💧 Corporate Water Revolution: Global Brands Leading the Charge in Water Efficiency

The global water crisis is undeniable. By 2030, the UN warns that water demand will outstrip supply by 40%. Compounded by climate change, freshwater scarcity is worsening, leaving as many as two billion people without reliable access to safe water and sanitation.

At Waterless Co., Inc., we believe these stark warnings demand action, not just attention. What's often overlooked is the profound work being done by major corporations—who utilize two-thirds of the world’s freshwater—to tackle this challenge head-on. With the right strategies and commitment, global businesses are proving that significant water efficiency and positive change are possible.

Pioneering Corporate Water Conservation: Case Studies

Global brands are redefining their operations to become stewards of this precious resource.

Levi Strauss & Co.: Disrupting the Denim Industry

It’s a staggering fact: producing a single pair of jeans can consume over 1,000 gallons of water. Acknowledging this massive footprint, Levi's launched Water<Less®.

  • This initiative utilizes over twenty proprietary techniques to drastically reduce water use in the finishing process.

  • The result? Levi's reports being able to reduce up to 96% of the freshwater typically used in certain denim styles.

  • The Impact: Levi's is actively sharing these best practices with other apparel manufacturers, setting a new, collective standard for sustainable clothing production and long-term water reduction—the very essence of water efficiency.

Intel: Restoring Water and Leading in Sustainable Tech

Recent discussions have highlighted the immense water footprint of the technology sector, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI), where even a single AI-generated email can require significant water for cooling servers.

Intel, a key supplier of chips and components for these AI systems, is not only reducing its consumption but actively restoring water.

  • Intel’s operations in the United States, Costa Rica, and India are now officially net-positive on water use. This means they restore and return more freshwater to the local ecosystems than they consume.

  • As Intel's Chief Sustainability Officer noted, they were the first tech company to set a public, company-wide water restoration goal, a decade-long commitment to sustainability.

  • The Ripple Effect: Just like Levi's, Intel is sharing its water-saving and net-positive strategies with other chip manufacturers. This is creating a global movement toward corporate water stewardship and improved industrial water efficiency.

These are the stories that deserve attention—proof that large-scale corporate commitment can drive profound environmental and operational change.

Your Facility Can Be Part of the Solution. Stop Flushing Money Down the Drain.

Ready to join the movement and dramatically reduce your facility’s water consumption and utility costs?

Waterless Co., Inc. has pioneered innovative water efficiency solutions for over 35 years, helping facilities save millions of gallons annually. Our flagship product:

  • Waterless Urinals: These fixtures eliminate up to 35,000 gallons of water waste per unit each year. They turn your restrooms from cost drains into genuine profit centers.

Take the next step toward true water efficiency. Contact a Waterless Co., Inc., specialist today for a free water savings assessment and discover exactly how much your facility can save.

🚽 Flush Forward: The Surprising Story of the Bathroom Through the Ages

An AI Mirror Made by AI

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think much about bathrooms… unless they’re dirty or out of paper. But behind that humble door lies one of the most fascinating social, political, and even technological stories in human history.

Let’s take a quick (and slightly cheeky) trip through time:

2nd Century B.C. – Ancient Rome’s public latrines were truly “open concept.” No stalls, no shame—men, women, and children used them side by side.

1739 – A Paris restaurant broke new ground by offering separate restrooms for men and women.

1866 – The modern urinal was patented by Andrew Rankin, proving innovation can come from anywhere—even plumbing.

1887–1920 – Massachusetts led the charge to require separate facilities for women, and soon 43 other states followed suit.

1890s–1941 – Jim Crow laws segregated public bathrooms by race, a dark reminder that even restrooms weren’t immune from politics—until FDR’s Executive Order ended that practice.

1957 – “Leave It to Beaver” caused a stir—not because of scandalous dialogue, but because a toilet appeared on TV. Unthinkable!

1969 – A California assemblywoman smashed a toilet on the Capitol steps to protest pay toilets. Talk about a bold statement.

1973 – The women’s movement faced an odd rumor: that feminists wanted to eliminate gendered bathrooms. “Do you want the sexes integrated like the races?” one flyer asked. (Spoiler: that wasn’t the goal.)

That same year, “All in the Family” made history with the first toilet flush ever heard on television.

1981 – The University of Massachusetts floated the idea of co-ed bathrooms. Students revolted, and the plan was flushed away.

1990Pottygate! A woman fined for using the men’s room at a concert inspired nationwide protests and hundreds of offers to pay her fine.

1991 – Waterless Co., Inc. launched the first waterless urinals in the U.S., bringing water efficiency and sustainability into the restroom. These urinals are now commonplace throughout North America.

