Water scarcity is a global issue affecting various regions and industries. Tourism plays a crucial role in addressing this situation and promoting more sustainable growth.
Currently, Catalonia is facing an emergency situation due to the alarming drought. It is essential to take measures to prevent the situation from worsening. It is very important to use water responsibly and try to save this precious resource.
What the situation in Catalonia?
While there is no exact data reflecting the water consumption by tourists visiting our city, it is estimated that the average water expenditure per person and household is 66,000 litres in Catalonia, which is equivalent to 125.5 years of drinking water for one person.
That’s why, it is imperative for the Catalan tourism sector to take necessary measures to change this paradigm, optimising water usage without compromising the comfort of our guests.
If you own a tourist or monthly rental apartment in Barcelona, here are some solutions and tips to promote water savings and efficient usage in your property.
1. Install Smart Taps
Smart taps can improve hygiene by up to 98% and reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Installing smart taps can save up to 33,000 litres per person per year.
Thermostatic taps are also an option, allowing you to save hot water as they reach the desired temperature with a single gesture. Moreover, the constant flow ensures that the guests’ comfort is not compromised.
Another advantage of having this type of tap, is that the water flow is interrupted after a set time, which prevents water wastage. This type of tap is safer for people with reduced mobility or younger guests.
2. Leak Detection Devices
It is really important to ensure that the taps do not leak, because, otherwise, a significant amount of water will be wasted. An effective solution to combat this situation is to install a leak detection system. In case of a leak, these devices monitor water usage and alert you of any anomalies.
It is estimated that repairing easily correctable domestic leaks can save property owners up to 37,854 litres of water per year. Check out or other blogs for tips on reducing energy costs in a rental property!
3. Efficient Cisterns
Conventional toilets use around 13 litres per flush, that’s why, if you’re thinking about replacing the toilets in your home, it’s a great time to opt for dual-flush cisterns. These systems can halve daily water consumption, saving up to 8 euros per year. Furthermore, you can choose between two types of flushes: the partial flush consumes 3 litres of water, meanwhile a full flush uses 6 litres of water.
Another alternative to reduce water consumption in the toilet is using eco-reducers. These devices reduce the tank capacity through adjustable taps and counterweights, converting the full flush into a partial flush. This is because, when pressing the button or releasing the handle, the counterweight interrupts the water flow at the same time as the adjustable taps reducing the cistern’s capacity.
To find out more, check out our article about how to make your apartment more sustainable.
4. Opt for Taps with Timers
Taps with a countdown allow you to save a considerable amount of water and is the perfect solution for preventing water wastage. With these buttons on the taps, the water comes out for a few seconds and then the tap closes. They are known for having a very long lifespan, as they are usually made with robust materials suitable for all environments and uses.
Installing this type of tap can result in up to 40% of water savings. When someone washes their hands, they typically use around 13 litres of water, because the tap is usually left on whilst lathering their hands. By using a timed tap, we can reduce this consumption to 4.5 litres. Therefore, in just one minute you can save almost nine litres. So, think about all of the savings that you can achieve in the long run by using timed taps.
5. Low-Flow Showerheads
Did you know that a 5-minute shower consumes around 90 litres of water? As minutes increase, water consumption rises. That’s why, another way to save water is to replace the showerhead with a flow restrictor, causing water to flow with less pressure.
First, check if the showerheads and taps are contributing to water wastage. Then, measure their flow and compare it with water-saving devices. If the flow is similar, no change is necessary. If it is higher, consider making a change or adding a shower flow restrictor. Keep in mind that each tap in the same apartment may have a different flow.
6. Efficient Appliances
It is essential to have low-consumption appliances that contribute to water savings. At home, the appliances that consume the most water are the dishwasher and washing machine. Nowadays, there are many options available in the market for appliances with water-saving technologies or ECO washing programmes.
Also, regular maintenance of these devices is crucial; otherwise, a blockage in the system can result in unnecessary water consumption.
Check out our guide to electrical appliances for rental apartments to find out more!
7. Raise Awareness Among your Tenants About the Drought Emergency
In addition to considering and applying the aforementioned tips, it is equally important to raise awareness among your guests about responsible water usage during their stay in your apartment. Here are some good practices:
– Tenants will save a lot of water by taking showers instead of baths. A five-minute shower consumes only 80 litres of water, while a bath requires approximately 300 litres.
– It is important to remind them to use the dishwasher with a full load, which consumes half the water compared to handwashing.
– Encourage the use of the washing machine with full loads and select the eco programme to save water.
– Inform them about the importance of turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing their face to avoid wasting water.
– Remind them not to use the toilet as a trash bin. Between 9 and 12 litres of water are consumed per flush, so anything other than toilet paper should be placed in the trash.
In this link you will find a guide with water-saving tips for guests!
How Can I Save on the Water Bill?
As an apartment owner, you may be concerned about utility bills. The water bill can be a significant expense, along with electricity and other costs. However, with the professional help of the utility manager Polaroo, you can reduce your bills and keep them stable. No last-minute surprises!
We hope you find this article on how to save water in your rental apartment useful. Not only will you contribute to reversing the drought situation, but you will also save on your bills!
