From TV Taboos to Water Efficiency: How much do you know about today’s restrooms?

Photo by Max Fischer found on Prexels

Test Your Restroom IQ

Vista, CA – April 22, 2026 - A toilet didn’t show up on American TV until 1957, and even then, it stirred up controversy. Now, restroom technology leads the way in global sustainability.

To offer a brief "brain break" from today’s daily news cycle, Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., Inc., has curated a trivia challenge that traces the surprising history and science of the humble toilet and urinal.

Here’s the quiz. Answers are below.

1.    The Bathroom Barrier: Censorship was strict in television’s Golden Age. Which show finally broke the "bathroom barrier" by displaying a toilet (well, the tank) on screen?

2.    The Art of the Urinal: Which legendary artist famously submitted a porcelain urinal to an art exhibition, titled "Fountain"?

3.    The Innovation Leader: Which country is currently considered the world leader in developing the most innovative, high-tech urinal systems?

4.    The Sustainability Edge: While many factors matter, what are the primary environmental advantages of switching to waterless urinals?

5.    User Psychology: Why do men overwhelmingly choose a urinal over a stall when entering a commercial restroom?

6.    The Airport Fly: To improve "target accuracy" and reduce cleaning costs, which international airport famously etched a fly into their porcelain?

7.    Becoming a Staple: In what decade did the urinal officially move from a novelty to a standard fixture in North American public restrooms?

“By the way, there’s a reason a 'fly' was selected to be etched into urinals,” says Reichardt. “Studies show that when men see the fly, it becomes a 'natural' target that they instinctually want to wash away.”

Answers:

1.    Leave it to Beaver

2.    Marcel Duchamp

3.    Japan

4.    Water savings and cost savings

5.    Shorter wait times

6.    Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam)

7.    1920s

###

About Waterless Co., Inc.

Waterless Co., Inc. is the pioneer of the waterless urinal industry, leading the global shift toward sustainable restroom technology since 1991. Headquartered in Vista, California, the company specializes in high-performance, water-efficiency solutions that eliminate water waste while reducing facility operating costs. From its flagship no-flush urinals to advanced liquid plumbing technology, Waterless Co. provides innovative, eco-friendly infrastructure for commercial, industrial, and residential applications worldwide.

Saving Water. Lowering Costs. Redefining the Restroom. Visit us at www.waterless.com.

Fresh & Functional: 4 Strategies for Maintaining Waterless Urinals

Inside an EcoTrap Trap/Cylinder from Waterless Co., Inc.

While skeptics once worried about malodors from of waterless (or no-flush) urinals, modern technology has proven those fears unfounded. When cleaned and maintained properly, these fixtures provide a sanitary, scent-free, and highly efficient restroom environment.

Interestingly, many janitorial experts prefer them over traditional models because the upkeep is often more straightforward. Here is how to keep your waterless systems performing at their peak.

1. Monitor the Trap and Sealant Level

The heart of any waterless urinal is its cartridge or trap mechanism. This component performs two vital roles:

• Directing urine directly into the plumbing below

• Creating a barrier with sealing liquid to prevent sewer gases from escaping.

Odors usually only appear if the sealant has evaporated or the cartridge needs to be replaced. Maintenance schedules depend on foot traffic:

• Standard units typically need a refresh every 2 months.

• High-capacity systems, such as the EcoTrap® pictured above, can function effectively for up to 6 months.

Quick Fix: If you notice a lingering smell, check the sealant level first. Adding a few ounces of liquid or swapping the cartridge usually solves the problem instantly.

2. Stick to "Dry-Friendly" Cleaning Techniques

Waterless urinals require a slightly different cleaning approach than their flushing counterparts. To avoid damaging the system, keep these rules in mind:

• Avoid the "Bucket Flush": Never dump large volumes of water down the drain, as this can flush away the essential sealing oil.

• Skip the Scrubbing: Since there is no standing water, you won't deal with hard-water scale. Aggressive scrubbing is unnecessary and can scratch the finish.

