🤔 Tuesday's Think Waterless: The Great Urinal Debate

As the final school bell rings and students dash out for summer freedom, the unsung heroes of the school, the maintenance personnel, gear up for their own season of adventure. 

It's the time of year when the hallowed halls of academia echo with the sounds of hammers and drills instead of pencils and chairs. And what is the hottest topic in the break room? 

🗣️ 🗣️The Great Urinal Debate. 🗣️🗣️

💦You see, traditional urinals use a lot of water. So, every summer, maintenance personnel consider replacing them. But most years, they just put off any decision-making for another year. 🥺

But times are changing, and so must our urinals. With water conservation becoming as trendy as avocado toast, schools are looking at waterless wonders that promise to protect water resources and, more importantly, contribute to the global effort of saving our planet's most precious resource.

Introducing the waterless urinal – the unsung hero of the bathroom, diving in to rescue millions of gallons of water in schools all over North America. 

Forget AI. 

🚹Waterless urinals are the true marvels of modern technology, potentially saving up to 35,000 gallons of water per urinal per year. That's enough water to fill two standard swimming pools. 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️

But wait, there's more! Not only do they save water, but they also have fewer valve repairs and vandalism – and here’s the big one - they save cold, hard cash. 💰

Switching to waterless urinals could save a school facility a significant amount, around $10,000 to $15,000 per year, in water-related costs. That's a lot of savings that could be used in other major areas of the school.

So, as the summer sun beats down on the empty playgrounds, let's hope our trusty maintenance crews finally make the big decision and decide to #gowaterless.

And as soon as they do, let's salute them. They've taken a big step for all of us, protecting our planet and saving our schools mega-bucks in the process. 🎆💵 🎇

#gowaterless #waterlesscoinc #watersavings

Steps to Take to Prepare for Summer Heat Waves

Heatwave frequencies in the United States are increasing.

A little-reported fact is that heat wave frequencies in the United States are increasing. In the 1960s, we averaged about two major heat waves per year. Today, we are experiencing more than six.

Further, these heat waves are lasting longer. In the 1960s, heat waves lasted about 22 days. Now, they average 72 days.

And one more heat stat. The number of people in emergency rooms due to heat exposure has increased from 151 out of 100,000 emergency room visits a few years ago to more than 180 today.

So, what steps should employers take to protect workers from extreme heat if staff members work outdoors regularly? Among the steps are the following:

Create Heat Parameters. Designate a person responsible for monitoring temperatures when staffers work outside. If temperatures reach a certain level, outdoor work must stop to prevent heat illness.

Acclimate workers. Workers are at the greatest risk for heat illnesses if they have not acclimatized to extreme heat. Allow for acclimation. It can take as long as two weeks.

Educate workers. Workers should recognize symptoms of heat stress, such as muscle cramps, unusually heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, and heat strokes. Heat strokes are serious and may cause confusion, disorientation, and slurred speech.

Modify work schedules. In the Southwest, outdoor workers often begin their day at 6 AM and end at 2 PM. Modifying work schedules may be necessary wherever and wherever there are heatwaves.

Provide support. Always provide shade structures, water stations, and cooling stations.

Concerns about PPE. While outdoor workers should always wear necessary PPE gear, PPE can increase the dangers of extreme heat. Along with providing cooling stations, cooling vests can limit these dangers.

“Along with taking precautions for those working outside during heat waves, we must also use water responsibly and efficiently indoors,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and president of Waterless Co., Inc., marketers of no-water urinals.

“Even small increases in temperatures can impact water supplies, trigger water shortages, drought conditions, and severe fires, as we witnessed last summer.”

www.waterless.com

Think Waterless | Think Hope

The "Just Say No" campaign launched in the 1980s encouraged teenagers to stop taking drugs. When it began, it was considered one of the best anti-drug messaging programs ever created.

However, since then, most studies have concluded that the program failed.
For instance:

The Department of Justice concluded that the campaign led to short-term reductions in tobacco but not the use of drugs.

In 2001, Dr. David Satcher, the Surgeon General of the United States, said it resulted in more people taking drugs.

The campaign had a "boomerang effect." Instead of encouraging teens to stop taking drugs, they rebelled and took more.
 
Asked why these programs failed and why similar programs encouraging people to use water more responsibly and efficiently have failed, Klaus Reichardt, C.E.O. and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., says the problem was they often "use scare tactics."

“They evoked an emotional reaction that soon dissipated. Teens heard the messages but eventually just ignored them."
 
