Getting a Grasp on Weather Terminology

Knowledge

"Understanding is the key to true knowledge."
 

Today, rainfall and drought patterns are changing, becoming more extreme, and lasting longer.
 
While the causes and durations of these weather events are still unclear, we know that they can have profound consequences for people, businesses, and industries worldwide. 
 
According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., "to better understand how these weather events are impacting weather and especially water, the first thing we must do is understand the terms used to explain these events."  
 
Among the terms Reichardt suggests we understand are the following:
 
Dendrochronology (den·dro·chro·nol·o·gy): Dendrochronology is the study of tree rings. They help us determine the age of trees but also reveal when there were droughts and megadroughts in the area. This helps us uncover historic weather patterns.
 
Megadroughts: The terms drought and megadrought are often confused. A drought can be severe, but that does not make it a megadrought. The key difference is longevity. Droughts typically last one to five years; megadroughts can last decades, even centuries.
 
Aridification: This is a process in which an area slowly gets warmer and drier, indicating a complete shift in weather patterns. As it applies to water, the area may still have normal rainfall – occasionally - but it is steadily getting drier with little chance of returning to its previous climate condition.
 
El Niño: This occurs when the Pacific Ocean becomes cooler than usual, which causes jet streams to shift southward. This shift results in cooler and wetter weather conditions, particularly in the western part of the U.S.
 
La Nina: This is the opposite of El Nino. It causes warmer and drier jet streams northward, which can increase the risk of wildfires. La Nina also creates favorable conditions for hurricanes because it changes wind speed and direction over the ocean. La Nina often follows El Nino.
 
Water conservation vs. Efficiency: Water conservation refers to short-term measures to reduce water consumption. Water efficiency is a long-term reduction in water consumption, often achieved by replacing traditional restroom fixtures with those that use less water or no water at all.
 
Adds Reichardt, "Someone once said, ‘Understanding is the key to true knowledge.’ Understanding these terms will help us recognize how our world may be changing.”
 
  
About Waterless
Waterless Co., Inc. Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991. Based in Vista, CA, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other cost-saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com

Think Waterless | Are More Hotels Installing Waterless Urinals?

We posed this question to Gemini, the new artificial intelligence system from Google because finding this information using traditional online sources was proving difficult. Gemini agreed. According to Gemini:

"While there isn't a single definitive source tracking the exact number of hotels installing waterless urinals, there is evidence that their use (and installation) is increasing." 

Asked why the installation numbers are increasing, Gemini reported the following:

The growing interest in water conservation. As sustainability, environmental awareness, and water scarcity concerns rise, hotels actively seek ways to reduce water consumption. Waterless urinals offer significant water savings compared to traditional models.

Cost-effectiveness. Waterless urinals can be less costly to purchase and install than traditional ones and reduce water usage costs. This can lead to long-term financial benefits for hotels.

Guest acceptance. Studies have shown that guest acceptance of waterless urinals has grown significantly in recent years. Hotels are more likely to adopt them if they believe they won't negatively impact the guest experience.

These points have been our experience as well. More hotels in North America and worldwide are installing no-water urinals for these and other reasons.

For instance, a few years back, the Royal Hotel in Sydney, Australia, installed waterless urinals in all their common area men's restrooms. When asked why they made this decision, then general manager Dennis Callahan said:

"I thought it was a more efficient way to go as water is becoming increasingly expensive, but we also did it to help eliminate restroom odors."

Interestingly, this hotel manager installed waterless urinals to help eradicate restroom odor problems. While we do not hear about it much any longer, several years ago, building managers were concerned that waterless urinals were a fundamental cause of malodors in men's restrooms.

However, we have learned over the years that malodors are not an issue with waterless urinals when properly cleaned and maintained. Here is what we know now:

A compatible cleaning solution is necessary. Some cleaning solutions can damage the sealant or trap placed at the bottom of the no-water urinal, allowing sewer gases to escape into the restroom. A simple refill of the sealant will avoid this. Typically, all that is necessary to clean a waterless urinal is an all-purpose cleaning solution or sanitizer, green or traditional, and a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean the entire urinal, inside and out. Powder cleaners should not be used, and disinfectants are typically unnecessary. To be sure, check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended cleaner and the cleaning instructions for your waterless urinal model.

