Events, especially large ones attended by many people, require substantial resources to plan and execute. Water is one of the most critical resources, but it’s often overlooked. You aren’t alone if you’ve ever hauled in a last-minute truckload of bottled water for an event as an event planner. Unfortunately, this method leads to much water waste and other problems.
What do you need to know if you’re planning a large event and want to minimize water waste as much as possible?
Real-Time Monitoring
One of the best ways to reduce water waste during an event is to monitor water usage in real-time. Keeping an eye on consumption as it happens allows you to troubleshoot issues and have real-time data at your fingertips to deal with supply.
Installing smart meters or other tracking systems is a great way to spot leaks, determine peak usage times, and identify where there might be waste issues. Many modern systems even give you alerts, so you can act when something is off.
Efficient Fixtures
It’s also important not to allow waste due to inefficient fixtures. Replacing traditional water supply fixtures with water-efficient alternatives is a great way to minimize waste. This includes waterless urinals, low-flow toilets, and sensor-activated faucets in restrooms. Many of these options are ideal for static event spaces, but better fixtures can also work for locations that aren’t primarily event spaces.
Utilize Water Refill Stations
As already noted, single-use plastic bottles are one of the worst options you have as an event planner to supply water to event attendees. Not only can the bottles themselves be wasteful – how many half-drunk bottles have you found lying around an event in the aftermath? – but they’re also bad for the environment.
Producing and transporting these bottles consumes a large amount of water. Refillable stations at an event means all your water is onsite and you can avoid the waste that comes with single-use bottles.
Eco-Friendly Food Options
Not only can your drinking water supply create water waste, but so can the foods you offer at your event. Catering and food services use a lot of water, and it’s often wasted. To reduce waste from food service at your next large event, consider:
- Using reusable or compostable dishes
- Encourage vendors to use water-efficient dishwashing
- Choose food items in bulk instead of individually packaged options
It’s important to consider health issues with any measures you take to reduce water waste. You should only swap a more efficient option if it’s possible without interfering with hygiene and sanitation.
Encourage and Train Staff
Sometimes water waste is due to ignorance. People might not realize their actions are wasteful. This is why training event staff in water conservation issues is essential. Before your event, conduct training sessions that help them know how to use water efficiently, look for leaks in any systems used, and how they can encourage a culture of conservation during the event.
Reduce Water Waste in Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining the event space is one of the most significant areas where water is wasted during large events. You can minimize waste in cleaning by:
- Using high-pressure, low-water sprayers
- Choosing biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products that require less water
- Schedule cleaning based on necessity
Again, it’s crucial to balance hygiene and sanitation with your water conservation efforts, but you can usually move a bit toward conservation without affecting your event’s health.
Promote Water Awareness
Your event attendees can play a role in reducing water waste. One of the best ways to promote efficiency is through signs, social media, and announcements that encourage:
- Responsible water use
- Avoiding unnecessary flushing and faucet use
- Bringing a refillable bottle to the event to prevent the need for single-use water bottles
Encouraging sustainable practices through incentives can also be highly effective. Consider offering discounts or perks to attendees who bring reusable water bottles or participate in sustainability programs.
How Can Quench Buggy Help You Minimize Water Waste at Your Next Event?
Reducing water waste at large events requires innovative solutions, and that’s where Quench Buggy can help.
Quench Buggy provides mobile water refill stations that allow attendees to access clean drinking water while eliminating the need for single-use bottles. Our eco-friendly approach helps conserve water and reduces plastic waste, keeping events more sustainable.
Whether you’re organizing a festival, sporting event, or corporate gathering, partnering with us ensures that your event prioritizes water conservation without compromising convenience.