Running Dry: The State of America's Water Systems

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The most immediate and serious consequence of this deteriorating infrastructure is widespread water loss. As America's population grows and fresh water becomes an increasingly precious resource, millions of gallons are lost daily through:

• Leaky underground pipes

• Failing municipal infrastructure

• Outdated water treatment facilities

This systemic leaking doesn't just waste a vital natural resource—it also places a massive financial burden on the local communities that depend on these utilities.

Public Health and the Affordability Crisis

The true burden of America's water crisis runs deeper than most people realize, impacting both public health and economic equity.

Access and Affordability

Millions of Americans, particularly in rural and underserved areas, still lack basic access to running water and indoor plumbing. As municipal utilities are pressed to fund emergency repairs, they are forced to raise water rates. This creates severe affordability problems that fall hardest on low-income households.

Contamination Risks

Beyond financial strain, aging pipes dramatically raise the risk of water contamination incidents. When infrastructure fails, it quickly transforms a structural utility problem into a severe public health crisis.

Solutions: Smart Technology and Collaboration

Despite the scale of the challenge, there are reasons for cautious optimism. More funding is finally being funneled toward replacing crumbling systems, and local communities are increasingly collaborating to find innovative solutions.

The commercial restroom and plumbing industries are also stepping up. Modern water efficiency technologies—such as waterless urinals—offer a practical, scalable way to meaningfully reduce water waste at the building level.

Building a Sustainable Water Future

Ultimately, securing a sustainable water future for the U.S. is not a problem any single sector can solve alone. Progress requires broad, collective participation.

How to Make an Impact:

• For Individuals & Businesses: Adopt water-efficient technologies, low-flow fixtures, and smart water management systems in homes and commercial properties.

• For Communities: Support local infrastructure investments, bonds, and policies aimed at grid modernization.

• For Advocates: Raise awareness about the critical need for water conservation and infrastructure funding.

By combining policy, skilled labor, and innovative technology, we can protect our most vital resource before it runs dry.

The Overlooked Restroom Upgrade Quietly Transforming Corporate Sustainability

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While the spotlight often shines on flashy green tech, boardrooms across America are quietly signing off on a different kind of environmental initiative. Forward-thinking companies are heavily investing in solar installations, EV charging stations, and energy-efficient HVAC overhauls because they deliver undeniable, long-term cost savings.

However, one of the most effective ways to slash operational costs and protect natural resources without major capital expenditure is happening right inside the commercial restroom: the installation of waterless urinals.

Waterless urinals have officially moved well beyond their early-adopter phase. Today, they are standard features in corporate campuses, hospital complexes, and university facilities nationwide. This shift isn't driven by environmental idealism alone; it is a straightforward operational decision backed by hard numbers.

The Math Behind Waterless Urinals

The environmental and financial impact of switching to eco-friendly restroom fixtures accumulates rapidly:

• Per Unit Savings: A single waterless urinal eliminates roughly 26,000 gallons of water use every year.

• The Household Equivalent: Each unit conserves enough water in twelve months to meet the needs of a typical four-person household for about two months.

• Enterprise Scale: For a facility operating 50 units, that translates to approximately 1.3 million gallons of water saved annually: comparable to the combined volume of two Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"What started as a niche environmental solution has become an essential tool for meeting aggressive sustainability targets," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., Inc., the pioneer that brought waterless urinal technology to the North American market in 1991.

Why Commercial Water Efficency is Hitting the Boardroom Now

The timing of this renewed interest isn't accidental. Several macro-economic pressures have converged to elevate water efficiency from a facilities afterthought to a boardroom priority.

1. Rising Municipal Utility Rates

Commercial water rates have climbed roughly 40% over the past decade in major metro markets, turning water consumption into a heavy line item on corporate balance sheets.

2. Stricter Environmental Mandates

States like California and New York have introduced stringent mandates around commercial water use. Buildings that miss these mandated reduction targets now face real financial penalties.

3. Tenant and Talent Demand

The tenants filling modern commercial spaces, particularly younger workers, increasingly factor sustainability credentials into their leasing and employment decisions.

