2026 Drought Outlook: Key Insights for Facility Managers and Building Pros

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Vista, CA – February 6, 2026 - With the wet and cold weather this winter in many parts of the United States, some facility managers and building service providers may assume drought concerns are behind us.

While recent storms have brought beneficial precipitation and eased drought in areas such as the Southern Plains, Midwest, South, and East, drought is not fully over nationwide.

 According to Drought.gov, as of late January 2026, about 36% of the United States and Puerto Rico remain in drought, and conditions have worsened in parts of the West where snowpack and precipitation have been limited.

Why Facility Managers and Service Providers Should Be Concerned

"It's important to understand that drought is a long-term condition," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co. Inc, marketers of no-flush urinals.

"A wet period can help, but much of that water runs off into rivers or evaporates as temperatures warm in spring. Only a portion filters deep enough to recharge groundwater and aquifers that supply water for most commercial and institutional facilities today."

Regional Impacts on Building Operations

According to Reichardt, facility managers and building service providers in these areas should prepare for continued water challenges:

• Southwest Region: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming had their warmest December on record, resulting in below-normal early-winter snowpack that feeds municipal water systems.

• Southern Plains: Texas and Oklahoma are likely to experience below normal precipitation and warmer weather in 2026, affecting commercial water availability.

• Southeast: Drought conditions in Georgia and Alabama are likely to persist, even if wetter weather arrives.

What This Means for Your Facility

Facility managers and building service providers in drought-affected regions should expect water restrictions that can directly impact daily operations.  

"Managers may face mandatory usage restrictions which can negatively impact cleaning schedules, use of cooling systems, and landscaping," says Reichardt. "They'll also see higher utility rates as water providers struggle to meet demand during drought."

Taking Action Now

Reichardt advises facility managers and building service teams to implement water-saving measures now rather than waiting for mandatory restrictions.

"This challenge goes beyond simple conservation," Reichardt explains. "It requires water efficiency through upgrades like low-flow or no-flow restroom fixtures and HVAC and irrigation systems that minimize evaporation. These investments safeguard both operations and budgets long-term, no matter the weather."

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About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc. introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991. Headquartered in Vista, California, the company has established itself as an industry leader by assisting building owners and managers in improving water efficiency and reducing operational expenses. Waterless Co., Inc. provides a comprehensive range of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other cost-effective accessories. For more information, please visit: www.waterless.com  

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert.kravitz@outlook.com

Why Reliability Defines Brand Success

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Reliability is the cornerstone of both personal relationships and successful business operations. For a brand to earn true customer loyalty, its products must demonstrate consistent quality, dependability, and, above all, reliability.

Failing to maintain these standards can have devastating consequences. When a product fails, the reputation of the brand often fails with it. Below, we examine two case studies on how reliability issues can destroy market dominance and how simplicity offers a permanent solution.

Case Study 1: How Quality Issues Can Erase Brand Equity

In the 1990s, a U.S. company became famous for manufacturing exceptional carpet extractors. Used daily in residential and commercial settings, these machines were the gold standard of the industry.

The "Mercedes" of Carpet Extractors

They earned the nickname “the Mercedes of carpet extractors” due to their outstanding engineering. Despite a premium price tag, customers happily paid more because they valued the machine’s trustworthy performance.

The Cost of Manufacturing Compromise

In the 2000s, seeking to lower costs, the company moved production overseas. The results were catastrophic for their brand reputation:

• Immediate Defects: Imported machines suffered significant quality issues from day one.

• High Return Rates: At the peak of the crisis, 80% of units were returned due to manufacturing flaws.

• Irreversible Damage: Although quality eventually stabilized, the company lost its prestigious reputation and suffered a permanent decline in market share.

Case Study 2: The Importance of Real-World Product Testing

A telecommunications company once developed a revolutionary product designed to increase digital communication speeds. After successful in-house testing, the company invested heavily in a global marketing launch.

The "Real World" Failure

While initial sales were excellent, a critical flaw emerged within months. The company had tested the product in controlled bursts but failed to simulate the continuous 24/7 operation required by customers.

The constant heat caused widespread solder joint failures. Although the manufacturer rushed to replace the defective circuit boards, the reputational damage was terminal. The product was discontinued, and the development costs were never recovered.

The Solution: Simplicity Equals Reliability

As these examples demonstrate, reliability means consistency. It describes a solution that performs as expected every time, maintaining quality without failure.

This is the philosophy behind Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals. Thousands of facility managers across North America have discovered that simplicity is the key to reliability. By removing the complex flush valves and sensors found in traditional fixtures, we eliminate the primary points of failure.

Why Waterless Urinals Exemplify Reliability:

• Consistent Performance: They remove liquid waste quickly, hygienically, and odor-free—every single time.

