Water

Water flows through every part of a hotel-from guest showers and linen washing to kitchens, pools and gardens. It is essential for delivering comfort and quality, but it is also one of the most overlooked resources in the hospitality industry.

Did you know that one hotel guest can use between 300 and more than 1,000 liters of water per night, depending on the level of service and amenities offered? This includes everything from bathing and cleaning to food preparation and spa treatments (Made Blue, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance).

Although the Netherlands does not face drought on a daily basis, water scarcity is becoming a growing concern-especially during dry summers. And now there is also a financial reason to take action: in 2025, Dutch water suppliers such as Vitens raised prices by more than 20%, from €1.04 to €1.25 per cubic meter, to finance critical infrastructure improvements. For an average hotel, this can translate into thousands of euros in additional annual costs.

The good news? Hotels have a wide range of solutions at their disposal. From smart shower systems and sensor-based leak detection to graywater recycling, water-saving amenities and guest engagement tools-water-saving innovations are becoming more accessible and effective.

In this section, you'll discover practical strategies and pioneering partners that help hotels reduce water consumption and improve long-term operational efficiency. These solutions range from quick successes to transformational investments-which turn water from a hidden cost into a visible opportunity for impact.

Also read this study by Vitens: saving water in hotels and recreational parks.

For more inspiration, watch the trailer of Ocean by David Ettenborough here.