VISTA, Calif. – July 21, 2026 – As commercial property managers nationwide face escalating utility expenses, a new report from Waterless Co., Inc. highlights how surging local water and sewer rates are accelerating the shift toward commercial water efficiency.
While the analysis focuses on Chicago’s utility structures, market analysts stress that these financial pressures are impacting commercial real estate from coast to coast.
The Double-Charge Dilemma: Dual-Billing Amplifies Utility Costs
Many municipalities nationwide bill sewer services at the exact same rate as freshwater consumption. In Chicago, for example, the combined rate sits at approximately $9.76 per 1,000 gallons. This means every gallon of water consumed—and subsequently flushed down the drain—incurs a double charge.
To address this, reduce costs, and improve sustainability, building owners are advised to install waterless urinals. Here’s why:
Industry data shows that a single waterless urinal saves up to 26,000 gallons of water annually.
A midsize commercial facility consuming 300,000 gallons per month can reduce total water usage by 15% to 25% by upgrading to no-water fixtures, resulting in significant annual utility savings.
This drive to modernize comes as municipal utility rates continue an upward trajectory. Chicago’s recent 2.43% increase in select municipal service fees reflects a broader national trend of rising water prices driven by aging infrastructure and shifting demand.
High-Traffic Commercial Sectors Leading the Shift to Waterless Restrooms
"Waterless urinals are proving to be one of the highest-impact, lowest-disruption retrofits for buildings facing rising water and sewer costs," said Klaus Reichardt, Founder and CEO of Waterless Co., Inc.
According to the analysis, key sectors adopting no-water restroom technologies to hedge against rising rates include:
Downtown Class A Office Buildings
Large Educational Campuses
High-Volume Transit Hubs (airports, train stations, and bus terminals)
Municipal and Government Buildings
Major Healthcare and Hospital Facilities
A Coast-to-Coast Commercial Real Estate Trend
The economic pressures prompting Midwest building owners to adapt are reflected in metropolitan areas across the United States.
"We used Chicago as a key benchmark because it represents major metropolitan infrastructure," Reichardt added. "The cost trends occurring there serve as an indicator of what is happening—or will soon happen—in commercial markets nationwide."
About Waterless Co., Inc.
Pioneering water conservation since 1991, Waterless Co., Inc. introduced no-flush urinal technology to North America. Headquartered in Vista, California, the company remains a market leader in commercial water efficiency, offering a complete line of Waterless No-Flush™ urinals, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and cost-saving restroom accessories.
To learn more about reducing commercial building utility costs, visit www.waterless.com.
Media & Company Contact Information
Waterless Co., Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
Phone: 800.244.6364
Email: sales@waterless.com
Media Contact: Robert Kravitz
Phone: 312-880-8176
Email: robert.kravitz@outlook.com