The Operational Benefits That Don't Show Up in the Brochure

Water savings are the headline, but facilities management teams report distinct operational advantages that go far beyond reduced utility bills.

Energy Decoupling

Traditional urinals are tied to a massive water infrastructure loop. Clean water must be pumped into the building, used, and then routed to wastewater treatment systems—a process carrying a heavy, hidden energy cost. Waterless fixtures step outside this resource-heavy cycle entirely.

Superior Restroom Hygiene

There is also a hygiene dimension that surprises many operators. Standing water in conventional urinals creates the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth and biofilm buildup. Without moisture, waterless units inhibit bacteria growth, requiring less aggressive cleaning protocols and fewer chemical interventions.

One facilities manager at a large West Coast technology firm noted that custodial costs fell 30% in the year following installation. "The units practically maintain themselves," they reported.

A Direct Line to LEED Certification Points

For property managers working toward LEED, WELL, or similar green building designations, commercial water reduction represents one of the fastest, clearest paths to earning meaningful certification points.

Achieving these green credentials has shifted from a nice-to-have marketing differentiator to a genuine competitive factor. Today, certified green buildings command measurably higher property valuations and draw significantly stronger tenant interest.

"These certifications have evolved into essential competitive advantages," Reichardt notes. "Waterless urinals offer one of the most cost-effective paths to meaningful points."

Driven by Climate and Infrastructure Realities

The technology itself is time-tested and refined. Waterless Co. introduced these systems to North American facilities more than three decades ago. What has fundamentally changed is the macro-environment around it.

With worsening drought conditions across the Western United States and an aging water infrastructure straining under urban demand, the financial case for water conservation has never been sharper.

The broader lesson for corporate leaders is clear: the most consequential sustainability upgrades aren't always the most visible ones. Sometimes, the best return on investment is already inside the building, waiting to be unlocked.

About Waterless Co., Inc.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Vista, California, Waterless Co., Inc. pioneered waterless urinal technology in North America. Today, the company produces a full line of highly efficient, sustainable restroom products helping organizations achieve aggressive water reduction goals. Discover more at www.waterless.com.

Home Urinals: A Growing Trend in Residential Bathrooms

For decades, urinals have been standard fixtures in commercial buildings, schools, sports venues, and public restrooms. Today, however, they are increasingly finding their way into residential properties as homeowners look for new ways to improve convenience, cleanliness, and water efficiency.

According to reports from real estate and home improvement sources, many homeowners choose to install a urinal simply because modern plumbing technology makes it possible and affordable. While the trend is still relatively niche, residential urinals are appearing in homes across North America, from modest suburban houses to luxury custom residences.

Why Are Homeowners Installing Urinals?

The appeal of a home urinal often comes down to convenience. Many families appreciate having a dedicated fixture for quick restroom visits, which can reduce wear and tear on traditional toilets and help keep bathrooms cleaner.

Common benefits cited by homeowners include:

• Less debate about leaving the toilet seat up or down.

• Faster restroom visits, especially during gatherings or sporting events.

• Improved bathroom cleanliness and reduced splashing.

• Greater flexibility in shared household bathrooms.

• Potential water savings when water-efficient or waterless models are selected.

In many households, the addition of a urinal simply makes daily routines more convenient.

Planning a Residential Urinal Installation

Before purchasing a urinal for your home, there are several important factors to consider.

1. Evaluate Available Space

A urinal requires adequate wall space and proper clearances. While many are installed in traditional bathrooms, some homeowners choose locations such as:

• Garages

• Workshops

• Home gyms

• Recreation rooms

• Basement entertainment areas

The best location depends on your home's plumbing layout and how the space is used.

2. Understand Installation Requirements

Like any plumbing fixture, a urinal must comply with local building and plumbing codes. Installation typically requires:

• A sanitary drain connection

• Proper venting

• Water supply lines (for conventional, water using models)

• Mounting hardware and wall support

• A flush valve or flushing mechanism

Because of these requirements, professional installation is usually recommended.

3. Consider Total Project Costs

The fixture itself is often one of the least expensive components of the project. Plumbing modifications, wall work, and flushing systems can significantly increase overall costs.