The Ideal Routine:

1.    Apply a specialized cleaner (like NviroClean) or a mild all-purpose spray.

2.    Let the solution sit for 60–120 seconds to neutralize bacteria.

3.    Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth.

3. Sanitize the surrounding "Splash Zone"

In any restroom, the fixture itself is rarely the only source of smells. "Splash-back" is a reality that affects the surrounding environment. Urine droplets can migrate to:

• Adjacent walls and partitions.

• The floor directly beneath the unit.

• The underside of the urinal housing.

To combat this, ensure your cleaning crew mops the floor daily and wipes down all nearby vertical surfaces. If you use urinal mats, ensure they are replaced on a strict rotation or managed by a professional service to prevent them from becoming saturated.

4. Ensure Clear Drain Lines

If the urinal is well-maintained but malodors are present, the issue might be hidden further down the pipe.

• Audit the Flow: Check for slow drainage during your routine inspections.

• Take Action: Use a drain auger to remove minor obstructions. For persistent backups, it is best to call a licensed plumber to clear the lines professionally.

The Verdict: A Smarter Way to Go

Transitioning to waterless systems doesn't just save water; it simplifies the custodial workflow. Because there is no forceful flush, there is less aerosolized spray, meaning fewer germs on surfaces and a lower risk of inhaling chemical fumes.

By following these four steps, you ensure a facility that is sustainable, cost-effective, and—above all—perfectly fresh.

Klaus Reichardt: Life Beyond Water Efficiency – A Passion for Cars

My Grandkids, Mac and Cash, in the back of my Mercury Colony Park

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is the personal relationships I’ve built. Over time, many of our customers become more than just clients—they become genuine friends. Because of that, conversations naturally shift from "all business" to personal passions.

Many people ask how I spend my time "off duty." The short answer? Classic cars. Probably more than is entirely reasonable.

I’ve always been a car enthusiast. Most weekends, you’ll find me either behind the wheel of something interesting or standing around with a cup of coffee talking shop—which, to be honest, is just as enjoyable as the drive itself.

Building a Saturday Morning Car Tradition

About 15 years ago, a few friends and I started meeting on Saturday mornings. It wasn't fancy—just a casual get-together—but it eventually turned into a standing tradition. Through job changes, family milestones, and even a pandemic, we’ve kept it going. At this point, it would take a natural disaster (or really bad coffee) to stop us.

What makes this car community special is how it levels the playing field. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living; if you show up with a vehicle you love, you’re one of us. Our group includes business owners, retired engineers, teachers, contractors, and young enthusiasts just getting started.

Every week is a surprise. You truly never know what’s going to roll into the parking lot. One Saturday, a 1910 Packard parked next to a brand-new Rolls-Royce Black Edition—one of only thirty ever made. Seeing a 100-year-old car sharing space with a modern masterpiece is a rare sight.

The Nostalgia of the 1991 Mercury Colony Park

Until recently, my favorite car was my 1991 Mercury Colony Park station wagon—the last of the true full-size American wagons.

I found it on Facebook Marketplace in Florida. Buying a car sight-unseen is usually a risk my practical side avoids, but after speaking with the owner, I decided to take the leap. When the transport truck arrived three weeks later, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The car was pristine—better than I had even hoped.

There is a unique nostalgia for vintage station wagons. Everyone has a story when they see it: family road trips, learning to drive, or sitting in the rear-facing "jump seat." I hear those stories all the time, and they never get old.

The Joy of the Drive in San Diego

Even though I have since found a new home for the Colony Park, I’ll always remember the experience. It was smooth, comfortable, and built for long, easy drives—back when the journey was just as important as the destination.

Living in San Diego makes being a car collector even better; the weather allows you to take a classic out pretty much any day of the year.

After all these years, I’ve realized the cars are just the excuse. What keeps us coming back week after week are the friendships, the laughs, and the shared appreciation for automotive history. Every Saturday morning, when I fire up my latest favorite car and head to the coffee spot, it doesn’t feel like a hobby.

It feels like seeing family.

—Klaus Reichardt

Water Consumption: How Much can you actually save?