1993–2011 – Female lawmakers in Washington finally got restrooms of their own. (Yes, it took that long.)

1998 – “Ally McBeal” made TV waves with its co-ed bathroom—controversial, stylish, and the most talked-about loo on television.

2000s–2010s – Bathrooms went luxury: Jacuzzi tubs, toilet-seat warmers, and Japanese-inspired bidet-toilet combos. Suddenly, bathrooms became spas.

2010s–2020s – Design went touchless, paperless, and even “doorless” in some airports. The pandemic only sped things up.

2023 – Enter the AI mirror: smart, sleek, and maybe just a bit vain—offering style advice, makeup tips, and even your daily headlines.

From shared Roman benches to mirrors that talk back, the bathroom has always been more than a pit stop—it’s a reflection of our culture, technology, and progress.

What’s next? Maybe toilets that know when you’re stressed—or mirrors that remind you to hydrate. Either way, one thing’s certain: the evolution of the bathroom is far from over.

More info: Contact a Waterless Co., Inc, Representative.

The Mystery of the Stinky Science Lab: Whodunit?

Image of Sherlock Holmes by Sidney Paget, Wikipedia, Public Domain,

Picture, or should we say, smell this: A school supervisor walks into a middle school science lab, and the teacher immediately pulls him aside with an embarrassing warning. "Just so you know," she whispers, "the student you'll be sitting next to has a bit of a... gas problem today."

Being a trooper, the supervisor takes his seat anyway. Sure enough, there's definitely an odor situation happening. But here's where our detective story gets interesting—the bell rings, the students file out, and the smell doesn't leave with them.

Suspicious

Now fully in Sherlock Holmes mode, our supervisor begins investigating. He follows his nose to the back of the lab and discovers the true villain of our story: a lonely, neglected sink that nobody ever uses.

The Plot Thickens: What's Really Going On?

Turns out, that innocent-looking sink was harboring a secret. Its drain trap—that curvy pipe underneath - that looks like a J, U, or P - had completely dried out. Normally, these traps hold water that acts like a liquid barrier, keeping nasty sewer gases exactly where they belong: not in your classroom. But when the water evaporates? Those gases throw a party in your lab.

Why You Should Care (Beyond the Obvious)

Yes, no one likes to smell malodors. But in a science lab, this isn't just an "open a window" situation. When sewer gas mingles with chemical fumes, things can get dangerous fast—think explosions or toxic gas creation. Even without chemicals in the mix, these odors mess with people's heads (literally), causing headaches, brain fog, crankiness, and exhaustion. The kicker? This can happen even when you can't smell anything.

The Ridiculously Easy Fix

Here's what usually happens: someone calls maintenance, who shows up with cleaning supplies and bleach, makes a big production of it, and finally runs water down the drain.

Want to know the secret? All you needed was water. Skip the bleach, skip the drama. Just run the tap. The water refills the trap, blocks the gases, and boom—problem solved. (At least until it dries out again.)

But Why Does This Keep Happening

Schools are often empty during breaks, allowing drain traps to dry out and sewer gases to enter. To solve this, many districts use Everprime, which keeps traps from drying out for months and prevents odors from re-occurring when classes resume.

Case closed. Mystery solved. Class dismissed.

Want to banish sewer smells from your building for good? Contact a Waterless Co representative.

 

Source: Ken Roy, "An Ounce of Preventive Maintenance," Science Scope 38, no. 8 (2015)

💧 The Top 10 Environmental Benefits of Waterless Urinals

💧 The Top 10 Environmental Benefits of Waterless Urinals

Did you know a single conventional urinal can use up to 40,000 gallons of water each year? 😳

Waterless urinals eliminate that waste completely — helping facilities save money 💰, cut energy use ⚡, and protect the planet 🌎. Here’s how:

1️⃣ They Save a Lot of Water

Traditional urinals use 1–3 gallons per flush. Waterless urinals use zero — saving tens of thousands of gallons annually per fixture.