• Resource Efficiency: They save facilities millions of gallons of water annually without the risk of mechanical leaks.

• Reduced Maintenance: By eliminating flush valves, you eliminate the most common plumbing headaches and repair costs.

When it comes to sustainable restroom design, Waterless urinals mean reliability.

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

– Klaus

States With the Greatest Water-Saving Potential

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States With the Greatest Water-Saving Potential

Data from the Pacific Institute identifies U.S. states with the highest water-saving potential through efficiency upgrades—achieving the same results with less water.

Top 5 States:

1. California: Urban water efficiency leader

2. Texas: Growing population in increasingly dry climate

3. Florida: High irrigation needs, aging infrastructure

4. Arizona: Critical resource management needs

5. Nevada: Desert conservation pioneer

California Example: Urban water use could drop 30–48% with modern efficiency measures.

4 Key Improvement Areas:

• Leak repair in infrastructure and homes

• Reduced outdoor/landscaping waste

• Industrial equipment upgrades

• Modern fixture installation (low-flow toilets, waterless urinals)

What Determines Savings Potential:

• Population size (higher consumption = greater savings)

• Climate/landscaping (arid regions with heavy irrigation)

• Infrastructure age (older pipes = more leak recovery)

Economic Benefits:

• Extended infrastructure lifespan

• Sustainable population growth

• Crisis prevention

• Lower utility costs

Bottom Line: At Waterless Co., Inc., we believe protecting our most vulnerable resource starts with using it smarter. Water efficiency is the path to a sustainable future, regardless of location.

— Klaus

Thoughts on Water

Here's A Tip For Cleaning Professionals

For many cleaning professionals, "Green Cleaning" was the rallying cry of the past. Today, that rallying cry is for water efficiency.

With water costs rising due to the explosive growth of data centers, managers are looking for more than just eco-friendly chemicals—they want reduced utility bills.

Learn how to position water efficiency as a competitive advantage and make it central to your brand. 👇

Read "AI's Thirst for Water: A Looming Crisis for the Cleaning Industry" on the Waterless Company website: https://tinyurl.com/37wtysnh

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

What’s the Difference Between Water Withdrawal and Water Consumption?

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These two terms may sound similar, but they differ significantly. This distinction is important to consumers wanting lower water bills, businesses aiming to control costs, and data centers opening nationwide.

Knowing the difference clarifies how water is used and why certain industries face extra scrutiny from utilities and regulators.

Here's the essential difference you need to understand.

Water Withdrawal (Use)

Water withdrawal, also referred to as water use, refers to the total volume of water taken from a source, such as a river or aquifer, for use by industry, cooling, irrigation, power, or households.

Key points about water withdrawal:

• Withdrawn water may be returned to its source or another water body after use.

• Returned water is often lower quality—warmer, with chemicals or minerals, and may need treatment.

• Less water is returned than withdrawn due to evaporation, leaks, or absorption.

• Large withdrawals can still strain local systems, especially during drought or peak demand.

Here’s an example: a data center may withdraw millions of gallons of water per day for cooling. Even if much of that water is discharged back into a river, the temporary removal—and any changes in water temperature or quality—can impact ecosystems and downstream users.

Water Consumption

Water consumption refers to the portion of water withdrawn but is not returned to the original source or a different water body. This water is effectively removed from the water system.

Water is considered “consumed” when it:

• Evaporates during cooling or industrial processes, or is lost due to poor water infrastructure

• Is incorporated into products (such as food, beverages, or manufactured goods)

• Is absorbed by plants or soil through irrigation.

From a cost and sustainability standpoint, water consumption is often the more critical metric. Consumed water reduces the amount available to other users and future needs, which can drive up utility costs, lead to stricter regulations, and raise community concerns.

In data centers, for instance, evaporative cooling systems may consume significant volumes of water even if total withdrawals seem moderate. That consumed water represents a permanent loss to the local supply.

Why the Distinction Matters

Utilities and regulators track both metrics to understand system stress and long-term water availability in a community. If much more water is consumed rather than withdrawn, businesses may face higher water charges or restrictions on how much water they can use.

We must also point out that communities and ecosystems are impacted most directly by consumption, since that water is no longer available locally.

In short, water withdrawal indicates temporary removal, while water consumption shows how much is permanently lost. This distinction is why organizations are looking into mechanicals and restroom fixtures that use less water, or, as in the case of waterless urinals, none at all.

This approach addresses both terms.  Far less water is withdrawn, which also means far less water is consumed.

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

To contact Klaus, click here.

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

Facility Manager Questions Waterless Urinals: Have There Been Any Advances?

