With rising environmental regulations and the increasing importance of sustainable operations, installing an efficient Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has become essential for hotels in 2025. Whether you operate a small boutique inn or a large luxury resort, correctly sizing your STP is the key to regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term operational success.
In this expert engineering guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about calculating hotel STP capacity — from wastewater sources to engineering formulas, peak flow factors, technology comparisons, and real-world sizing examples. You’ll also learn why SUSBIO ECOTREAT is one of the most advanced and sustainable STP solutions available today.
Why Do Hotels Need a Sewage Treatment Plant?
Hotels are high-consumption, high-discharge facilities. Between guest rooms, kitchens, laundries, pools, and common areas, the average hotel generates substantial amounts of wastewater daily. If left untreated, this wastewater poses risks to public health, the environment, and hotel operations.
Key Reasons Hotels Must Install STPs:
Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for properties above a certain capacity (as per CPCB & local authorities).
Sustainability Goals: Promotes water reuse and reduces environmental footprint.
Cost Savings: Treated water can be reused, reducing fresh water consumption and disposal costs.
Brand Image: Eco-conscious travelers prefer sustainable hotel practices.
Understanding Hotel Wastewater Generation
The first step in calculating STP capacity is understanding where and how much wastewater your hotel generates.
Primary Sources of Hotel Wastewater:
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
|
Guest Rooms |
Toilets, showers, hand basins — consistent and predictable source. |
|
Kitchens |
Dishwashing, food prep, floor cleaning — high in oil, grease, and organic matter. |
|
Laundry Services |
Detergents, chemicals, rinse water. Outsourced or in-house affects wastewater volume. |
|
Swimming Pools/Spas |
Regular backwash and maintenance water contributes to wastewater. |
|
Landscaping |
Not directly added to sewage but can increase water consumption figures.
|
💡 Hotels generate about 80–90% of their total water consumption as sewage. That means almost all water used ends up needing treatment!
Hotel Water Consumption Benchmarks
| Hotel Type | Liters/Guest/Day (LPCD) |
|---|---|
|
Budget / Economy Hotel |
150 – 200 |
|
Business Class Hotel |
180 – 250 |
|
Luxury Hotel |
250 – 400 |
|
European Average |
300 |
|
Sustainable Target |
<150 |
According to the CPCB and NBC, the average LPCD for hotels should be 135–150, but real-world consumption can be much higher depending on amenities.
Step-by-Step STP Capacity Calculation for Hotels
Let’s break it down with a practical example.
STEP 1: Estimate Total Water Demand (TWD)
Formula:TWD = (No. of guests + staff + other users) × LPCD
Example:
50-room hotel
Avg. 2 guests/room = 100 guests
25 staff
LPCD = 200
TWD = (100 + 25) × 200 = 25,000 liters/day
STEP 2: Calculate Sewage Generation (80–90% of TWD)
Formula:Sewage = TWD × 0.85 (typical wastewater coefficient)
Sewage = 25,000 × 0.85 = 21,250 liters/day
STEP 3: Apply Peak Factor
Hotels have peak load times (mornings, evenings). To avoid system overload, we apply a peak factor of 1.5–2.5.
Formula:Peak Load = Sewage × Peak Factor
Peak Load = 21,250 × 2 = 42,500 liters/day
STEP 4: Add Safety Margin (10–15%)
Always plan for growth and variability.
Formula:Final STP Capacity = Peak Load × 1.15
STP Capacity = 42,500 × 1.15 = ~48,875 ≈ 50 KLD
Final STP Capacity = 50 KLD
Key Engineering Considerations
Technology Comparison
| Technology | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MBBR |
Medium–Large Hotels |
Compact, energy efficient, scalable |
Requires air blower and periodic media cleaning |
|
SBR |
Small–Medium Hotels |
Cost-effective, batch process |
Not suitable for continuous flows |
|
ASP |
Large Facilities |
Proven method, handles heavy loads |
Large space needed |
|
MBR |
Space-constrained, premium hotels |
Very high-quality effluent, smallest footprint |
High capital and O&M cost |
Space Requirement
MBBR: 1.2–1.5 sq.m per KLD
MBR: Smallest footprint
ASP: Requires the most space
Treated Water Quality Standards (CPCB)
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
|
BOD |
≤ 10–30 mg/L |
|
COD |
≤ 250 mg/L |
|
TSS |
≤ 100 mg/L |
|
pH |
5.5–9.0 |
|
Oil & Grease |
≤ 10 mg/L |
Why Choose SUSBIO ECOTREAT for Hotel STPs?
