Water Tanks for Hotels and Resorts: Ensuring Consistent Supply, and Greywater Recycling

The hospitality industry has high water consumption, which means that good water management is essential for providing a seamless service. From making sure there’s a constant supply of water for guests and visitors, to working with sustainable practices such as greywater recycling, hospitality must fulfil sophisticated needs for hotels, resorts, B&Bs etc. This edition of the Tanks R Us blog provides a hospitality-focused overview of water storage tanks, ensuring a consistent water supply and implementing effective greywater recycling systems.

Water Management Challenges

Hotels and resorts often provide things that need significant water (amenities, laundry, landscaping, kitchens and swimming pools), so it’s essential that the wet stuff is managed well for the comfort of guests, operational processes and property maintenance.

Seasonal fluctuations in the availability of water, changing weather patterns and even local water restrictions can leave hotels vulnerable to shortages and, therefore, disruptions. Hotels that are located in areas with limited freshwater resources, or those aiming to improve sustainability practices, face the challenge of establishing alternative water sources including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.

Water conservation and effective water management are not only important from an operational perspective, but also the user experience of guests. The last thing a guest needs is to face water shortages or poor-quality water during their stay, as these things will impact their satisfaction and the reputation of the hotel might suffer.

The Importance of a Consistent Water Supply

Interrupted supply means interrupted services. So, a consistent and reliable water supply is really important for smooth daily functioning of a hotel. For guests, access to clean and safe water is fundamental to the quality of their experience.

For hotel operators, having an efficient water supply system is a must as water is used for numerous vital tasks, from cleaning and laundry to cooking and cooling systems. Without a steady flow of water, these tasks become challenging or even impossible, leading to disruptions to the running of the hotel, increased costs and inefficiencies. Water is also a significant part of a hotel’s utility expenses, so managing it well can help reduce costs and improve bottom line.

Having a robust water supply system also supports sustainability goals, helping to conserve resources and reduce any environmental impact. This is something that is increasingly important to hotel businesses as more and more guests and becoming eco-conscious and actively seek out establishments that prioritise sustainability and take their environmental responsibility seriously.

The Importance of Greywater Recycling for Sustainability

Greywater is the waste water generated from non-sewage sources (ie. showers, sinks and washing machines). It’s distinct from blackwater (from toilets, and which contains harmful contaminants). Greywater typically contains fewer pathogens and can be treated and repurposed.

Greywater recycling means collecting, filtering and disinfecting so that it can be reused for various applications that do not require potable water. This sustainable practice can have a significant impact on a hotel’s overall water consumption, reducing it and helping to relieve pressure on local water supplies. It can also lower water bills and reduce wastewater disposal costs.

Hotels and resorts are the sort of business which should implement greywater recycling systems, due to their high-water consumption. By repurposing, they can reduce reliance on freshwater and ensure a more sustainable water management system. Additionally, implementing greywater recycling demonstrates that a hotel is responsible and environmentally conscious which, as mentioned earlier, is increasingly important to many travellers.

Applications of Greywater in Hotels and Resorts

Some of the most common ways that recycled greywater can be used in these establishments include:

Landscaping and irrigation: One of the most straightforward uses of greywater is for landscaping and irrigation. There may be expansive gardens, lawns and outdoor spaces which require a significant amount of water – and, by using recycled greywater, hotels can reduce dependence on potable water for these tasks.

Laundry: Hotel laundry consumes large amounts of water, particularly when there is a high turnover of guests. Recycled greywater can be used in a hotel’s washing machines for laundering towels, bedding and any other textiles.

Cleaning and maintenance: Greywater can also be repurposed for cleaning tasks in the hotel - mopping floors, washing windows and any other maintenance chores which involve water. Since the water is not contaminated by bacteria or waste, it can be used without compromising hygiene or safety.

Water Storage in Hotels and Resorts

When selecting water storage tanks for a hotels or resort, there are several key factors to think about. These will not only ensure a reliable water supply but also support sustainable practices.

Capacity: The size of the storage tank is one of the most important considerations. Hotels and resorts should calculate their water needs with an equation based on the number of rooms, the services they offer and their average daily water consumption. Large hotels with extensive facilities (pools, spas, restaurants etc) will need significantly larger tanks than, say, smaller B&Bs or exclusive boutique hotels. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the tank has the capacity to meet demand when it’s at its peak, and when there is high occupancy. Tanks should be large enough to store enough water for both potable and non-potable uses.

Material: Water storage tanks come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Plastic: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. A popular choice for hotels and resorts, plastic tanks are also cost-effective and easy to install. However, they’re not always suitable for large-scale water storage needs.
• Steel: Strong and durable. Ideal for large-scale water storage. Can withstand higher pressure and are often used for larger resorts and commercial hotels. However, they’re very heavy and will cost more than plastic.
• Fibreglass: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight. Suitable for either small or large hotels. Also, non-toxic - important for ensuring water safety and quality.

Space: The available space for installing water storage tanks is a very important consideration. The tank should be positioned in an area so that it’s easily to get to for maintenance and monitoring, but also discreet enough not to disrupt the aesthetics and functioning of the property. This could mean installing underground, in a basement or on a rooftop.

Compliance: It’s essential that water storage tanks and systems comply with industry standards as well as local regulations. These typically govern aspects water quality, safety and environmental impact, and hotels and resorts need to check to make sure their water storage and greywater recycling systems meet the required guidelines.

Water management is an essential part of a hotel or resort’s fully functioning operations. Making sure there’s a consistent water supply, coupled with effective greywater recycling, enhances efficiency (and guest satisfaction) and also supports sustainability. At Tanks R Us we can help you with the right tanks for your hotel or resort’s systems, and we can offer further advice. Simply get in touch today.