (3.5 gallons) per flush, while a water-efficient toilet uses about 4.8 liters (1.28 gallons) per flush. Assuming an average person flushes 5 times a day, the annual water savings could be around 15,330 liters (4,046 gallons) per person.
3.Toilet tank bank
Place a toilet tank bank or a filled plastic bottle in the tank to displace water and reduce the amount of water used for flushing. This simple but effective technique promotes water efficiency.
4. Smart irrigation controllers
Use smart irrigation controllers to water your garden or lawn. These devices optimise watering schedules based on weather data and soil moisture, ensuring efficient water use.
5. Rainwater harvesting system
Harness the power of rainwater by installing a rainwater harvesting system. Collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, minimising reliance on municipal water supplies.
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having dual flush toilets can get you up to 4,82% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria? Collecting rainwater can be an effective way to conserve water, reduce demand on municipal water supplies, and help manage stormwater runoff. It can also provide a source of water for outdoor uses, such as watering plants and landscaping, and can reduce water bills for homeowners and businesses.
6. Leak detection devices
Stay vigilant against water leaks with smart water meters or leak detectors. These devices monitor water usage and alert you to any abnormal usage, preventing unnecessary waste.
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having dual flush toilets can get you up to 11,93% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria? A leak detection system can prevent significant water loss by identifying issues early. The EPA estimates that fixing easily corrected household leaks can save an average household approximately 37,854 liters (10,000 gallons) of water per year.
7. Water-efficient appliances
Choose water-efficient appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with high Energy Star ratings in the USA and in Europe, look for the eco-setting. These appliances minimize water use during operation, promoting sustainability.
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having dual flush toilets can get you up to 2,57% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria?
Washing machines: The eco setting typically uses lower water temperatures, reduced washing and rinsing times, and less energy-intensive heating methods to clean clothes.
Dishwashers: When compared to hand washing dishes, dishwashers can be more water-efficient, especially if they are run when full and have an eco-setting that reduces water usage.
8. Mulch and plants
Conserve water in your garden by using mulch to reduce evaporation and choosing plants that are native to your region and have low water requirements. Let nature thrive while minimizing watering requirements. Find also here a list of plants that don’t require much irrigation.
Water conservation apps for vacation rental owners and managers
- Dropcountr: Connect to your utility company and get real-time water usage data, personalized insights, and alerts for leaks or abnormal usage. Take control of your water use with this empowering app. [Link: Dropcountr]
- Drop Drop: Join the fight against drought in Southern Africa with Drop Drop. This easy-to-use app provides water-saving tips and allows you to report water wastage. Help make a difference and improve living conditions. [Link: Drop Drop]
- Beat the microbead: Fight plastic pollution in our waterways by identifying products that contain microbeads. Scan barcodes or search for specific products to make eco-conscious choices. [Link: Beat the Microbead]
- Rain Harvest: Maximise the potential of rainwater by calculating harvesting options specific to your home. Gain valuable insight into collecting, treating and using rainwater for a sustainable future. [Link: Rain Harvest
- Save water: Access a wealth of water-saving tips, ideas, and techniques for everyday activities. This app covers household water use, water-efficient appliances, landscaping, and more. Take steps towards a water-efficient lifestyle. [Link: Save Water].
Encourage behavioral changes for vacation rental guests: Your real superpower is that you can now encourage hundreds of travelers to also conserve water when they go back home!
Print a Sustainability chart in your vacation rental and list all the things that you do with regard to:
- energy efficiency
- waste reduction
- water conservation
- respect of the community
- promoting the destination
SUSTONICA CRITERIA – Having a sustainability chart can get you up to 2,19% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard
Why is it part of the criteria? By showing complete transparency on your efforts you will influence guests to make changes in their own way of living.
In terms of water conservation, you can do the following:
Encourage shorter showers: Encourage guests to take shorter showers by reminding them that every drop counts. A few minutes less under the shower can make a significant impact on water conservation.
Turn off taps: Encourage guests to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth or doing other activities that don’t require a constant flow of water. Small habits add up to big savings.
Full loads only: Remind everyone to run full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine to maximise water efficiency. Consolidating laundry or dishes saves water and energy.
By adopting water-saving devices and leveraging conservation apps, vacation rental owners and managers can become champions of sustainable hospitality. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also enhances your property’s reputation, attracts eco-conscious guests, and ultimately reduces operating costs in the long run.
Every drop counts.
