Sustainability Starts with Water: A Lodge Owner’s Guide
- Styger Kruger
- May 5
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
When it comes to sustainable hospitality, water is often overlooked. Solar power? Check. Recycled décor? Sure. But water? Many lodge owners are still relying on outdated systems that risk guest safety and environmental harm.
At Greenchain Group, we believe that sustainability starts where your tap does. Whether you operate a luxury eco-lodge or a rustic game reserve, here’s how you can turn your water infrastructure into a cornerstone of your sustainability story.
Why Water is the First Step in Going Green
From bathing to drinking, cooking to cooling - water flows through every part of your operation. And yet, many hospitality businesses:
Use excessive chemicals in treatment
Discharge untreated water back into ecosystems
Lose litres daily through undetected leaks
Overlook filtration for guests and staff
Suffer from unnecessary equipment failures
Not only does this impact the environment - it can also damage your brand. Guests expect high standards, and increasingly, they choose accommodation based on its environmental impact.
The Water Sustainability Checklist
Ready to assess your water situation? Here are five questions every lodge owner should ask:
Where does your water come from?
River? Borehole? Rain tanks? Each source needs a tailored treatment approach.
Is your system energy-efficient?
Many older pumps and systems run inefficiently - wasting both water and energy.
Are you using chemicals?
Chemicals like chlorine-based systems can damage the environment and require high upkeep.
Can you adapt to seasonal quality water changes?
Systems should adapt to high and low rainfall and seasonal fluctuations.
Is your wastewater responsibly managed?
Discharge without treatment can harm surrounding flora and fauna.
If you answered “no” or “not sure” to any of the above, you’re not alone. That’s where we come in.
Local Compliance
Modern systems can be both high-tech and low-touch. At Greenchain Group, we design treatment ecosystems that include:
Membrane Technology (RO, UF, NF): Removes impurities while preserving minerals
Ozone or UV Disinfection: Effective, chemical-free, and compliant
Automated Control Panels: Monitor flow, purity, and usage patterns
Wastewater Treatment & Reuse Options: For landscaping or grey water applications
These aren’t just upgrades - they’re strategic investments into the longevity and reputation of your lodge.
Aligning with Global Eco-Standards
Many lodge owners are working toward (or have earned) eco-certifications like:
Fair Trade Tourism
Green Globe Certification
EcoTourism SA Accreditation
Water management is a key criteria. Greenchain systems are designed with these benchmarks in mind - helping you meet, maintain, and promote your eco achievements.
Future-Proofing Your Property
Water is one of the biggest risk factors in off-grid or remote hospitality. Droughts, contamination, infrastructure strain - all pose real threats.
Greenchain Group's designs aren’t just for today - they’re resilient, upgrade-ready, and built for the long haul. And our remote monitoring services mean you’re never alone, even when deep in the bush.
Time to Take the First Step
Improving your water system doesn’t mean a full rebuild. Sometimes, all it takes is an expert review and a few key upgrades to dramatically improve:
Water quality
Guest satisfaction
Operational efficiency
Eco-compliance
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