2️⃣ Instant Energy Savings

Less water = less pumping, treating, and heating. The energy savings start on day one. ⚙️

3️⃣ Less Wastewater

No flushing means less water going to treatment plants — reducing the strain on city systems. 🌊

4️⃣ Lower Carbon Footprint

Saving water and energy also reduces the greenhouse gas emissions tied to both. ♻️

5️⃣ Fewer Chemicals in Our Waterways

With less water to treat, fewer chemicals (like chlorine and disinfectants) enter the environment. 🌱

6️⃣ Protects Natural Water Sources

Every gallon saved helps preserve rivers, aquifers, and lakes — the heart of our ecosystems. 🏞️

7️⃣ Cuts Plastic Waste

No need for disposable urinal screens that can take centuries to decompose. 🚫🧴

8️⃣ Frees Up Resources

The water saved can support other essential industries — from food production to clean energy. ⚡🌾

9️⃣ Raises Awareness

Seeing a waterless urinal reminds people every day that small changes make a big impact. 💧

🔟 Good for the Planet and Your Brand

Customers and employees notice sustainability in action. Installing waterless urinals shows leadership — and earns respect. 🌍🙌

Bottom line: Waterless urinals don’t just save water — they make environmental and business sense.

💬 Are you seeing more water-saving fixtures in public spaces or your own facilities? What’s been your experience?

#WaterConservation #Sustainability #FacilityManagement #GreenBuilding #EnergyEfficiency #WaterlessUrinals

Ready to dramatically reduce water consumption and cut costs? Waterless Co., Inc has pioneered water efficiency solutions for over 35 years, helping facilities save millions of gallons annually. Our waterless urinals eliminate up to 35,000 gallons of water waste per fixture each year, turning your restrooms into profit centers, not cost drains.

Stop flushing money down the drain. Contact a Waterless Co Inc. specialist today for a free water savings assessment and discover how much your facility can save.

Traveling Over the Holidays? Expect to See More Waterless Urinals

Image by Josh Sorenson found on Prexels

Here’s a surprising fact: before 1989, urinals used three to five gallons of water per flush—sometimes more. After federal efficiency standards were introduced in 1992, that dropped to about one gallon per flush (gpf).

That’s an improvement, but still one gallon too many. Even modern low-flow urinals can waste between 20,000 and 40,000 gallons of water each year, depending on how frequently they’re used.

As our world grows warmer, water demand is increasing. People drink more liquids, and restrooms, especially in airports, malls, and sports venues get heavier use. That’s why no-flush urinals, like those from Waterless Co., Inc., are gaining so much attention.

Here’s why more facilities are making the switch:

🚀 Easy Installation

Waterless urinals typically share the same footprint as conventional models, making installation simple. Once the water line is capped or removed, the new urinal fits right into place—no major plumbing modifications needed.

🔧 Lower Maintenance Costs

Because they have no sensors, flush valves, or handles, waterless urinals come with fewer parts to break or repair. That means fewer service calls, fewer headaches, and lower long-term costs.

🧼 More Hygienic

Even before the pandemic, most people avoided touching restroom fixtures. Waterless urinals have always been completely touch-free—use them and walk away. That makes them one of the most hygienic restroom options available.

💡 The Secret Behind the Technology

At the heart of every Waterless urinal is the EcoTrap® system, which contains a thin layer of BlueSeal® liquid sealant. When urine passes through, it flows into the drain while the sealant forms a barrier that prevents odors from escaping. The result? A clean, odor-free restroom without a single flush.

🧽 What Cleaning Professionals Should Know

Cleaning waterless urinals is simple but slightly different from traditional ones.

  • Never pour water inside.

  • Spray the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it clean.

  • If disinfecting, always clean first—then disinfect.

These steps keep the urinal performing efficiently and hygienically.

🌍 The Bigger Picture

Water scarcity is no longer a distant concern. The World Resources Institute projects that by 2040, half of the world’s population will live in areas facing water stress—where water demand outpaces supply. Climate change, droughts, and population growth are accelerating the crisis.

The solution comes down to two things:

1.    Cut water use wherever possible.

2.    Use water more efficiently when needed.

These go hand in hand—and waterless urinals do both.

💧 Stop Flushing Money Down the Drain

For over 35 years, Waterless Co., Inc. has helped facilities worldwide save millions of gallons of water annually. Each Waterless urinal can eliminate up to 35,000 gallons of water waste per fixture every year—turning restrooms from cost centers into profit centers.

Ready to see how much your facility can save?
Contact a Waterless Co., Inc. specialist today for a free water savings assessment.

❄️ Facility Management Pro-Tip: Stop Winter Restroom Odors at the Source

Image by Zach Szohoflcvy Found on Unsplash

As temperatures drop, facility managers face a hidden winter plumbing threat: dried-out drain traps.

Cold weather and dry indoor air, accelerated by heating systems, cause the water seal in U-traps (aka P-traps under sinks and floor drains) to evaporate. When this protective water barrier is gone, hazardous sewer gases—including hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia—can enter your facility, causing bad odors and serious health concerns.

The Problem with Old Solutions (Water & Bleach)

  • Water: Evaporates quickly in heated buildings, requiring constant, labor-intensive re-pouring.

