Sustainable commercial water treatment solutions can safeguard guests and provide an improved experience
The importance of high-quality water in the tourism industry cannot be overstated. Not only does water quality play an important role in the overall guest experience, it is also critical for health and well-being. Guests expect clean, clear, and pleasant-tasting water for drinking, bathing, and other uses while enjoying their holiday. It contributes to a sense of trust in the establishment.
Water that’s discolored, smells bad, or tastes off can lead to dissatisfaction and negative reviews, which can adversely affect business. Water containing harmful pathogens can result in the spread of diseases that could ruin a visitor’s holiday and your reputation.
Providing safe, potable water is essential to protecting health and avoiding potential liabilities. By prioritizing water quality, hotels and resorts can foster a positive brand image, comply with regulations, and contribute to environmental sustainability, ultimately leading to higher guest loyalty and long-term success.
Case in point: Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Faced with the challenges of limited freshwater resources and the need to protect the pristine environment, Sandals Emerald Bay partnered with Seven Seas Water Group to implement a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant and commercial wastewater treatment facility.
This solution not only ensured a reliable supply of high-quality water for guests but also allowed the resort to share excess freshwater with the local community, fostering positive relationships.
Water Treatment Tailored for Hotels and Resorts
The desalination plant at Sandals ensures an uninterrupted supply of fresh water, enabling the resort to consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, even amidst the Bahamas’ limited freshwater resources.
Treatment solutions designed for hotels and resorts ensure high-quality water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other uses while also protecting infrastructure and supporting sustainability. These solutions address the unique demands of hospitality environments, where guest satisfaction, safety, and operational efficiency are paramount. Key water treatment solutions for hotels and resorts include:
Filtration systems: Filtration systems can be installed either at the point of entry (POE systems) or at the point of use (POU systems). POE systems, which are installed on the main water line, filter all incoming water to remove contaminants such as bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment, ensuring that all water used throughout the hotel or resort is of high quality. POE systems enhance water taste, odor, and clarity, providing guests with high-quality drinking water and a better experience in showers, pools, and spas. POU systems are installed at specific water outlets, such as kitchen taps or guest room faucets, to provide an extra layer of filtration where high water quality is most critical. POU filters can offer targeted treatment to address specific water quality issues, such as removing chlorine or addressing hard water.
Water softening systems: Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium ions that are responsible for water hardness, thereby preventing scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances. By reducing scale, these systems help maintain the efficiency of equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of infrastructure. Soft water also provides a better experience for guests, leaving skin and hair feeling softer and reducing the need for soap and shampoo.
Disinfection systems: Two common methods of disinfection include ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and chemical disinfection. UV disinfection uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms in water, ensuring it is safe for drinking and other uses. UV disinfection does not use chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly option that also preserves the taste and quality of the water. Chemical disinfection with chlorine, chloramine, or chlorine dioxide is often used to maintain a residual disinfectant level in water, providing ongoing protection against microbial contamination throughout a resort’s water distribution system. Chlorination is essential for maintaining safe and hygienic conditions in swimming pools and spas, and is also used for preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria in hot water systems, cooling towers, and spa facilities. Ensuring effective Legionella control helps hotels and resorts comply with health and safety regulations and avoid potential outbreaks that could harm guests and staff.
Reverse osmosis systems: Reverse osmosis systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, chemicals, and salts, producing high-quality, purified water. Reverse osmosis water is often used in ice machines and coffee makers to improve the taste and quality of beverages, as well as to protect equipment from scale buildup. Reverse osmosis technology is an advanced filtration method that is widely used for seawater desalination. In seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), seawater is forced through a membrane with very fine pores to separate out the impurities, producing high-quality drinking water. Seawater desalination can provide a sustainable and cost-effective drinking water supply for coastal and island resorts.
Water reuse and systems: Innovative treatment systems, including those using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, can treat wastewater generated within a hotel or resort to a quality that is safe for reuse in nonpotable applications such as irrigation or toilet flushing. By reusing treated wastewater on-site, hotels and resorts can significantly reduce pressure on sources of fresh water, and lower the environmental impact associated with water use and wastewater discharge.
Benefits of On-Site Water Treatment
By managing their water supply in-house, hotels and resorts can guarantee a consistent supply of high-quality water.
Cost savings, enhanced control of water quality, sustainability, and reliability are key benefits of on-site water treatment systems for hotels and resorts. By treating and reusing water on-site, these establishments can significantly reduce reliance on municipal water and sewage services, leading to lower utility bills. On-site systems can be tailored to remove specific contaminants, ensuring a safer environment for guests and staff, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, these systems reduce the need for water transportation, minimize environmental impact, and align with eco-friendly practices, such as achieving green building certifications. By maintaining control over their water supply, hotels and resorts can ensure a consistent supply of high-quality water, reducing vulnerability to external water issues and providing a reliable source during emergencies.
Compliance and Regulatory Standards
Water quality in the hospitality industry is governed by various regulations and standards designed to ensure the safety, health, and satisfaction of guests. These regulations and standards cover different aspects of water usage, including for drinking water, recreational water facilities, and wastewater management, and can vary according to region or country.
Since resort managers are typically not water experts, these regulations can be a challenge. Seven Seas’ Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) offers a solution. WaaS® partnerships give hotels and resorts access to comprehensive water management services without the need for significant capital investment. The hotel or resort will receive a guaranteed water supply managed by a team of water professionals, who ensure adherence to regulations through professional oversight and maintenance. Customers only pay for the treated water they contract for.
Seven Seas offers water treatment solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of hotels and resorts. From advanced filtration and disinfection systems to seawater desalination and water reuse technologies, these treatment options help hotels and resorts enhance guest experience, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, while also enhancing their reputation, reducing costs, and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for their communities.
Contact Seven Seas to learn more about our water treatment solutions and how they can provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable source of safe water for your hotel or resort.
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Erik Arfalk is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Seven Seas, specializing in innovative and sustainable water and wastewater solutions in the US and the Caribbean. Previously, he was the Chief Commercial Officer at Fluence Corporation, where he launched MABR. Erik has held leadership roles at Atlas Copco and GE in Europe and the US, starting his career in strategy consulting. He holds a Master's in Business Administration and Economics from Lund University, Sweden. Erik's passion for water solutions and his talent for building strategic partnerships have established him as a respected industry leader.