For a conventional urinal installation, homeowners may spend $2,000 or more depending on:

• Existing plumbing accessibility

• Location within the home

• Fixture selection

• Flush valve type

• Local labor rates

Waterless Urinals: A Lower-Cost Alternative

An increasingly popular option is the waterless urinal, sometimes referred to as a no-flush urinal. These systems operate without a water supply and eliminate the need for flush valves.

Because they require only a properly connected drain line, installation is often simpler and less expensive than traditional urinals. In many cases, total installed costs may be closer to $1,200, depending on site conditions and local labor expenses.

Beyond lower installation costs, waterless urinals can help reduce household water consumption and eliminate thousands of gallons of annual water use.

Do Home Urinals Affect Property Value?

One question frequently asked by homeowners is whether adding a urinal will increase resale value.

Real estate professionals generally agree that a residential urinal is unlikely to significantly raise or lower a home's appraised value. However, it may appeal to certain buyers and serve as a memorable feature that differentiates a property from others on the market.

In some cases, unique bathroom upgrades—including urinals, radiant floor heating, and integrated sound systems—have generated considerable buyer interest and helped homes stand out during showings.

The Home Urinal Bottom Line

While still uncommon in most homes, residential urinals are gaining attention as homeowners seek greater convenience, improved bathroom hygiene, and enhanced water efficiency. Whether choosing a traditional flushing model or a modern waterless urinal, careful planning and professional installation are key to maximizing the benefits of this increasingly popular bathroom upgrade.

How Waterless Urinals Can Deliver Long-Term Savings

Research conducted by Kimberly Pierson, a master’s student in the Department of Civil Engineering at Kansas State University, examined water use across campus plumbing fixtures, including urinals, toilets, faucets, and showers.

As part of the utility audit, Pierson found that the campus urinals generally consumed between 0.5 and 1.5 gallons per flush (GPF). Those figures suggest that many of the fixtures were relatively modern and functioning properly. Older urinals can consume as much as 3 GPF, and even fixtures originally rated at 1 GPF may use more water as components wear over time.

Research Goal

Pierson’s work was designed to create a repeatable process that state agencies and publicly funded facilities could use to:

1.    Establish water-use baselines.

2.    Conduct utility and energy audits.

3.    Implement ongoing monitoring procedures.

The broader objective was to help institutions understand the true operating cost of water-using fixtures and estimate the savings and return on investment that could result from future upgrades.

Important: Keep the study year in mind

The research was completed in 2011. Water and wastewater rates have increased substantially in many regions since then, so the dollar figures reported in the study would likely be higher if calculated using current utility rates.

Accounting for Seasonal Variation

To improve accuracy, data were collected at multiple times during the year. Seasonal changes can affect water demand—for example, warmer weather often leads to more shower use and potentially more frequent restroom use.

Estimated Annual Water Cost per Urinal

Fixture type

Annual water cost (2011)

0.5 GPF urinal, $10.80

1.5 GPF urinal, $32.40

The study did not test every urinal on campus, nor did it specify how many units of each type were installed. Using a simple estimate based on student population and common restroom-planning ratios, the campus may have had roughly 100+ urinals in service.

At an average annual water cost of about $21.60 per urinal (2011 dollars), total urinal-related water expenses would have been approximately $2,300 per year.

What This Suggests

Even on a relatively small campus, urinal water consumption represented a measurable operating expense. With today’s higher utility rates, the same level of water use would likely cost considerably more.

If those fixtures were replaced with waterless urinals, the avoided water and wastewater charges could create a relatively short payback period. Once the initial investment was recovered, the ongoing utility savings would continue year after year.

The Bigger Picture

Waterless urinals are often evaluated solely on water conservation, but the financial case can be just as important. Reduced water purchases, lower wastewater charges, and less exposure to future utility rate increases can all contribute to long-term operating savings.

For facilities with large restroom counts—such as universities, airports, stadiums, healthcare campuses, and office complexes—the cumulative effect can become significant over time.