  • Bleach: Toxic, corrosive to pipes, environmentally harmful, and still evaporates like water.

The Modern Solution: EverPrime from Waterless Co.

Modern facility maintenance requires a non-evaporating, professional-grade solution to maintain air quality and restroom health during winter. This is what EverPrime is all about.

Here are just some of the feature and benefit of Everprime for Facility Managers:

  • Non-Evaporating Formula

  • Forms a protective, long-lasting barrier. Reduces labor costs and maintenance frequency.

  • Eco-Friendly

  • Biodegradable and safe for the environment; ideal for facilities pursuing green building certifications.

  • Temperature Resistant

  • Maintains seal in both extreme heat and cold (e.g., boiler rooms, loading docks).

  • Simple Application

  • Easy to mix and pour, no special equipment or training required.

Proactive drain maintenance is essential for schools, healthcare centers, office buildings, and hospitality venues to prevent odor complaints, maintain a positive reputation, and ensure a healthier indoor environment.

Take Action This Winter

Protect you facility pipes, the health of your facility, and eliminate costly plumbing bills.

Learn more about EverPrime and professional drain treatment programs at www.waterless.com or call 800-244-6364.

🌊 Understanding the 4Rs of Water Efficiency

Image by Chelsey Marques found on Unsplash.

While the U.S. is seeing improved water conditions, recent years of drought remind us of the urgent need for smarter water use.

The “4Rs”—Reclaimed, Reused, Reconditioned, and Recycled water—each play a unique role in boosting water efficiency. There’s even a 5th “R”: Redundant, highlighting unnecessary water use – and ways to eliminate it.

By embracing these principles, we can build a more sustainable future. Waterless Co., Inc. has helped facilities save millions of gallons annually with innovative solutions like waterless urinals.

Learn more how you can reduce your water consumption here: https://lnkd.in/gZhHzGcT

💧 Ready to cut costs and save water? Connect with a Waterless Co. specialist for a free water savings assessment!
https://lnkd.in/gzKXP_p3

💧 Residential Water Use Trends in the U.S.

Image by Steve Johnson found on Prexels

Residential water use across the United States continues to fluctuate due to 🌆 population growth, 🌦️ changing climates, 🚿 irrigation habits, and the adoption of 💡 water-saving technologies.

📊 According to recent studies by Sustainable Waters, Circle of Blue, and the Pacific Institute, the five states (and districts) with the highest per capita residential water use today are:

• 🏜️ Utah: 167 gallons per person per day
• 🏛️ Washington, D.C.: 125 gallons per person per day
• 🏔️ Colorado: 111 gallons per person per day
• 🌲 Washington (state): 111 gallons per person per day
• 🌴 Louisiana: 104 gallons per person per day

🗣️ “However, this list only reflects residential water use,” notes Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. “States such as California, Texas, and Florida actually consume far more water overall—largely because of their extensive 🌾 agricultural and 🏭 industrial sectors, not just household demand.”

📉 Reichardt adds that one encouraging trend often goes unnoticed: since 2000, per capita water use has declined across most U.S. states. He credits this progress to several key factors:

• 🚽 Broader adoption of water-efficient products and technologies such as no-water urinals
• 🏘️ State and local conservation programs that promote reduced consumption
• 💼 Economic shifts away from water-intensive industries

🏙️ Cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Las Vegas illustrate the impact of these efforts.
🗣️ “From 2000 to 2020, these cities reduced per capita water use by as much as 47 percent,” Reichardt explains. “Over two decades, they’ve implemented bold water efficiency measures—and the results speak for themselves.”

🔮 Looking ahead, Reichardt cautions that this positive trend could face new challenges.
🧠 “The rapid growth of AI data centers nationwide could quickly reverse some of these gains. Even a small AI facility can use up to 100 million gallons of water per day for cooling.”

🌟 Still, he remains optimistic:
💬 “The good news is that many of these data centers are already working to reclaim water, reduce consumption, or even eliminate water use altogether. This suggests we are experiencing a temporary setback, a bump in the road, that innovation will soon help us overcome.”

🏢 About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc. is a family-run business founded in 1991 and is a leader in promoting water efficiency 💧. Based in Vista, CA, the company's product range includes various waterless urinals for home 🏠 and commercial 🏢 settings, liquid plumbing solutions 🧪, and cost-saving accessories 💰—reflecting their focus on sustainability 🌱 and innovation 🔧 in water-saving technologies.

📬 Contact Information

Waterless Co. Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
📞 800.244.6364
📧 sales@waterless.com

How EverPrime Prevented a $5 Million Problem

Sewer odors in restrooms can strike anywhere, anytime—and the consequences cost a lot of money.

