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