Note: The cost figures cited above come from a 2011 campus study. Actual savings will vary based on local water and sewer rates, fixture usage, maintenance practices, and installation costs.

For more information on saving money, contact a Waterless Co. Inc, representative

Solving Restroom Odors: A Sherlock Holmes–Style Guide for Facility Managers

Persistent restroom odors can feel like a mystery only Sherlock Holmes could solve. Even when facility managers follow strict cleaning protocols, unpleasant smells can linger — frustrating staff, tenants, and visitors. Understanding the true sources of restroom malodors is the first step toward eliminating them for good.

Common Causes of Restroom Odors in Commercial Facilities

Most facility managers know the usual suspects:

• Tile and grout that trap moisture and bacteria

• Porous or unsealed flooring

• Fixtures, walls, and floors that are inadequately or improperly cleaned

These areas create ideal environments for bacteria to grow — and wherever bacteria thrive, restroom odors follow.

But what about the odors that persist even after a thorough, top‑to‑bottom cleaning?

That’s when it’s time to put on your Sherlock Holmes cap.

1. Investigate the Restroom Ceiling — A Hidden Source of Odors

One of the most overlooked contributors to restroom malodors is the ceiling.

Why ceilings matter

• Most restroom ceilings are cleaned only when the space is repainted — often every 3–7 years or longer.

• Restroom ceilings tend to stay moist, creating a perfect environment for airborne bacteria to settle and multiply.

• Over time, these bacteria produce odors that drift downward and spread throughout the restroom.

Solution: Clean restroom ceilings every few months.

It’s a messy and sometimes hazardous job, but it significantly improves odor control, appearance, and overall indoor air quality.

2. Examine Floor Drains — The Most Common Source of Sewer Odors

If the ceiling isn’t the culprit, the next stop in your investigation is the floor drain system.

How floor drains work

Beneath the floor, the drainpipe is shaped like a P‑trap or U‑trap.
This design holds a small amount of water that acts as a seal, preventing sewer gases from entering the restroom.

The problem: In many facilities, the water in the trap evaporates because:

• The drain receives little to no water

• Mopping doesn’t provide enough moisture to maintain the seal

• Extended periods of non‑use accelerate evaporation

Once the trap dries out, sewer odors escape directly into the restroom.

A long‑lasting solution

Pour a small amount of EverPrime into the floor drain.

This product prevents evaporation for months, keeping the trap sealed and blocking odors.

EverPrime can also be used in:

• Sink drains

• Kitchen drains

• HVAC condensate drains

It’s an inexpensive, highly effective way to maintain drain performance and protect indoor air quality across an entire facility.

Keep Restrooms Odor‑Free and Healthy

Persistent restroom odors aren’t just unpleasant — they can signal maintenance issues that affect health, comfort, and facility reputation. By investigating ceilings, floor drains, and other hidden odor sources, facility managers can maintain cleaner, healthier restrooms year‑round.

For expert guidance on, Restroom odor control, Waterless urinals, Reducing water consumption, improving restroom hygiene and efficiency contact a Waterless Co. Inc representative.

The Ultimate Guide to Water Efficiency: Hidden Costs, Surprising Truths, and Commercial Realities

When you look at a globe, it is easy to assume that water is an infinite resource. More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by it, after all.

Yet, a look behind that statistic reveals a stark reality: less than 1% of the world’s water is accessible for everyday human use. The rest is locked away as saltwater, frozen in glaciers, or trapped deep underground.

Because our usable water supply is incredibly limited, practicing everyday water efficiency isn't just an environmental ideal, it is a financial necessity. Whether you are managing a household budget or overseeing a multi-story commercial building, understanding how we use (and waste) water is the first step toward significant utility savings.

Why Water Conservation Matters

1. Simple Changes to Reduce Household Water Consumption

Many homeowners assume that conserving water requires drastic lifestyle sacrifices. In reality, major savings come from adjusting a few daily routines and tackling delayed home maintenance.

Showers vs. Baths: Which Uses Less Water?

If you are trying to cut down your monthly utility bill, the choice between a bath and a shower is a clear one. A standard five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. On the other hand, filling a standard bathtub requires about seventy gallons—regardless of how long you spend soaking. By simply prioritizing short showers over baths, a household can save thousands of gallons of water annually.