The La Jolla Lifeguard Tower Crisis

Several years ago, San Diego opened a new lifeguard tower at La Jolla Children's Pool beach. After more than four years of planning and $5 million in construction costs, the facility should have been a success story.

Instead, within months, lifeguards began reporting an unbearable smell. The source? Sewer odors rising from a floor drain in the rarely-used basement storage area.

"It has been recently brought to my attention that a significant odor is present in the Children's Pool facility," lifeguard Sgt. Marcus Schreiber wrote to city engineers. "Guards are reporting this to be unbearable at times."

The Problem Gets Worse

Soon after, the situation escalated. Lifeguards spotted three large rats in the facility, and a nearby temporary trailer became infested with ants. The sewer odors likely attracted these pests, turning a ventilation issue into a full-blown health and safety concern.

How the City Responded

The pool managers tried multiple solutions:

1.    Deep cleaning: They pressure-washed the basement floor to remove odors that had penetrated the concrete, then sealed it with acrylic floor finish.

2.    Closing the problem drain: They removed the grating and installed a solid plate over the floor drain opening to block odor escape.

3.    Investigating P-traps: They discovered that P-traps—the U-shaped pipes under drains designed to hold water and block sewer gases—had dried out in the rarely-used facility.

4.    Adding water: They poured water down the drains to refill the P-traps, but this proved to be only a temporary fix. The water eventually evaporated, and the odors returned.

The Simple Solution They Missed

What the facility managers needed was EverPrime Drain Trap Liquid. Just 3 to 6 ounces poured down each drain would have solved the problem for months.

Unlike water, EverPrime doesn't evaporate. It creates a long-lasting seal in P-traps that blocks sewer odors while protecting indoor air quality. It's an inexpensive solution that keeps facilities clean, healthy, and pest-free.

Don't let sewer odors become your problem. Contact a Waterless Co., Inc. representative today to learn more about EverPrime.

The “Bouncer” In Our Drainpipes

Image by Nauman Abdul Hafeez found on Unsplash

Plumbers are far more than fixers of leaks and uncloggers of drains. They are the unsung guardians of public health, the first line of defense against invisible threats lurking in the pipes beneath our feet.

Take the humble P-trap (aka U-trap), for instance. This curved piece of plumbing, tucked quietly beneath every drain in North America, is one of the most important health safeguards in any building.

Its job is deceptively simple yet vital: it holds a small pocket of water that blocks toxic sewer gases from creeping back into occupied spaces. Think of it as a vigilant bouncer standing at the door of your plumbing system, turning away an unsavory crowd of germs, bacteria, and foul odors.

When the U-trap loses that water seal—usually through evaporation—that bouncer steps aside, and danger enters. Within days of a drain sitting unused, gases from decomposing waste can seep into the air, spreading through ventilation systems and corridors. The result? A building-wide problem that no one sees coming.

The issue has taken on new urgency in today’s commercial real estate environment. With office vacancy rates hovering around 20% nationwide, many buildings—or sections within them—sit unused for weeks or months.

These “quiet zones” become hotspots for U-traps to dry out and release noxious sewer gases that threaten the health of everyone in the building. Symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to serious respiratory issues, and in extreme situations, even fatal exposure.

This is where plumbers become public health advocates. You’re not just repairing systems, you’re preventing illness, safeguarding air quality, and protecting lives. Yet many building managers and facility teams are unaware of how critical U-traps are, or how quickly they can fail when neglected. That’s where your role as an educator comes in.

A quick pour of water might seem like a solution, but in large facilities with hundreds of drains, it’s rarely sustainable. A smarter, more lasting approach is to use a specialized barrier liquid such as EverPrime®. This biodegradable, non-evaporating, anti-freeze solution creates a long-lasting seal in the trap, preventing evaporation and keeping sewer gases where they belong—out of sight and out of mind.

By recommending preventive products like EverPrime®, you help your clients avoid health hazards, costly complaints, and potential liability issues. More importantly, you elevate your own professional standing—from service provider to trusted advisor and protector of public health.

________________________________________

Take Your Advocacy Further

The same principles of prevention and efficiency extend to water efficiency. At Waterless Co., Inc., we’ve been leading the charge in sustainable plumbing solutions for over 35 years. Our waterless urinals save up to 35,000 gallons of water per fixture each year, transforming restrooms from cost centers into water reduction success stories.

Stop flushing money—and health—down the drain.

Contact a Waterless Co., Inc. specialist today for a free water savings assessment and discover how much your facility can save.