Comparing conventional and waterless urinals reveals significant differences in both environmental impact and long-term operational costs. Based on our 30-plus years om business, here is how the two technologies stack up:

Water Consumption: Comparison Between a Conventional Urinal and a Waterless Urinal

The most immediate difference is the volume of water used (or saved) per year.

• Conventional Urinals: A standard unit typically uses 2.3 gallons per flush. Even newer "high-efficiency" models in states like California are capped at 0.5 gallons per flush. On average, one conventional urinal guzzles roughly 35,000 gallons of water per year.

• Waterless Urinals: These units require zero water for operation. By eliminating the flush entirely, a single unit saves between 30,000 and 45,000 gallons annually—enough to fill a small pond or meet the total water needs of a family of four for six to seven months.

Cost Comparison

While waterless urinals require an initial investment for retrofitting, they often provide a quick return on investment (ROI).

Annual Water/Sewer Cost

High for a conventional urinal (based on tens of thousands of gallons)

Mechanical Maintenance

Conventional Urinal ~$120/year (sensors, valves, batteries)

Waterless Urinal (no moving parts)

Plumbing Issues

Conventional Prone to leaks and "urea stone" buildup

Waterless Reduced clogging (no water-urine reaction)

Operational Costs

Conventional Under $900/year for a large facility (e.g., 17 units)

Waterless Negligable

Key Operational Differences

• Maintenance: Waterless urinals eliminate the most frequent restroom repair items: flush valves and sensors. Instead, they use a trap insert with biodegradable sealant that prevents odors and sewer gases from entering the room.

• Hygiene: Conventional urinals create a "plume" or mist of airborne pathogens when flushed. Waterless systems eliminate this aerosolization and, because the surface stays dry, create a hostile environment for bacteria growth.

• Hidden Costs: Leaky valves in conventional units are "silent budget killers," potentially wasting up to 4,000 gallons of water per year per fixture without being noticed.

Bottom Line: Switching to waterless technology can result in a return on investment within 12 to 24 months due to the combination of utility savings and the elimination of mechanical repair costs.

 Ready to Save Thousands?

Stop flushing your maintenance budget away. Waterless urinals are more hygienic, easier to maintain, and significantly better for the planet.

Get a Quote Today: > 📞 Toll-Free: 800-244-6364

🌐 Visit us at: www.waterless.com

The Ultimate Waterless Urinal Challenge: How High is Your Restroom IQ?

Think you’re an expert on facility management and sustainability? Most people are shocked to learn how much water (and money) literally goes down the drain every day.

Take our "Dry Facts" Quiz to uncover the surprising truth about conventional urinals and the cost-saving power of waterless technology.

The Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1. Compared to toilets, a urinal is used how many more times per day?

• A. Twice as often

• B. Three times

• C. Four times

• D. About the same

2. On average, how many gallons of water does a conventional urinal use per flush?

• A. Less than one gallon

• B. 2 gallons

• C. 2.3 gallons

• D. 3.5 gallons

3. How many gallons of water does a single conventional urinal guzzle per year?

• A. 5,000 gallons

• B. 20,000 gallons

• C. 45,000 gallons

• D. 50,000 gallons

4. A conventional urinal uses as much water per year as which of the following?

• A. A large public swimming pool

• B. A family of four in six or seven months

• C. One person’s total water needs for an entire year

• D. All the above

5. The average annual electrical and mechanical maintenance cost for one conventional urinal is:

• A. Less than $30

• B. $50

• C. $120

• D. Negligible

6. How many gallons do conventional urinals waste due to leakage each year?

• A. Less than 100 gallons

• B. About 1,000 gallons

• C. As much as 2,000 gallons

• D. As much as 4,000 gallons

7. A waterless urinal requires special, expensive chemicals to prevent odors.

• A. Yes

• B. No

8. An office building has 4,000 occupants (2,000 men). How much water is used just for urinal flushing annually?

• A. 200,000 gallons

• B. 1,000,000 gallons

• C. 3,000,000 gallons

• D. Over 3,500,000 gallons

9. How do conventional urinals block sewer gases from entering the room?

• A. A filtering system in the drainpipe

• B. A water-filled interior trap (P-trap)

• C. There is no system

• D. The drain screen

10. How does a Waterless Urinal prevent odors and gases?

• A. A mesh screen

• B. A trap insert with biodegradable sealant liquid

• C. Magic (and no maintenance)

• D. A constant water trickle

The "Dry" Truth

1: C. Urinals handle 4x the traffic of toilets in most commercial settings.