Replace the sealant or trap regularly. The sealant or trap installed at the base of the urinal will, over time, need replenishment and change-out. However, how "regularly" the trap must be replaced can vary. For instance, the trap/cylinder unit used in no-water urinals from Waterless Co., Inc. can last as long as six months, depending on the frequency of use. Trap/cylinders from other brands may only last two or three months. Once again, follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often to replace these for your brand.

Remove any debris or blockages. Sometimes, hair, paper, or other objects may obstruct the flow through the drain or trap of the no-water urinal. Cleaning professionals should check for this with every urinal cleaning to ensure the urinal works properly and there are no debris obstructions.

Ventilate the restroom. This is good advice for all restrooms, no matter what types of fixtures they have installed. Rarely in a commercial office building, for instance, do restrooms have windows. They are very dependent on mechanical air flow. Properly working, mechanical airflow can help disperse any lingering odors in a restroom and improve the air quality.

Gemini went on to provide examples of hotels adopting waterless urinals. Among them listed were the following:

•      The Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria: This high-end hotel installed waterless urinals in all men's restrooms, demonstrating their compatibility with luxury settings. 

•      The Royal Hotel in Sydney: This hotel - which, by coincidence, we mentioned earlier - highlights waterless urinals as part of their commitment to sustainability.

•      Hilton Hotels: Several Hilton properties have adopted waterless urinals as part of their sustainability initiatives.

Gemini concludes:

While not all hotels are switching, increasing adoption is evident, driven by environmental concerns, cost-effectiveness, and growing guest acceptance.

 -      Thank you,  AI. We couldn't have said it better.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company for reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

THINK Waterless | Eliminating Mysterious Odors

Teachers, staff, and custodial workers at an elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, still talk about the day the school reopened from summer vacation in 2023.

The school year ended in May. Custodial workers stayed on the job for a couple of weeks, primarily to refinish floors, clean carpets, and wash down tiles in restrooms. Once they were finished, the school was totally locked down until the first of August.

A few days after reopening, teachers and other staff complained about a malodor emanating from several restrooms. The odor was so foul it filled the corridors and classrooms near the restrooms.

School administrators soon became concerned that the malodors were not only unpleasant but could be a health risk as well. However, they were baffled as to what was causing the odors or where they originated.  

Custodial workers decided to re-clean all the restrooms, even though they had not been used for three months. This time, they used bacteria-killing enzyme cleaning products, which essentially eat odor-causing bacteria. However, the malodor problem persisted. Their next steps were to:

1. Check restroom air fresheners: Ensure any existing systems have functional batteries. A well-functioning system can help maintain a pleasant environment – at least temporarily.

2. Increase airflow: The school was air-conditioned. Administrators increased the amount of air flowing into the restrooms. They also increased airflow the old-fashioned way: they opened windows.

3. Check the janitorial closet: Odors can collect on mops and spread onto floors when mopped. Additionally, they looked to see if any of the cleaning solutions were releasing foul odors.

4. Increased cleaning frequencies. Instead of once per day, the problem restrooms were cleaned twice per day.

The outcome? Nothing worked; the malodors continued.

Looking for a solution, the custodial workers contacted a man they hoped would be their savior. This man had lived in Albuquerque for decades. He knew that due to the city's arid climate, water in the pipes below floor drains and faucets often evaporated in the hot summer months, causing malodor. Here's what he recommended:  

1. Pour a few ounces of EverPrime into each floor drain.

2. Instruct the custodial workers to run faucets for a few minutes.

3. Re-mop all the floors, using plenty of water.  

The procedure worked like magic. The water stored in the drainpipes no longer evaporated, preventing sewer odors from being released into the restrooms. Further, it proved effective regardless of climate conditions and lasted for months.

Problem solved—the savior's secret weapon? Everprime.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.

How to Introduce a Waterless Urinal to Your Office

If you are returning to the office after working remotely, you may notice some changes in your workplace, and one of them could be in your restroom.

Here, you may encounter a waterless urinal — possibly for the first time — making introductions necessary. Coming face-to-face with a waterless urinal for the first time is frequently met with curiosity as well as a bit of apprehension as no flush valve is present.

To make this introduction and transition to waterless urinals go smoothly and successfully, facility managers need to do their research. Once the decision has been made to install waterless urinals, the easiest and best way to introduce them is via a facility email introducing the urinals and answering some basic questions that might come up.  Among them might be the following:

Why did you install waterless urinals? Start with the health benefits. Waterless urinals are more hygienic than traditional ones because you don’t have to touch anything, and there is no flushing that can spread germs or bacteria into the air.