A facility manager recently asked an important question about waterless urinals, odor control, and modern restroom technology:

“Have there been any advances in waterless urinals? While we know they save water, many building owners and facility managers still believe they cause odor issues. Is this true?”

 Expert Answer: The Truth About Waterless Urinals and Odor Control

Thank you for your interest in waterless urinal. This is a great question and one that comes up frequently among facility managers, building owners, and maintenance professionals.

You are absolutely correct—waterless urinals save water, save money, support sustainability goals, and significantly reduce environmental impact. In addition to water conservation and efficiency, modern waterless urinals offer several advantages, including:

• Lower maintenance and repair costs

• Fewer plumbing issues

• Improved restroom hygiene

• Reduced long-term operating expenses

However, concerns about odor problems with waterless urinals still persist. But, with new advances and products, and a better understanding of waterless urinals – how to install them and maintain them - we rarely hear complaints about odor issues today.

First, About the Author: A Waterless Urinal Expert

Before addressing odor issues directly, allow me to introduce myself. I am widely recognized as a waterless urinal expert with more than 30 years of industry experience. As CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc, I have been involved in the development, marketing, and installation of waterless urinals and related restroom technologies throughout North America and worldwide since 1991.

Why Early Waterless Urinals Had Odor Problems

In the past, odor issues in no-water urinals typically resulted from three main factors:

1. Ineffective Sealing Liquids and Cartridges

Many early waterless urinal manufacturers required the use of expensive cartridges placed at the bottom of the fixture. The sealing liquids used in these cartridges often evaporated quickly or failed to provide long-lasting odor protection.

The purpose of both the cartridge and sealing liquid is to block sewer gases from entering the restroom. Today, these components have improved significantly. Many manufacturers now recommend BlueSeal® sealing liquid, which lasts longer, is refillable, easy to maintain, and more cost-effective than competing products.

2. Improper Cleaning Practices

When waterless urinals were first introduced, cleaning professionals were unfamiliar with how to maintain them. In many cases, excessive water was used during cleaning, which diluted or washed away the sealing liquid and damaged the cartridge—leading to odors.

Today, this issue has been eliminated. Cleaning staff are now trained to properly maintain waterless urinals. In most cases, cleaning requires only a sanitizer or disinfectant sprayed on the urinal surface and wiped clean. There is typically no scale buildup, and aggressive scrubbing is unnecessary.

3. Lack of Sealing Liquid Replenishment

Another common issue was uncertainty about how often to refill the sealing liquid. While the process is simple, early adopters often did not train cleaning personnel properly, resulting in depleted sealant and odor problems.

Modern waterless urinal maintenance programs clearly outline refill schedules, ensuring consistent odor control and optimal performance.

The Bottom Line: Modern Waterless Urinals Are Odor-Free When Maintained Properly

Advances in waterless urinal technology, sealing liquids, and maintenance practices have eliminated the odor problems associated with early systems. When installed correctly and maintained as designed, today’s waterless urinals are reliable, hygienic, and highly effective.

If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about waterless urinals, BlueSeal sealing liquid, or maintenance best practices, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Klaus Reichardt

A Look at Canadian Data Centers and Water Consumption

“A look at Canadian data centers and water consumption”

Artificial intelligence is making significant strides not only in the United States but also across Canada. This rapid expansion has a direct impact on water usage, mirroring the trends seen south of the border.

Industry Perspective

Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., has authored an article recently published in Canada’s Facility Cleaning and Maintenance. In this article, Reichardt explores the challenges posed by AI’s increasing presence in Canada, particularly regarding water consumption.

Key Points

Rapid Growth and Water Demand

Canadian data centers are experiencing rapid growth, leading to the consumption of millions of liters of potable, drinking-quality water each day. This surge is a direct result of the expanding demand for AI-driven technologies and their associated infrastructure.

Concerns About Water Usage

With the increase in data center operations, there is growing concern about how much water is being used. Measuring and metering water use at these facilities has become essential to understand and manage their environmental impact.

Community Impacts and Cost Implications

The high water demand from data centers can drive up water costs for other users, including hospitals, commercial properties, and residences. In response, local governments may need to implement new pricing strategies, such as tiered water pricing, to encourage conservation and ensure equitable access.

Regulatory Landscape

As data centers expand, regulations increasingly require the adoption of water-efficient cooling and building systems. This shift aims to mitigate the environmental footprint of these large-scale facilities and promote sustainability.

Water Risk Planning

Water risk assessments are becoming an important tool for analyzing how new projects, especially data centers, will affect future water needs and long-term sustainability. Such evaluations help stakeholders prepare for potential challenges related to water availability.

Long-Term Outlook

Innovations in water efficiency and monitoring technologies have the potential to address the water challenges posed by data centers. Achieving meaningful progress will require collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities.