2: C The average "standard" flush is 2.3 gallons—a huge waste of resources.

3: C. 45k gallons is the average; that’s enough to fill a small pond!

4: D. It’s all of them. The waste is staggering when compared to household use.

5: C. Between sensors, valves, and batteries, conventional units cost about $120/yr.

6: D. Leaky valves are silent budget killers, wasting up to 4,000 gallons.

7: B. False! Standard cleaners work fine; no "special" magic required.

8: C. A staggering 3 million gallons. Imagine the utility bill!

9: B . They rely on a pool of standing water, which can evaporate or leak.

10. B. Our biodegradable liquid is lighter than urine, creating a perfect seal.

💧 Ready to Save Thousands?

Stop flushing your maintenance budget away. Waterless urinals are more hygienic, easier to maintain, and significantly better for the planet.

Get a Quote Today: > 📞 Toll-Free: 800-244-6364

🌐 Visit us at: www.waterless.com

Note: Statistics provided in part by the University of Florida Department of Physics. Estimates vary by location and utility rates.

Waterless Urinals: Water Savings, O&M Impacts, and ROI Considerations for Facility Directors

Waterless urinals can be a high-impact water-conservation retrofits with measurable operating cost benefits. Depending on baseline fixture performance and restroom traffic, a single unit can save an estimated 35,000–45,000 gallons of water per year—often reducing both water and sewer charges.

For example, Sierra Community College in California replaced 33 conventional urinals with waterless models and reports conserving an estimated 1.3 million gallons annually.

What Drives Water Savings (and How to Baseline Them)

Savings depend primarily on what you’re replacing—actual flush performance, fixture age/condition, and usage volume. For the most defensible estimate, confirm current water use (metering, spot measurements, or maintenance observations) rather than relying only on published flush ratings.

As a rule of thumb, older urinals—especially original fixtures still in service—can consume as much as 45,000 gallons per year. Urinals installed as recently as the 1990s may be closer to 20,000 gallons annually. The older (and more degraded) the fixture, the greater the savings potential when you convert to waterless.

One important caveat: rated flush volume and real-world water use often diverge over time. A urinal rated at one gallon per flush may use considerably more after years of wear, valve drift, repeated repairs, or vandalism. When estimating savings (and verifying them post-install), use measured or observed performance wherever possible.

• Confirm baseline use: identify current flush volume in practice (not just rated), and estimate daily uses per fixture.

• Review O&M capacity: align housekeeping and maintenance on cartridge/service intervals, drain-line cleaning approach, and spare parts stocking.

• Consider environment: high-misuse locations and certain occupant groups may require more frequent maintenance.

• Validate requirements: confirm local code/authority requirements and any internal standards before standardizing on a model.

Cost Savings: Utility Rates, Sewer Charges, and Payback

Beyond reducing water consumption, waterless urinals can reduce combined water-and-sewer costs. The dollar impact depends on your blended rates (and how your utility bills sewage), but examples help illustrate the range of outcomes.

For instance, the Lucia Mar Unified School District in Arroyo Grande, California, reported saving $1,700 after installing waterless urinals across its schools. For many facilities, these savings can help offset retrofit costs and support sustainability or deferred-maintenance priorities.

For a deeper look at cost savings and operational considerations, Massachusetts published one of the most comprehensive independent studies on waterless urinals. It can be a useful reference for facilities evaluating a switch.

Facility Fit: Where Waterless Urinals Work Best (and Where to Be Cautious)

Waterless urinals perform well in most commercial and institutional applications, but the right choice depends on user behavior, maintenance capacity, and risk tolerance for higher-touch locations.