How do waterless urinals work? The urine flows down the urinal to a special trap or cartridge that prevents odors from escaping. Then, it travels to the sewer system, just like with conventional urinals.

What’s the advantage? While the numbers vary, one waterless urinal can save about 30,000 gallons of water per year. If 10 waterless urinals are installed, that’s 300,000 gallons saved. A waterless urinal uses no water at all, which saves money on water bills and sewer fees and reduces the environmental impact of water use and wastewater treatment.

What about odors? With waterless urinals, should odors occur, it simply means the sealing liquid is depleted and needs to be replenished. Additionally, odor problems may be the result of inadequate cleaning. We will clean all surfaces of the waterless urinals with a sanitizer, which kills most pathogens on a surface. A disinfectant is usually not necessary.

How do I use it? Unbelievably, this is still a common question. The answer is to use it as you would a traditional urinal and then walk away. To get this message across, post signage near the waterless urinals.

What if I don’t like it? It can take time for some men to become accustomed to waterless urinals. But within a week or so, those concerns typically evaporate (excuse the pun). Remember, we are in the introduction stage — men are being presented with a new and different type of restroom fixture. Ask for feedback — it can make the transition go smoother.

There is one more question, and it typically comes from facility managers:

How do we celebrate success? Wait a few weeks. After introductions have been made and there are no more questions about the waterless urinals, a celebration is called for. But here’s how to do it.

Once the waterless urinals have been accepted, communicate how much water is being saved. Finding this information is easy as it’s included in water utility bills. Wait about three months and then compare current and previous water usage; you can expect some jaws to drop when they see the savings. Now you can celebrate.

Here’s the big takeaway: Waterless urinals are a great way to save water and money, but they may require adjustments and cause concerns among your male employees. The tips presented here should help you introduce waterless urinals and address any concerns or questions they may have.

Your goal as a facility manager is to create a positive and supportive work environment for all your tenants, and in the process, you are helping to promote sustainability.  

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are:

• The go-to company for reducing water consumption.

• Understand the many benefits of waterless urinals.

• Help you find ways to use water more efficiently.

For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist

Gemini Whats a Waterless Urinal?

We asked Gemini, Google's new AI technology, to explain what a waterless urinal in simple terms. Here's what it said:

A waterless urinal is just like a regular urinal, but it doesn't use any water to flush away the waste.

There are two main types of waterless urinals:

• Cartridge-based urinals: These have a replaceable cartridge that contains a sealant or liquid that traps the waste and prevents odors. The cartridge needs to be replaced every few thousand uses. (Waterless Co., Inc. markets cartridge-based urinals)

• Trap-based urinals: These use a series of baffles and traps to separate the urine from the air, which prevents odors. Trap-based urinals don't require cartridges, but they may need to be cleaned more often than cartridge-based urinals.

Waterless urinals have several advantages over traditional urinals, including:

• They conserve water: Waterless urinals can save thousands of gallons per year, which can help reduce water bills and conserve this precious resource.

• They are more hygienic: The sealant or trap in waterless urinals helps prevent the spreading of bacteria and other germs.

• They are low maintenance: Waterless urinals don't require flushing, so they require less maintenance than traditional urinals.

• They are environmentally friendly: Waterless urinals help to reduce water consumption and waste, which is good for the environment.

Summary:

Overall, waterless urinals are an excellent option for anyone who is looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental impact.

www.waterless.com

THINK WATERLESS | Seven Benefits of Reducing Water Consumption

Below are Seven Benefits of Reducing Water Consumption and Using Water More Efficiently

1.   Guard against the rising costs of water. In 2020, the Guardian Newspaper reported, "Between 2010 and 2018, water bills rose by at least 27 percent [in the U.S.]. The highest increase was 154 percent in Austin, Texas, where the average annual bill rose from $566 in 2010 to $1,435 in 2018." Reducing water consumption can help us avoid paying more for water in the future.

2.   Minimize the impact of water shortages. Water scarcity is a severe challenge for many businesses in South Texas, where high temperatures and drought conditions have reduced the water levels of major reservoirs. The outlook for the summer of 2024 in South Texas is grim, as hot temperatures are expected to persist. Businesses that have yet to implement water conservation measures or install water-efficient technologies may face greater difficulties in a drought than those that have taken proactive steps to reduce their water consumption.