It happens with adults as well. Scare tactics often make adults feel guilty, according to Reichardt.

”Soon, they tune out on the campaign or, just like the teens, do the opposite of what they are being encouraged to do.”
 
Instead of using scare tactics to change behavior, Reichardt recommends the following:

Stay Positive. Positive messaging makes people feel good about what they are being encouraged to do.

Stay Hopeful. People feel empowered to change their behaviors when they feel there is hope, including reducing water consumption.

Encourage Action. Let people know what they can do to make changes in their lives.
 
"For generations, we have tried to change behaviors by scaring people to change," adds Reichardt. "I see it all the time with water efficiency and conservation, but invariably, there is a backlash.
 
Today, when it comes to water, we must change strategies quickly. Instead of saying ‘just say no,’ let’s start saying, ‘here’s what you can do.’”


Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

The Black Sunday Dust Storm of April 14, 1935

From the National Weather Service:

The wall of blowing sand and dust first blasted into the eastern Oklahoma panhandle and far northwestern Oklahoma around 4 PM on April 14, 1935.

It raced to the south and southeast across the main body of Oklahoma that evening, accompanied by heavy blowing dust, winds of 40 MPH or more, and rapidly falling temperatures.

But the worst conditions were in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, where the rolling mass raced more toward the south-southwest - accompanied by a massive wall of blowing dust that resembled a land-based tsunami.

According to the reports, three little words rule life in the dust bowl – “if it rains.”

Read more here:
https://lnkd.in/g7cQiuXz

Survey: How important do you believe reducing water consumption is in the United States?

In early April 2024, we conducted a survey on LinkedIn asking LinkedIn members the following question:

How important do you believe reducing water consumption is in the United States?

The possible answers were the following:

Very important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important.

We have conducted this same survey before. However, this survey reflects a notable shift in public opinion regarding water consumption in the United States.

Typically, most respondents indicate it is only "somewhat important."

This time, the majority, 62%, deemed it "very important."

This suggests an increased collective awareness of water-related issues and concerns.

The other responses were the following:

Somewhat important, 24 percent
Not very important, 10 percent
Neutral on the issue, three
percent.

This change could be influenced by several factors, including heightened media coverage of environmental concerns, firsthand experiences with water scarcity, or educational initiatives promoting sustainable living.

The data also indicates that water efficiency is becoming a more significant concern for Americans, which may lead to more proactive measures and policies to ensure the more sustainable use of water resources.

The results also remind us of a term we frequently use here at Waterless: aridification. This means that even though we may have some years with ample rainfall, the trend, as reflected in this survey, is that large parts of the country are getting dryer, dryer than ever before.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and water efficiency. For more information, visit www.waterless.com.

THINK WATERLESS | Common Causes for Water Leaks

During the peak of the winter season, a sprinkler pipe in a U.S. hospital burst due to the below-freezing temperatures outside. The pipe was on the hospital's second floor, deep within the walls between the floors. As a result, the burst was not immediately noticed.

However, within minutes, an alarming 100 gallons of water per minute were surging out of the burst pipe. It was a staggering 45 minutes before the hospital staff realized the issue and called in the engineers.

By then, the damage was extensive. The hospital floors were submerged in greywater, a type of water that is unsuitable for human consumption.

As dire as the situation was, it could have been far more catastrophic. The burst pipe was in a section of the hospital that was rarely used. Thankfully, a maintenance worker was in the area and noticed the water pouring from the ceiling.

Other Causes of Water Leaks

This is an extreme example of a widespread problem. Leaking pipes concealed deep within a facility's walls can occur for various reasons. Among the reasons for this are the following:

•         Corrosion has set in, especially in older facilities.

•         Extreme temperatures, as was the case in the hospital just discussed.

•         Tree roots put pressure on the pipes, causing them to break.

•         Clogs, causing water to back up and increasing pressure on the pipe.

•         Poor installation.

•         High water pressure on the pipe, causing them to burst.

•         Seals, valves, washers, and other connection components becoming worn out or malfunctioning.

•         Pipes that have not carried water for prolonged periods; the lack of use can cause valves and connections to degrade.

There can be other reasons pipes burst. One of the most common is during renovation. Installing new drywall can pierce a pipe hidden in the wall. Sometimes, this causes just a dribble. But when it comes to water leaks, a dribble can soon become a flood.

Earthquakes are famous for causing pipes to burst or leak. Many times, just the settling of the building or land around the building can also produce leaks.