The Massachusetts study advises against using waterless urinals in correctional facilities, where higher rates of misuse can accelerate residue buildup and lead to premature cartridge clogging. If you do consider installation in high-misuse environments, plan for more frequent inspections, clear housekeeping procedures, and a defined response process for clogs or odor complaints.

In offices, schools, airports, stadiums, and many other public-facing facilities, waterless urinals can deliver meaningful water savings with manageable maintenance when standard work is defined up front.

Next Step: Build a Site-Specific Savings and Maintenance Estimate

Every facility is different, and the best business case comes from your own baselines. To estimate water and cost savings for your site, gather (1) current fixture type/condition, (2) estimated uses per day, and (3) your blended water-and-sewer rates. If helpful, a Waterless Co. representative can support a quick assessment and recommend a pilot approach for verifying savings and maintenance effort.

The goal now must be to use water as efficiently as possible. The steps discussed here will help facility managers accomplish that.

How the DOE Saves Water

Source: US Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Moab UMTRA Project in eastern Utah demonstrates a successful water efficiency and conservation initiative by switching to waterless urinals across its Moab and Crescent Junction sites.

Key points:

• Phased implementation:
  The project gradually transitioned from low-flow toilets (2002) to waterless urinals, starting with a pilot in 2015 and completing full adoption (17 units) by 2021.

• How the technology works:
  Waterless urinals use a cartridge and biodegradable sealant to direct waste, block odors, and prevent bacterial reactions—eliminating the need for flushing water.

• Major impact:

• Over 80,000 gallons of water saved annually

• Significant wastewater reduction (~76,500 gallons)

• Low operating cost (under $900/year total)

• Quick return on investment (within 12–18 months)

• Efficiency gains:
  Each urinal saves about $875 per year, with minimal maintenance required.

• Broader significance:
  The project serves as a scalable, cost-effective model for water conservation, especially in water-scarce regions like the American West.

Bottom line:
A simple, low-cost technology shift led to substantial environmental and financial benefits, making it a strong example of practical sustainability in action.  That’s pretty much what waterless urinals are all about.

How Can Medical Facilities Reduce Water Consumption?

Medical facilities can significantly reduce water consumption through a mix of technological upgrades and staff engagement. Key strategies include:

• Upgrading HVAC systems: Switching from once-through to closed-loop water systems can save millions of gallons annually and deliver a quick return on investment.

• Installing waterless urinals: Eliminating water use in restrooms can save hundreds of thousands of gallons each year with minimal operational impact.

• Reusing laundry water: Implementing rinse-water recovery systems can reduce water use by about 25%, saving millions of gallons in high-volume operations.

Beyond infrastructure, fostering a culture of conservation is essential:

• Encouraging staff to identify water-saving opportunities in daily routines can uncover practical solutions.

• Incentive programs can boost participation and generate impactful ideas.

Bottom line:
Water reduction in healthcare is both achievable and cost-effective. With the right systems and staff involvement, facilities can create ongoing improvements and long-term sustainability.

 More Info Here

Why Hotels are Switching to Waterless Urinals: Savings & Hygiene Benefits

Image by cottonbro studio found on Prexels

Many facilities, both new and old, are transitioning to waterless urinals to improve efficiency and sustainability. For instance, the Royal Hotel in Sydney, Australia, recently retrofitted all common-area men’s restrooms with waterless technology.

“We installed waterless urinals for several reasons,” says Dennis Callahan, owner of the Royal Hotel. “I thought it was a more efficient way to go as water becomes increasingly expensive, but we also did it to help eliminate restroom odors.”

Key Benefits of Waterless Urinals for Commercial Facilities

According to industry experts, interest in waterless technology is surging, particularly within the hospitality sector. Here is why hotel owners are making the switch:

1. Significant Installation and Maintenance Savings

While waterless urinals must connect to a drain, they eliminate the need for the complex plumbing required to carry water to the unit. This represents a major cost saving for building owners. Furthermore, you can avoid the ongoing maintenance associated with:

• Electronic sensors

• Flush batteries

• Moving mechanical components found in traditional flush urinals

2. Massive Water Conservation

A traditional urinal uses approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per flush, while older units can consume as much as 4 gallons.