3.   Continue growing. Oakley, Utah, is a small town that faces a significant challenge: water scarcity. Due to the megadrought that has affected parts of the state, Oakley's water supply is not enough to meet the demands of its growing population. Once, the town welcomed new residents, but today, it has closed the door. All new construction projects have stopped until the water situation improves. This is also happening in Arizona, which has imposed similar restrictions to cope with drought conditions.

4.   Promote sustainability and invite investors. Sustainability reports show, among other things, how businesses and organizations are minimizing their environmental impact. They are usually published in the first quarter of each year and cover topics such as energy and fuel consumption, waste reduction, and water efficiency. These reports are essential for investors and stakeholders who want to know – and invest in - organizations that manage their use of natural resources and reduce their exposure to price fluctuations, water shortages, and drought conditions.

5.   Engage and attract employees. Younger workers are drawn to companies that practice sustainability initiatives. Taking steps to reduce water consumption is a visible and tangible way to prove that an organization promotes sustainability. Among the more tangible steps organizations take are installing highly efficient toilets, waterless urinals (that use no water), and faucet aerators. Taking such steps typically encourages workers to do their part and turn off taps, wait to run dishwashers until filled, and report leaking toilets.

6.   Protect your local economy. Water is essential for business. We may face serious consequences if we don't use water responsibly and efficiently. In China, many rivers have disappeared in the past 20 years due to their being drained for economic development and poor water management. This has resulted in factory shutdowns and entire communities forced to shut down or ration what water is left. Don't let this happen to your community.

7.   Grow Food. Agriculture consumes 70 percent of the fresh water in this country, but the growing population puts more pressure on the water supply. Many farmers are trying to save water by using better irrigation methods and growing less thirsty crops. However, these measures may only be enough if we all use water more wisely. The worst outcome could be a lack of food for us and the world. Let’s not let that happen.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are:

• The go-to company for reducing water consumption.

• Understand the many benefits of waterless urinals.

• Help you find ways to use water more efficiently.

For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist

The Power of Awareness in Addressing Water Challenges

"Awareness is the great agent for change," says Echart Tolle, author and international spiritual guru.

This can apply to everything, including water-related challenges and water scarcity, which is becoming a global concern. According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., the key to reducing water consumption, preventing water scarcity, and ensuring its availability in the future is awareness.

"This will be especially true in 2024, as more people become aware of the gap between water supply and demand. It will encourage more people around the world to take actions to conserve water and use water much more efficiently."

However, we are learning that the effectiveness of change using awareness campaigns often depends on how it is presented. For instance, in the mid-1980s, drug awareness programs were created to encourage American teenagers not to take drugs and, if they started, to stop taking them.

Since then, several studies have been taken, all coming to the same conclusion: these drug prevention programs did not work. In some cases, they even increased drug use among teenagers.

As to why they did not work, there are almost as many conclusions as there are studies. But most of these studies concluded: "Scare tactics do evoke a strong emotional reaction, [but] research shows that teens still don't modify their behavior accordingly. They rarely make the connection between the message and their own personal [use of drugs]."

Interestingly, studies have found that the same is true of adults. Instead of getting adults to change certain behaviors, scare tactics often make them feel guilty. When this happens, they tune out the campaign or do just the opposite of what the campaign is encouraging them not to do.

"In the past, scare tactics have been used to shock people into using less water," says Reichardt. "While awareness is the answer to helping the world reduce water consumption and use water more responsibly, scare strategies should not be used. A different approach is necessary."

Instead of scare tactics, here is what Reichardt recommends:

End the doom and gloom. Instead of showing desperate people walking miles to collect water or having no water, focus on what is being done to help these people alleviate these challenges. Positive behaviors can promote positive changes, including using water more responsibly and efficiently.

Communicate with images. It's true. Images can speak a thousand words. But don't show despair in these images; show hope and solutions. This creates positive emotions and inspires people to reduce their own water consumption.

Calls to Action. Let people know what they can do to help address water challenges and water scarcity. Positive awareness campaigns need to leave people with positive emotions and hope and indicate what steps they can take to improve the situation. Be specific. Let people know what they can do. This approach will help people feel good about themselves and feel they are part of a global campaign to help others when it comes to water.