SUSBIO ECOTREAT is a next-generation, eco-efficient sewage treatment solution designed specifically to meet the unique wastewater management needs of hotels. Whether it’s a small boutique property or a sprawling luxury resort, this system delivers high performance with minimal footprint, low energy consumption, and reliable compliance with CPCB discharge norms. Its plug-and-play, prefabricated structure ensures quick installation with minimal disruption to daily operations, making it an ideal choice for hospitality businesses seeking modern, sustainable, and scalable wastewater treatment.
The system is built on Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology, which provides excellent biological treatment efficiency by supporting biofilm growth on free-floating media. As a result, SUSBIO ECOTREAT can effectively handle fluctuating wastewater loads typically seen in hotels due to variable guest occupancy. It also facilitates water reuse for non-potable purposes like gardening, flushing, and cooling, which reduces water bills and promotes sustainability.
Hotels prefer SUSBIO ECOTREAT for its compact design, low noise and odor-free operation, and optional IoT-enabled monitoring features that provide real-time system performance insights. It’s easy to operate and maintain, offering hotel engineers a dependable solution that is also upgradeable to accommodate future expansion.
Key Features and Benefits of SUSBIO ECOTREAT
1. Plug-and-Play Prefabricated Design
-
Rapid installation (7–15 days)
-
No major civil construction required
-
Easy integration into existing hotel infrastructure
2. Compact and Modular
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Minimal space requirement — perfect for space-constrained hotels
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Scalable modules allow future expansion without replacing the entire unit
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Underground and above-ground options available
3. Advanced MBBR Technology
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High BOD, COD, and TSS removal efficiency
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Tolerates variable loads — ideal for fluctuating hotel occupancy
-
Low sludge generation and stable biological performance
4. Eco-Friendly and Odor-Free
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Quiet operation ensures no disturbance to guests
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No foul odors due to enclosed treatment process
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Compliant with CPCB and state PCB effluent discharge standards
5. Treated Water Reuse Capability
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Water can be reused for:
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Toilet flushing
-
HVAC cooling
-
Gardening and landscaping
-
General cleaning
-
-
Reduces freshwater usage and operational water costs
6. Energy Efficient Operation
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Designed with low-power blowers and smart aeration
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Reduces electricity bills by 20–30% compared to conventional systems
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Long-lasting components reduce need for frequent replacements
7. IoT-Based Smart Monitoring (OPtional)
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Real-time performance tracking via mobile/desktop dashboard
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Predictive maintenance alerts and compliance reporting
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Ideal for green-certified hotels or ESG-conscious brands
8. Low Maintenance and Easy Operation
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Minimal moving parts = fewer breakdowns
-
Easy-to-access design for regular checks
-
Available with Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) and training support
FAQs
Q1. Is STP mandatory for all hotels in India?
Yes, especially for hotels with more than 20 rooms. Regulatory bodies like CPCB and local pollution boards mandate STPs.
Q2. How is hotel STP capacity calculated?
It is based on number of users × LPCD × wastewater coefficient × peak factor + safety margin.
Q3. What is the best STP technology for hotels?
MBBR is most commonly used for hotels due to compact design, high efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
Q4. Can treated wastewater be reused within the hotel?
Yes, for toilet flushing, gardening, HVAC cooling, and floor washing.
Q5. How long does installation of an STP take?
SUSBIO ECOTREAT systems can be installed in as little as 7–15 days depending on site readiness.
Conclusion
Sizing your hotel’s STP correctly isn’t just about regulatory compliance — it’s about future-proofing your operations. A properly calculated and engineered STP:
Prevents overflows and pollution,
Ensures efficient operation,
Reduces long-term costs, and
Enhances your brand’s sustainability.
With modular, smart systems like SUSBIO ECOTREAT, hoteliers can implement eco-friendly wastewater management without the headache. Whether you’re operating a cozy resort or a bustling 200-room hotel, investing in the right STP solution is one of the smartest moves for 2025 and beyond.