The True Cost of Hidden Plumbing Leaks

When people think of home water waste, they often picture someone leaving the faucet running while brushing their teeth or running a half-empty dishwasher. While those are bad habits, they pale in comparison to the single biggest water criminal in the home: the leaky toilet.

Did you know? A single running or leaking toilet can quietly waste up to two hundred gallons of water every single day.

Because toilet leaks are often completely silent, they can go unnoticed for months while inflating your utility bills. Taking the time to locate and fix all household plumbing leaks is highly lucrative; data shows that eliminating leaks drops the average monthly household water bill by approximately 8%.

2. Commercial Water Efficiency: Navigating Facility Upgrades

For property and facility managers, the scale of water consumption is much higher, meaning the financial stakes of building upgrades are exponentially greater. However, not all "green" technologies deliver on their promises.

The Hidden Pitfall of Dual-Flush Toilets

On paper, replacing old commercial toilets with manual dual-flush models seems like a foolproof strategy to reduce water consumption by 20%. Unfortunately, real-world data often tells a different story.

Recent facility studies reveal that after installing dual-flush mechanisms, overall building water consumption often goes up instead of down. This unexpected spike usually traces back to two key issues:

• Flawed Valve Engineering: Many dual-flush mechanisms are prone to early wear, leading to internal leaks.

• User Behavior: In public or corporate settings, users frequently misuse the dual-flush levers or double-flush out of habit, completely erasing the intended efficiency gains.

Upgrading Commercial Restroom Fixtures. Source: Matveev_Aleksandr / Getty Images

Maximizing ROI with Waterless Urinals

Because traditional dual-flush configurations can disappoint, facility managers looking for guaranteed returns are increasingly turning to no-water technology. When removing old, flush-heavy urinals, choosing the right replacement brand comes down to calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

While multiple leading manufacturers offer urinals with similar upfront price tags and warranties, the long-term maintenance costs vary wildly. Upfront installation costs are a one-time fee, but ongoing maintenance is continuous.

This is why brands like Waterless Co. Inc. stand out. Their systems utilize the engineered EcoTrap® cylinder, which lasts significantly longer and costs less to replace than competitor trap cartridges. By focusing on the brand that is the least expensive to maintain over its lifecycle, commercial buildings can confidently secure permanent water reductions without unexpected maintenance headaches.

Summary Checklist: Smart Water Savings

Whether at home or at the office, use this quick checklist to maximize your water efficiency:

• [] Swap baths for showers to save up to forty-five gallons per wash.

• [] Test toilets for silent leaks using food coloring in the tank.

• [] Track your utility bills—an unexplained spike usually means a hidden leak.

  [] Evaluate commercial upgrades by TCO, factoring in long-term cartridge and maintenance costs rather than just the initial purchase price.

Why Water Costs Are Rising—and What Facility Managers Can Do About It

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For facility managers, rising water costs have become a growing operational challenge. Across much of the United States, water and wastewater rates are increasing at a pace that often exceeds general inflation. Current estimates suggest annual increases typically range from 4% to 10%, depending on location, utility provider, and local infrastructure needs.

And those projections may prove conservative. As water-intensive industries—including artificial intelligence data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced computing facilities—expand across the country, additional pressure on local water supplies could drive rates even higher in some markets.

Why Are Water Rates Climbing?

For decades, water was one of the most affordable utilities in the United States. Many experts now believe that water services were priced below their true cost, leaving utilities with insufficient revenue to maintain systems and invest in future capacity. Today, utilities are working to close that gap while addressing a variety of other challenges.

The following factors are contributing to higher water rates nationwide:

1. Aging Water Infrastructure

Much of the nation's water infrastructure is decades old and requires extensive repairs, upgrades, or replacement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that hundreds of billions of dollars will be needed to modernize water systems over the coming decades. Utilities are increasingly recovering these costs through higher customer rates.

