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Is Your Short Term Holiday Letting Property Water Wise?

  • 2017-07-16

With Level 5 water restrictions in place in Cape Town, it is more important than ever before to have a short term holiday letting property that is water wise. As we head deeper into winter here in the drought-stricken Western Cape, the rains have finally arrived. But that does not mean that water restrictions have been lifted. In fact, if anything, property owners need to work harder to save every drop. Experts state that even with a heavy rainfall over the 2017 winter, we will still be in a dire situation by the next summer.

Is Your Short Term Holiday Letting Property Water Wise

For short term holiday letting property owners, what can be done to save water? There are a number of simple but effective ways that you can make your property water wise. Keep on reading to find out more.

Top Tips for a Water Wise Short Term Holiday Letting Property

Some of the ways that you can save water within your short term holiday letting property include the following:

  • Set up a grey water system. This was included in our list of eco-friendly holiday rental features from earlier this year. There are a few different systems on the market, which can be set up to catch water from washing machines, driers, dishwashers and even sinks. Grey water can be used in the garden safely, ensuring that there is little to no water wasted by your guests.
  • Inform guests about water restrictions. Not every guest is aware of the current drought. Whether you ensure that your short term rental manager communicates water saving measures to guests, or you create holiday rental rules that outline water usage and restrictions, you will need to let guests know that water wastage is no longer permitted. You may need to add house rules about reducing bathwater, reusing water, showering wherever possible and limiting the number of baths or showers for each guest each day.
  • Invest in a natural swimming pool. Changing from a traditional water guzzling pool to a natural pool that needs no chemicals or top ups is an excellent choice if your budget allows. Under Level 4B restrictions, topping up of swimming pools is prohibited. During winter, when there is enough rainfall, you will not have to worry too much about losing water. But once the rains stop, you will be unable to run the pump if the pool water level is too low. Changing to a natural pool is the most effective way to avoid turning your pool into a swamp. Failing that, pool covers are essential.
  • Change to a water saving toilet. Using a system that flushes grey water, adding a brick to the cistern to reduce the amount of water the toilet uses or investing in a specially designed water saving toilet can all help to save a great deal of water each day.
  • Create a water wise garden. Your holiday rental outdoor features also need to be considered. Planting hardy plants that can withstand the drought will help to prepare your property for the long hot summer ahead. Replacing grass with artificial grass or gravel is also a good way to save water. As gardens may no longer be watered with municipal water after Level 4 water restrictions were set in place, it is vital to replace thirsty plants with those that require little to no water to survive.

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An experienced short term rental manager is the best way to ensure that your property is expertly managed throughout every season. To learn more about working with the Totalstay team, simply get in touch today for more input on our day to day management, guest concierge, bookings management and marketing solutions.