Sidebar: Data Center Water Use Insights

• Data centers primarily use water to cool servers. Some facilities utilize open-loop cooling towers that evaporate water constantly, contributing to substantial daily water consumption.

• A single large data center can use millions of liters of water per day, with the exact amount depending on the facility’s design and the local climate.

Discover More

To learn more about this topic, visit: https://www.reminetwork.com/articles/a-look-at-canadian-data-centres-and-water-consumption/

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The Connection Between Beer, Water, and Waterless Urinals

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Recently, we posted an article (Cheers to Reuse…) about a California company brewing beer from highly purified, recycled water. Since then, our inbox has been flooded with questions about the water/beer connection. (Apparently, people take their beer research very seriously.)

One particularly enthusiastic learner even called our office to discuss this pressing matter. So, in the spirit of public service, here's a summary of the questions we've been fielding.

Might as well start with the big one: How Much Water is in Beer?

That frosty bottle you're cracking open is about 95 percent water. In a 12-oz beer, you're looking at 11.4 ounces of H2O and a mere 5 percent alcohol.

Is This The Same for a Pint of Beer?

Yep. Whether you're sipping from a bottle, can, or pint glass, it's still 95 percent water. Math doesn't change just because the container does.

Does Beer Hydrate You?

Despite being mostly water, beer is not your hydration hero. It's a diuretic. This leads us to the next question below.

Why Does Beer Send Me to the Bathroom Every Five Minutes?

Let's recap: Beer is 95 percent water and a diuretic. Add those together, and congratulations—you're now best friends with the nearest bathroom.

Will Beer Still Quench My Thirst?

Sure! One or two beers on a hot day while you're mowing the lawn. Yup! Refreshing. You bet!  But knock back several (or reach for the high Alcohol by Volume stuff), and you'll ironically end up more thirsty and chugging water like a desert wanderer.

If I Make My Own Beer, Should I Use the Same Amount of Water?

Homebrewers, listen up: You'll need more water because the "wort" (that's unfermented beer—basically beer's awkward teenage phase) must boil forever to develop flavor. Boiling converts starches into sugar, giving beer its flavor.

Because Beer Contains So Much Water, Does That Make it Safer to Drink?

The Mayo Clinic says nope. Any amount of alcohol carries some health risks. The risk is low for moderate drinking, but it climbs faster than your tab at happy hour. This applies to all booze, beer included.

Some Runners Swear Beer with Electrolytes Improves Their Performance. True?

Ah yes, the age-old myth. Some athletes claim electrolyte-infused beer boosts performance and speeds recovery. Experts, however, say any alcohol will dehydrate you, potentially leaving you with post-workout headaches and nausea. Maybe save the victory beer for later.

Why is the CEO of Waterless Co., Inc. Even Talking About Beer?

Excellent question. We have zero opinions on beer itself (okay, maybe a jolly few). What does interest us is that a California company is brewing beer from recycled water. It's yet another example of how technology—like our beloved waterless urinals—helps us use water more responsibly and efficiently.

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

What Users Really Think About Waterless Urinals

Waterless Urinals: What Users Really Think

As waterless urinal installations surge nationwide, we surveyed men about their experiences. Their responses reveal some surprising shifts in perception.

Where did you first encounter a waterless urinal? Most respondents first used one at a restaurant, If not, it was at a school or university, followed by airports and office buildings.

What was your first reaction? At first there was a bit of confusion or uncertainty because there were no flush valves. After the first use, this concern dissipated.

Did you expect any problems before your first use? Yes. Many assumed waterless urinals would have odor issues, while others questioned whether urinals could function properly without water.

After using one, do you still have those concerns? No. Most users reported that their initial worries about odors proved unfounded.

Is instructional signage necessary? The overwhelming response was no. Users found waterless urinals intuitive enough to use without guidance.

How would you describe the overall experience? Straightforward and unremarkable—in a good way. Most men said using a waterless urinal was just like using a conventional one, with nothing notable to report.

For frequent users: How do they compare to conventional urinals in terms of cleanliness? Many users highlighted an unexpected benefit: they appreciated the absence of water splatter. And most men viewed waterless urinals as a sign of the facility owner's commitment to water conservation—a positive first impression.

Were you aware that waterless urinals save approximately 26,000+ gallons of water annually per fixture? Most respondents were unaware of the significant water savings.

Did you know waterless urinals typically cost less to purchase and install than conventional or low-flow models? No—this came as a surprise to most survey participants.

In what types of facilities do you think waterless urinals should be installed? Restaurants, airports and convention centers were mentioned the most because they can get so busy. Also mentioned were schools, especially elementary schools.

Should more buildings install waterless urinals? Yes, particularly in water-scarce regions, though support was strong across the board.

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