2. Reduced Federal Support

Historically, federal funding helped cover a significant portion of water infrastructure projects. Over time, more of these expenses have shifted to state and local governments, which often rely on utility rate increases to generate the necessary funding.

3. Changes in Municipal Funding Models

Many communities are restructuring how water systems are financed. Instead of supporting water operations through property taxes or general revenue funds, municipalities are moving more costs directly onto utility bills, resulting in higher charges for users.

4. Population Growth in Water-Stressed Regions

Some of the fastest-growing parts of the country, including many Sun Belt and Western states, also face the greatest water supply constraints. As demand rises in these areas, utilities must invest in additional infrastructure and supply sources, increasing overall costs.

5. Declining Availability of High-Quality Water Sources

Pollution, contamination concerns, and environmental degradation have reduced access to some traditional water sources. Utilities often must treat water more extensively or develop alternative supplies, both of which increase operating expenses.

6. Shifting Climate Conditions

Water professionals report that changing precipitation patterns and reduced snowpack in many regions are affecting long-term water availability. Lower snowmelt levels can reduce reservoir replenishment and create challenges for meeting agricultural, industrial, and municipal demand.

7. Basic Supply-and-Demand Economics

Like any resource, water becomes more expensive when demand grows faster than available supply. In regions experiencing drought, population growth, or competing water needs, upward pressure on rates is almost inevitable.

The Choices Facing Facility Managers

As water costs continue to rise, building owners and facility managers have three options:

1.    Absorb the increases

2.    Pass them through to tenants and occupants. (With office vacancies as high as 40 percent, this likely is not a good option for many managers).

3.    Reduce water consumption through conservation strategies and high-efficiency technologies.

The third approach is the more sustainable long-term solution. By implementing water-saving measures such as low-flow fixtures, smart irrigation systems, and waterless restroom technologies, facilities can offset rising utility costs while supporting sustainability goals.

Water Efficiency Is Becoming a Business Necessity

Whether viewed from a financial, operational, or environmental perspective, reducing water consumption is becoming increasingly important. Waterless urinals, for example, can eliminate thousands of gallons of annual water use per fixture while helping facilities control operating expenses.

As water rates continue their upward trajectory, investments in water efficiency are likely to deliver greater returns than ever before.

Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. LLC in Vista, California, is a recognized authority on water efficiency. Since 1991, he has led the company to innovate plumbing products like the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water.

To contract Klaus, click here

Major Droughts in U.S. History

Drought is once again gripping large parts of the United States, with about 51 percent of the country now experiencing some level of dryness or drought. More than 150 million people in the contiguous U.S. are affected, underscoring just how widespread and disruptive these conditions can be.

According to Drought.gov, drought conditions currently range from abnormally dry to the most severe classifications. But today’s crisis is only the latest chapter in a long history of devastating droughts that have reshaped communities, agriculture, and the landscape itself.

The list below highlights some of the most significant droughts in U.S. history — when they struck, where they hit hardest, and how extreme they became.

Period Region Most Affected Severity

 1928–1939 Dust Bowl Great Plains 66.2% of U.S. in drought (1934)

 1950–1957 Southern Plains Multi-year, widespread

 1961–1966 Northeast Severe water shortages

 1976–1977 West 22.9% in Exceptional Drought

 1987–1989 Midwest/West Rapid onset

 1999–2004 West/Southeast Long-term drying trend

 2012 Central U.S. 54.8% of U.S. in drought

 2000–2021 Western U.S. Driest 22-year period since 800 CE

 2020–2022 West Heat-driven intensification

Addressing Drought Conditions

While there are few things we can do to change drought conditions, there are things we can do to alleviate the damage it can cause.  Most importantly is to use water more efficiently.

But first we must distinguish between water conservation and water efficiency.

Water conservation focuses on reducing water use during drought emergencies. Water efficiency, by contrast, is a long-term strategy centered on using water-saving technologies to accomplish the same outcomes with less water — across residential, commercial, and industrial settings alike.

5 Essential Benefits of Water Efficiency

• Reduces Consumption: Advanced tech lowers the volume of water needed for daily operations.

• Guards our most vital resource.

• Cuts Carbon Emissions: Less water treated and moved means a smaller carbon footprint.