Considering the average urinal is flushed roughly 2,000 times per month, a single unit can waste over 35,000 gallons of water per year. That is equivalent to the total annual water usage of a family of four. In drought-prone regions, switching to waterless systems is not just a financial decision—it is a vital part of a "Green" sustainability strategy.

3. Improved Hygiene and Health

In the hotel industry, minimizing cross-contamination is a top priority. Because germs and bacteria are frequently spread by touching restroom surfaces, eliminating the flush handle significantly reduces the spread of harmful microorganisms.

One Caveat: Do Your Homework

While the benefits are clear, hotel administrators should research different manufacturers before committing to a system. Not all waterless urinals are created equal; each brand uses a slightly different mechanism, leading to variations in maintenance and operating costs.

Understanding the Trap or Cylinder System

Most waterless urinals utilize a trap or cylinder at the base to prevent sewer odors from entering the restroom.

• The Cost Factor: Some replacement cylinders are expensive, which can eat into the monetary savings gained from lower water bills.

• The Durability Factor: Conversely, certain systems use more affordable cylinders that actually last longer.

To maximize your ROI and enjoy the full benefits of waterless technology, it is essential to analyze the long-term cartridge costs of each system.

Learn More About Waterless Solutions

Ready to upgrade your facility? For more information on high-efficiency waterless urinals, contact a Waterless Co. representative at 800-244-6364.

Water Efficiency Strategies: Lessons from California's Drought Crisis

Building owners and facility managers are prioritizing water conservation more than ever — and much of this shift traces back to hard-won lessons from California and other drought-stricken states over the past decade. Understanding these lessons can help businesses reduce water consumption, lower operating costs, and stay ahead of tightening regulations.

Key Lessons Learned from Drought-Prone States

• Water efficiency is a financial priority. The true costs of collecting, storing, delivering, and treating water have risen sharply. For building owners and businesses, reducing water consumption is no longer just an environmental responsibility — it's a bottom-line issue.

• Water infrastructure is expanding. Many municipal water districts have increased storage and supply capacity to better withstand future droughts and water shortages.

• Regional water sharing is now standard practice. Water shortages are no longer handled locally. When one area faces a deficit, water is redistributed from nearby regions with greater supply — making regional water management a critical tool in drought response.

• Water-efficient appliances are the new standard. Advances in technology have significantly reduced water consumption in everyday fixtures and appliances, from dishwashers and washing machines to commercial water-using equipment.

• Businesses are embracing water efficiency. Companies across industries increasingly view water conservation as both a corporate responsibility and a sound financial strategy.

• Smart irrigation reduces agricultural water use. Variable-rate irrigation systems, scheduling tools, and soil moisture sensors help farmers apply water precisely where and when crops need it — cutting waste and reducing costs.

• Water audits are now a “best practice.” Once rare, water audits are now a standard tool for identifying inefficiencies, pinpointing waste, and developing targeted water reduction strategies for commercial and residential properties.

• Rebate programs make upgrades more affordable. Federal, state, and local rebate programs provide financial incentives for consumers and facility managers to invest in water-efficient fixtures and systems.

California's Stricter Water Efficiency Standards for Toilets and Urinals

California has gone beyond federal water efficiency mandates to set some of the most stringent plumbing standards in the country. While federal law caps toilet flush rates at 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) and urinal flush rates at approximately 1.0 gpf, California now requires:

• Toilets: No more than 1.28 gpf

• Urinals: No more than 0.5 gpf

However, building owners are going even further when it comes to urinals.

Even at just 0.5 gpf, a traditional urinal still requires a dedicated water supply line, a flush valve (typically sensor-operated), and service repairs, especially due to malfunctioning flush handles.

The Advantages of Waterless Urinals are Clear:

• No water supply line required

• No flush valve needed

• Zero water consumption

• Significant long-term cost savings

For building owners looking to reduce operating costs, become more water efficient, and support broader water conservation goals, waterless urinals represent a practical, proven solution.

The Future Doesn't Flush – Clean and Hygienic Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals