Rethinking guest hydration: Eco-friendly drinking water options

As the hospitality industry moves toward greater sustainability, guest hydration is undergoing a transformation. The once-standard practice of providing single-use plastic water bottles is being replaced by more environmentally friendly solutions that reduce waste and lower costs.

From refillable water stations to in-room filtered taps, hotels are adopting new strategies to meet modern travellers’ expectations for high-quality, accessible drinking water, delivered sustainably.

First published in the new Autumn print edition of AccomNews HERE

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental crisis, with one million plastic bottles purchased globally every minute. Alarmingly, an estimated 15 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean annually, and experts predict that plastic will outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050 unless immediate action is taken. 

The impact of plastic bottles extends beyond pollution of our environment. The production process is also resource-intensive, requiring 17 million barrels of oil annually to create a year’s supply of disposable bottles. In fact, for every litre of bottled water produced, three litres of water and one litre of oil are used. 

In response, many people have begun to use reusable water bottles. TikTok trends like #watertok and the ensuing global popularity of designer water tumblers have only increased their popularity. 

As a result, the reusable water bottle market is on a steady rise, with projections showing an increase from USD8.92 billion in 2023 to USD13.28 billion by 2032. This growth reflects a global shift towards both sustainability and healthier lifestyle choices.

As the demand for sustainable products continues to rise, the shift towards reusable water bottles presents an opportunity to reduce waste, protect marine life, and promote healthier, more cost-effective hydration solutions for the future.

Water coolers, fountains and water stations

Water coolers, fountains and refillable stations are becoming standard in hotel lobbies, fitness centres, and conference rooms. These stations not only provide guests with easy access to fresh drinking water but also visually reinforce a hotel’s commitment to sustainability. 

Strategic placement of these hydration points is crucial. High-traffic areas such as reception desks, elevators, and guest lounges ensure maximum accessibility. Some hotels are taking this a step further by integrating access to hydration stations with the room key, providing convenience for guests who bring their own reusable bottles.

Filtered water systems

Filtered water systems offer tailored solutions for different accommodation styles. Under-bench filtration systems provide a sleek, space-saving option, ideal for luxury hotels and premium suites. 

Countertop units, on the other hand, offer quick installation, lower upfront costs and easy access, making them a great choice for high-traffic communal areas.

Water variety and guest preferences

Modern travellers now expect more than tepid tap water. With water filters, sparkling water dispensers, and chilled water and ice dispensers now commonplace in domestic fridges, guests are accustomed to water variety at home and expect the same during their hotel stay.

To meet this demand, hotels are increasingly offering a variety of water choices, including chilled, sparkling, and boiling water, both in-room and at refill stations. Providing guests with water infusions, such as fruits or herbs, at their in-room mini bar provides another opportunity to delight.

AccomNews spoke with Civiq, The Art of Hydration’s Integrated Marketing Specialist Therese Abou-Antoun to learn more about how hotels are incorporating hydration stations.

Can you share any insights on how eco-friendly water solutions can impact a hotel’s environmental footprint? 

Refillable water stations significantly reduce plastic waste and can help hotels align with their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

Switching to refillable water stations also reduces waste that hotels then need to dispose of. Some hotels have cut their plastic waste by 15 to 30 percent simply by eliminating bottled water.

Fewer plastic bottles in circulation mean fewer ending up in landfills or oceans, which contributes to a cleaner planet for all. 

What key factors should accommodation providers consider concerning hydration stations? 

Placement is critical when introducing refillable water stations. High-traffic areas such as lobbies, gyms, conference rooms, and guest floors make access convenient for guests.

Touch-free water refill stations with filtration are also an important consideration, as they ensure guests receive clean, great-tasting water while minimising the risk of contamination.

Hygiene has become a major focus in a post-pandemic world. What should hoteliers look for when considering a hygienic hydration solution? 

In a post-pandemic world, hygiene is a top priority for guests. To minimise touchpoints, embracing technology is key—sensor-activated stations minimise contact and reduce the spread of germs.

Stations with built-in antimicrobial surfaces also help prevent bacterial growth, and prioritising regular maintenance ensures continued hygiene and performance.

What are some of the biggest challenges hotels face when implementing eco-friendly hydration solutions, and how can they overcome them? 

Some guests are accustomed to bottled water and the move towards refillable bottles can be daunting. However, hotels can encourage usage by offering branded refillable bottles or promoting the benefits at check-in.

Of course, for accommodation operators, there is an upfront investment, but hotels can quickly recoup expenses through savings on bottled water purchases and waste disposal.

Not all hotels are designed for easy retrofitting. However, compact, wall-mounted units work in virtually any space and make installation seamless.