• Lowers Energy Costs: Reducing water use saves the massive amount of electricity required to pump and heat it.

• Decreases Operating Expenses: Efficient systems lead to immediate savings on utility and sewage bills.

• Protects Ecosystems: Lowering demand keeps more water in natural aquifers and rivers, supporting biodiversity.

The Hidden Operational Risk Facing Property Managers (And How to Tackle It Together)

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Let’s talk about something that might not be on your daily radar but absolutely should be: water scarcity.

As we head into the summer of 2026, drought conditions are tightening their grip across the country. Right now, dry conditions are impacting about 51% of all U.S. regions and a staggering 61% of the contiguous states.

If you think this is just a regional headache for a few desert states, think again. With summer temperatures climbing, water rates spiking, and local municipalities tightening restrictions, water management is quickly becoming a major operational risk for commercial real estate everywhere.

The Anatomy of the Dry Spell

How did we get here? A lot of it comes down to the stubborn La Niña cycle we just wrapped up this past winter. That climate pattern typically bakes the Southern and Southwestern U.S. with warmer, drier weather.

And while that La Niña has officially ended, meteorologists are tracking a 62% chance that an El Niño will develop between June and August. But don't let the shift fool you—an El Niño doesn't automatically mean the rain gates are going to open for drought-stricken areas. In fact, near-term forecasts suggest parts of the South and Southwest might actually see conditions get tougher before they get better.

For facility managers, the message is clear: Hope is not a strategy. It’s time to optimize.

Step 1: Upgrading the Mechanical Backbone

Slashing water consumption doesn't mean you have to disrupt your daily business operations. It’s all about finding and fixing the invisible inefficiencies hiding in your building.

Here are the heavy-hitting operational moves that move the needle:

• Audit Your Baseline: If you haven’t done a comprehensive water audit in the last two to five years, start there. You can’t fix what you aren't measuring.

• Get Smart with Sub-Metering: Don't just look at the main municipal meter. Install sub-meters to track specific zones so you can isolate spikes and catch hidden leaks early.

• Deploy Real-Time Monitoring: Smart plumbing sensors can alert your team to a major pipe failure or a stuck flush valve the exact minute it happens, saving thousands of gallons in a single afternoon.

• Tweak the Cooling Towers: Cooling towers are notorious water hogs. Optimizing your cycles of concentration minimizes water lost to unnecessary bleed-off and evaporation.

• Swap Out Dated Fixtures: Upgrading to high-efficiency retrofits—like low-flow toilets and waterless urinals—permanently lowers your building's baseline consumption without requiring anyone to change their habits.

• Ditch the Fixed Irrigation Timers: Switch to smart, weather-based irrigation controllers that only water the landscaping when the soil and local weather conditions actually demand it.

Step 2: The Missing Link? Tenant Behavior

Here is the truth that trips up almost everyone: You can install the most advanced mechanical systems in the world, but if your tenants aren't on board, your conservation goals will stall.

When water restrictions hit, most management teams instinctively focus on common areas, central HVAC systems, restrooms, and outer landscaping. Meanwhile, private offices, corporate suites, and tenant-controlled spaces are left completely out of the conversation.

In a typical commercial office building, tenant break rooms, private kitchens, and executive restrooms account for a massive chunk of total water use. To get real, double-digit drops in your utility bills, you have to bring your tenants into the loop.

Here is how to get them to actively care:

• Ditch the Fluff, Share the Facts: Launch a transparent awareness campaign. Let your tenants know exactly how severe the local drought is and give them a clear, shared target to shoot for.

• Make Reporting Frictionless: Give occupants a dead-simple way to report a dripping faucet or a running toilet. If the reporting process takes too long, people will just walk away.

• Open Up the Data: Share the building’s water usage and cost metrics. When people can see the numbers, the problem becomes real.

• Gamify the Goals: Set friendly, measurable reduction targets for different floors or suites, and publicly recognize the teams that step up. Everyone loves a little friendly corporate competition—especially when it's for a good cause.

The Big Picture

Drought is no longer a localized environmental talking point; it is a widespread operational reality.