Storytelling. The goal of any awareness campaign is to help people become aware of a situation. Storytelling is one of the best ways to make this happen. Storytelling motivates others to care. Interesting stories about individuals or entire communities that have struggled with water challenges and found ways to address them can be compelling and memorable. Be sure they have a beginning, middle, and positive end.   A heartfelt story with a positive ending motivates others to understand the water challenges we face, but even more, get more people on board finding ways to address them.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, pioneers in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

Source: "Scare Tactics Won't Work for Drug Prevention. Here's Why," by Jess Keefe, published in Shatterproof, a drug recovery program. October 12, 2022

THINK WATERLESS | Think Las Vegas

California and Texas are often seen as opposites by outsiders. They have many disagreements on various issues. But they have one thing in common: together they extract more underground water than any other states in the country – as much as 25 billion gallons every day.

Despite the above-average rainfall in both states in the last two years, the underground water reserves (aquifers) are still being drained faster than they can be refilled. "Those aquifers took thousands of years to accumulate water," says Klaus Reichardt, the CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "Now they are being depleted in many parts of the U.S., which means that water security could become a real challenge for the United States in the near future."

However, we have ways to reverse this trend. Nevada, especially Las Vegas, Nevada, are perfect examples of how this can be accomplished. 

Las Vegas now consumes 26 percent less water today – even with a much larger population - than it did in 2002. Moreover, the city and the state are constantly looking for new ways to reduce water use and use water more efficiently. In other words, it’s an ongoing journey.

How are they doing this? 

According to a 2022 report on CBS News and John Entsminger, the general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, among the ways are the following:

• Every drop of water used indoors is treated, recycled, and stored in Lake Mead. This has proven so effective, "you could leave every faucet, every shower running in every hotel room, and it won't consume any more water," says Entsminger.

• The state is helping homeowners financially to install desert landscaping. It also mandates when and how much water can be used for irrigation.

• A new law, the first of its kind in the U.S., bans non-functional grass. Non-functional grass is grass installed along roadways, at shopping centers, and other commercial facilities to improve the appearance of these areas – but has no functional purpose. It's being torn out all over Las Vegas and replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping. According to Entsminger, “watering one square foot of grass in Las Vegas uses seventy-three gallons of water per year. Drought tolerant landscaping uses just eighteen gallons."

• Las Vegas now has fourteen water-waste inspectors. They are on the lookout for property owners that let water run down outside drains. Fines run from $80 to $1,300.

• Monitors to detect leaks in the city's water infrastructure have been installed. The system has identified more than 1,600 underground leaks, helping to save three hundred million gallons of water. That's enough water to supply 1,800 Las Vegas homes.

• Encouraging the installation of water-conserving restroom fixtures. Many hotels now have compressed-air toilets, which use extraordinarily little water. Additionally, waterless urinals are now commonplace in many hotels, commercial buildings, and schools.

• MGM Resorts and the Bellagio Hotel have built their own water wells, reducing their dependence on the Colorado River and underground water supplies. Water that evaporates is replaced with treated and recycled water. The process has helped the properties reduce water consumption by 30 percent in the past three years.

Entsminger adds that all the steps mentioned here are part of an ongoing effort to reduce water consumption in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.

"The situation we're facing today isn't drought. It's the long-term aridification* of the desert Southwest. These plans need to be permanent, and they need to build upon themselves every year."

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are:

• The go-to company for reducing water consumption.

• Understand the many benefits of waterless urinals.

• Help you find ways to use water more efficiently.

For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

*Aridification refers to an area gradually getting dryer and hotter. This is caused by natural climatic events as well as climate change.

Here’s How Hemingway Might Describe a Urinal

The urinal, sturdy and unassuming, stood alone in the corner, its porcelain gleaming under the harsh fluorescent light.

It offered a refuge for weary men, a momentary respite in a world of chaos.

Its purpose was simple yet profound – to collect and dispose of waste, an everyday task carried out with stoicism and efficiency.

Forged from the hands of craftsmen, its design was unadorned, its lines clean and purposeful. It was a silent witness to moments of reflection, camaraderie, and relief.

In this shelter of solitude, men found solace, their burdens temporarily lightened as they stood together, united by the commonality of human needs. The urinal, modest and unassuming, transcended its utilitarian nature, becoming an emblem of forgotten struggles and silent triumphs.

Waterless Co., Inc’s New Year’s Greeting

In 1991, we were the first company to introduce no-flush urinals to North America. Since then, our products have helped customers here and around the world reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.

As we enter 2024, we are excited to launch new products, strengthen our brand and empower our people. We are committed to our mission of reducing water consumption globally. That’s what drives us, motivates us, and defines us.

Have a Healthy, Happy New Year