Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it has become an integral selling point in the hospitality industry. Travelers are increasingly conscious of a hotel’s sustainability efforts and environmental impact. It’s finally become a proactive focus rather than a reactive afterthought.
With this, it’s high-time that property managers and engineers recognize that successful, whole-property water management is more than just fixing leaks and implementing low-flow fixtures. By dedicating resources to automation, real-time monitoring, water recycling and predictive analytics, properties can optimize their water usage to be more eco-friendly.
Tech is Evolving
Technology is playing an enormous role in advancing comprehensive water management techniques. With predictive analytics, AI-driven monitoring systems, smart leak detection and advanced submetering, properties can track water usage in real-time and respond immediately to inefficiencies. This means that instead of waiting for a problem to escalate, managers and engineers can identify potential issues as they arise, often before they cause significant water loss or damage.
For example, AI-powered systems can analyze water usage patterns, predict when equipment might malfunction or even adjust water flow based on demand, ensuring optimal use. Advanced submetering technology allows for more granular monitoring of water usage across different areas of a property, whether it’s in guestrooms, pools or laundry facilities. This level of data provides valuable insights that enable property owners and operators to make more informed decisions, reduce consumption and prioritize areas for improvement, ultimately leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Beyond automation and predictive technology, industry leaders are charting the course to sustainable water use through process innovation. Some hotels are now using graywater recycling (e.g., reusing shower and laundry water for irrigation or toilet flushing), while others are experimenting with atmospheric water generation. Additionally, UV and ozone systems are reducing reliance on chlorine in pools, and some properties are using advanced oxidation processes (AOP) to break down contaminants without generating harmful byproducts. Meanwhile, new filtration tech, like nanofiltration and high-efficiency reverse osmosis, is reducing water waste by up to 50 percent.
New-and-Improved Industry Standards & Regulations
Regulatory pressure is also driving change. Water conservation mandates are popping up in more cities, especially in drought-prone regions like California, Nevada and parts of Texas. But beyond regulations, ESG reporting is playing a large role in moving the needle towards sustainability—hotels are being held accountable by investors and guests alike. If they’re not prioritizing and actively implementing sustainability initiatives, they’re falling behind in compliance and market competitiveness.
These regulations aren’t a one-size-fits-all blanket over the industry, as regional differences require varied approaches. The Southwest region of the U.S. is aggressive about water conservation due to drought risks, while places like Florida and the Pacific Northwest are focusing more on stormwater management and preventing contamination.
Internationally, European properties tend to be ahead of the curve with strict water efficiency mandates, while desalination and reuse are key priorities in the Middle East due to water scarcity. Industry players should look to water management innovation in regions that reflect the characteristics of their own.
Overcoming Obstacles
The biggest challenge to achieving excellence in sustainable water management is cost—not just the initial cost of upgrades but also the perceived return on investment. Many property owners and managers still see water as a fixed, low-cost expense and don’t recognize the savings potential that lies in adopting sustainable operations. This often leads to a reluctance to integrate more sustainable practices.
However, the long-term savings that come from reduced water consumption, including lower utility bills and decreased maintenance costs, can far outweigh the initial investment. With the right data and performance metrics, properties can better quantify the ROI of whole-property water management and realize the full benefits.
Savvy properties are finding creative ways to fund sustainable projects, whether through green loans, finding ESG-focused investors or using utility rebates. Some are bundling water efficiency upgrades with broader ESG initiatives to secure corporate funding. Perhaps the most approachable solution lies in implementing changes in phases, starting with the items that are the easiest lift (like smart leak detection and low-flow fixtures) before moving on to bigger projects.
Another challenge facing potential adopters is operational complexity, as implementing new systems requires training, and not all teams are equipped to manage high-tech solutions. Overcoming this challenge requires a shift in mindset—property owners and managers need to recognize that investing in employee education is just as critical as investing in the technologies themselves. A proactive approach to training and system integration is key to reducing operational barriers and ensuring sustainable practices thrive.
At VivoAquatics, we’ve seen major improvements in water efficiency from properties that took a data-driven, phased approach. One resort implemented real-time water monitoring and leak detection across the property, reducing water usage by up to 40 percent in less than a year by locating leaks and large consuming assets. Another fitness chain upgraded its pool systems with advanced filtration and automated dosing, which cut water consumption by up to 30 percent and improved guest satisfaction in the process.
What’s on the Horizon
In the next few years, water management will be more tightly integrated into overall ESG strategies, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainable practices across industries. As awareness of environmental challenges like water scarcity continues to rise, stakeholders—including investors, consumers and regulatory bodies—will demand more transparency and accountability from property owners and operators. Expect to see more reporting requirements, higher water prices and heightened pressure on properties to prove their conservation efforts.
Stricter wastewater treatment regulations will also emerge, aiming to improve water quality and reduce pollution. This means that properties must not only focus on conserving water but also on treating and reusing wastewater in a more effective manner, potentially through advanced filtration or other sustainable treatment methods.
With technology, regulations and consumer expectations shifting fast, the best move is to get ahead of the curve now. Soon, sustainability won’t be a nice-to-have; it’ll be the bare minimum. In this evolving landscape, properties that prioritize water conservation and invest in robust, data-driven water management systems will be better equipped to meet these increasing demands. Those that fail to adapt risk falling behind in both compliance and competitiveness. As regulations tighten and water scarcity becomes an even more urgent issue, properties that lead in water conservation will be better positioned to thrive, while those that lag behind may face both environmental and economic challenges.
About the Author
As the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development at VivoAquatics, Richard Lindhorn focuses on customer acquisition and retention, working closely with cross-functional teams to create compelling marketing campaigns, cultivate strategic partnerships, drive demand generation activities and deliver measurable results. Lindhorn is a highly accomplished executive leader in strategy, technology, M&A, operations and development, with a history of building and empowering teams to drive success. He has a strong foundation in tourism, technology and hospitality, in addition to global business consulting, market insight and intelligence, strategic planning and more. Throughout his career, he’s served in numerous capacities including but not limited to chief operating officer, revenue manager, consultant, head of corporate development, head of product, head of strategic alliances and more. He is Black Belt Certified (Lean Six Sigma) with university-level education in international business.
VivoAquatics provides a smart and connected technology platform for operators to manage water features including pools, spas and more, as well as the overall conservation of a facility. An innovative suite of commercial aquatic solutions, VivoAquatics equips customers with the tools needed to improve water safety, conservation and compliance. It provides chemical automation, water safety monitoring, leak detection, water and energy usage monitoring, compliance management and more to deliver the safest and most appealing water for guests in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