Navigating it successfully requires a two-pronged approach: tightening up your mechanical infrastructure and actively engaging the people who use the building every day. Property managers who successfully bridge that gap won't just protect the environment, they’ll insulate their properties against rising utility costs and keep their operations running smoothly, no matter how dry the summer gets.

About the Author:

Klaus Reichardt is the founder and CEO of Waterless Co., Inc., based in Vista, California. The company specializes in waterless urinals and environmentally conscious restroom solutions. Learn more about optimizing your commercial facility at www.waterless.com.

The Truth About Water Scarcity: 6 Common Myths Holding Us Back

Image by Erik Mclean found on Prexels

Below, facility managers discover the truth behind the biggest water scarcity myths—and learn how water efficiency and conservation strategies can cut costs and reduce your building's water usage today.

Water scarcity isn't a distant threat—it's already reshaping how facilities are managed, budgeted, and built. And yet, persistent myths continue to cloud public understanding and delay meaningful action.

Here's what the evidence actually shows and why getting this right matters now more than ever for commercial building operators.

Myth 1: The U.S. Has Plenty of Water to Spare

Many facility managers assume municipal water supply is stable and virtually limitless. That assumption is increasingly hard to defend.

Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., puts it plainly: the U.S. "can no longer expect an endless supply of inexpensive water." Rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and surging commercial water demand are straining reservoirs from coast to coast—making building water efficacy and conservation a strategic priority, not a feel-good afterthought.

Myth 2: The Global Water Crisis Is Overstated

Skepticism about global water shortages is especially common in wealthier nations, but the data tells a different story. More than 1.1 billion people worldwide lack consistent access to safe, clean water. The downstream effects ripple across public health systems, economic development, and fragile ecosystems in ways that eventually affect every sector, including commercial real estate and facility operations.

Myth 3: Climate Change Doesn't Affect Water Supply

Water availability and climate are deeply intertwined. According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment from the U.S. Global Change Research Program, shifting weather patterns are expected to increase both the frequency and severity of droughts. Rising temperatures disrupt precipitation cycles, directly threatening municipal water supply in regions that have historically been stable, and increasing water costs for commercial buildings.

Myth 4: Water Shortages Only Happen in Developing Countries

Scarcity doesn't follow economic boundaries. Water-stressed regions already exist across the United States, Europe, and Australia. As global consumption rises and supply chains tighten, areas that have long taken water access for granted are becoming increasingly vulnerable, including facilities in the Southwest, Southeast, and Southern Plains.

Myth 5: Drought Is the Only Driver of Water Scarcity

Drought gets most of the attention—but it's often the last straw, not the root cause. Chronic water shortages are typically the product of compounding structural failures:

• Aging pipelines that lose millions of gallons of treated water daily through leaks

• Overconsumption patterns driven by inefficient plumbing fixtures and habits

• Groundwater depletion from aquifers being drawn down faster than they recharge

• Outdated facility water management systems that were never designed for modern demand levels

Addressing scarcity means tackling these underlying issues—starting with the buildings and infrastructure we control directly.

Myth 6: Small-Scale and Water Efficiency Conservation Doesn't Add Up

The belief that facility-level efforts are too small to move the needle is one of the most costly misconceptions in commercial water management.

The numbers tell a different story. According to the EPA, replacing a single conventional urinal with a waterless urinal can save approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually. In a facility with 50 urinals, that's 1.3 million gallons saved per year. Beyond water volume, reducing consumption also lowers the energy costs tied to heating, pumping, and treating wastewater. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures and no-flush urinal technology frequently deliver rapid ROI—while supporting LEED certification and broader sustainability goals.

What This Means for Facility Managers

Outdated assumptions about water abundance are a liability—for operating budgets, compliance readiness, and long-term asset value. The path forward runs through smarter infrastructure, better commercial water efficiency practices, and a willingness to adopt technologies designed for a resource-constrained world.

Waterless urinals represent one of the highest-impact, lowest-disruption upgrades available to facility operators today. Water efficiency isn't just responsible. Increasingly, it's essential.

Klaus