Whether you run a B&B, vacation home or Airbnb apartment, every drop of water counts. By adopting simple but effective practices, not only are you helping to protect our planet, you’re also reducing your bills. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to save money while making their property more attractive to environmentally conscious travellers?
Why save water in a tourist rental property?

Water management is a major environmental issue, and tourist rental properties, such as vacation homes, gîtes or Airbnb, can be heavy consumers of water. By taking steps to reduce consumption, you’re making an ecological gesture while enhancing the value of your property.
1. Install water-saving equipment

Water-saving taps and showers: The first step to saving water is to fit your sinks and showers with flow reducers. These small devices reduce the volume of water used without sacrificing your tenants’ comfort. What’s more, they’re easy to install and inexpensive. We’re talking about a 60% reduction in consumption, from 18/20 liters to around 8 liters. No mean feat! Dual-flush toilets: conventional toilets can consume up to 9 liters of water per flush! Opt for dual-flush toilets, which offer a low-flow option for small needs and another for large ones. Simple, effective and good for the planet (and your wallet).
2. Adopt intelligent gardening techniques
Local, hardy plants: If your rental property has a garden or terrace, choose plants that are adapted to the local climate and resistant to drought. They require less watering, which means less water and less maintenance. Practical, isn’t it?
Mulching: Another professional gardener’s tip: mulching. By adding mulch around your plants, you keep the soil moist longer. This reduces the need for watering, while protecting plants from the heat. What’s more, natural mulch such as wood shavings gives your green space a neat, chic look!
3. Use rainwater harvesting systems

For properties with exteriors, rainwater harvesting systems are an excellent way to save money. These systems collect rainwater in tanks, which you can then use to water plants or clean exteriors. It’s economical, environmentally friendly, and shows your tenants that you’re committed to sustainable development.
4. Inform and educate your tenants
Posters and practical guides: Communication is essential to encourage your tenants to adopt good practices. Put up posters in bathrooms and kitchens to remind them of the importance of turning off taps or taking short showers. You can also create a small welcome guide (digital, why not with StyQR!) to explain your eco-responsible initiatives.
5. Maintain and repair your equipment regularly
Check for leaks: Small leaks can turn into big wastes! Be sure to check your installations regularly for any leaks in pipes, toilets or faucets. A drop every second may seem harmless, but it can be costly in the long run. Install detection systems: If you have a large property, consider installing connected water leak detectors. These devices will alert you in the event of a problem, enabling you to intervene quickly and avoid additional costs.
6. Invest in efficient appliances

Energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines: Modern household appliances consume less and less water. Choose energy-efficient models with a good energy rating to reduce your consumption effortlessly. What’s more, mentioning that your property is equipped with energy-efficient appliances can attract environmentally conscious tenants. Water filtration systems: Finally, installing a water filtration system can also be a good idea, especially if the water in your area is not of optimal quality. Your tenants won’t need to buy plastic bottles, which is both good for them and good for the planet.
7. Modern technologies to manage water consumption
Smart meters: New technologies offer practical solutions for managing water consumption. Smart water meters allow you to monitor consumption in real time and identify peaks or anomalies. Some systems even send notifications to your smartphone!
8. Conduct a water consumption audit/h2>
If you want to go one step further, carry out a water audit of your rental property. A professional can help you identify areas for improvement and implement tailor-made solutions to optimize water use. It may represent a small investment, but the long-term savings are well worth it!
Saving water in your tourist rental property is not only an ecological act, it’s also an excellent way of reducing your costs and enhancing the value of your property. By adopting these solutions, you can offer your tenants a more responsible experience while saving money on your bills.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can make small gestures for the planet, read our article on White Vinegar: Your Secret Weapon for Ecological and Effective Cleaning.