Addressing Water Leaks

There is no easy way to minimize the chances of a water leak forming in a building. However, advances in water leak technologies can help significantly. Such equipment includes water alarms, thermal imaging, infrared cameras, acoustic and ultrasonic leak detectors, and even satellites to detect water leaks in a building and areas around the building.

These systems are often very interactive. They continuously monitor plumbing systems and are designed to send text messages and alerts to maintenance personnel, allowing them to address a leak or pipe burst as quickly as possible. 

Other technologies are more straightforward but just as important. Some monitor water consumption on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. If water consumption jumps – often due to a leak – once again, maintenance personnel are notified so they can begin looking into the problem.

Preventing Water Leaks

A way to prevent water leaks in the first place is to find ways not to use water at all. As facilities around the country eliminate or minimize outdoor vegetation, piping systems can be removed, reducing the chances of a leak.

Building owners and managers are also continuously exploring ways to reduce water usage within their facilities.

One of the most common starting points is replacing conventional urinals with no-water urinals. In the U.S., millions of miles of plumbing are installed to provide water to conventional urinals, which can lead to millions of reasons for water leaks.

By eliminating outdoor pipes that are no longer needed and conventional urinals, the chances of water leaks and the problems they cause can be drastically reduced and contribute significantly to water efficiency efforts.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 to establish a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter who discusses water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

THINK WATERLESS | World Water Day – What We Need to Do Now

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, was established in 1993 with a crucial mission to spotlight the pressing water challenges our planet confronts. Regrettably, the situation has only worsened over the past two decades, with a burgeoning global population and a rising number of water bodies succumbing to the effects of climate change and water pollution.

Each year, World Water Day adopts a theme that encapsulates the most pressing water-related issues. The theme for 2024, “Water for Peace,” Is particularly significant. It underscores the pivotal role water plays in fostering global stability and prosperity, highlighting its relevance in our increasingly interconnected world.

On World Water Day 2024, the White House focused its efforts on global water conservation. It unveiled a series of initiatives designed to safeguard clean water sources and rejuvenate freshwater ecosystems. These measures, according to reports, are to encourage community well-being and environmental stewardship. They are also reportedly part of a larger movement to connect water as a catalyst for peace and collaboration, recognizing their pivotal role in promoting health, prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

While it is too late to celebrate World Water Day 2024, we can still find ways to reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently now and in the future.

Here are some of Waterless Co., Inc.’s recommendations:

1.    Look at how you use water in your daily life and determine where you can reduce your consumption. This may be the first time you have ever done this. Most people find they are not using water efficiently and find many ways to reduce consumption.

2.    If you have a family, now is the time to start educating everyone about the need to use water wisely and efficiently. Start with this mantra: Never Waste Water!

3.    Fix leaks in your home. If a home has three leaking faucets in a year, that will amount to 4,320 drips per day, a third of a gallon per day, and a whopping 104 gallons in one year.

4.    Be sure to select water-efficient appliances. Previously, appliances were rated based on how much energy they consumed, and that was a key parameter when selecting an appliance. This encouraged manufacturers to reduce their appliances' energy needs. Today, the energy consumption of most major appliances has been cut in half. We need to do the same for water.

5.    If you believe securing our water future is important, get the message out on all social media platforms. Some of the hashtags you can use are the following:

o   #savewater

o   #water

o   #saveearth

o   #savetheplanet

o   #protectwater

o   #WorldWaterDay

It’s up to all of us to do this…now.

Where Did All the Plumbers Go?

It's a startling revelation, but by 2027, a mere three years from now, the United States is projected to face a staggering shortage of plumbers—more than 550,000 – according to a Bloomberg News report in March 2024. 

This situation is not new. It has been quietly brewing for years but is just now making national headlines.

Interestingly, according to Bloomberg, plumbers in the U.S. are known to earn a "decent salary," albeit with significant variations across the country. In the South, the average annual income for plumbers hovers around $43,000, while in Northern California, it skyrockets to nearly $100,000, and sometimes even more.

So, if salary is not the issue, what is? The issue is that more plumbers are retiring from the trade than entering it. Some trade schools are opening nationwide to address this situation, but that may be of little help.

At the Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Apprenticeship School in Lanham, Maryland, just 125 students signed up for the academic year. Even though the union pays for their apprenticeship, about half of those students are expected to drop out during the five-year program.

At Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, the university had set aside 18 dormitory rooms for plumbing students. By the time classes began, only three rooms were needed.

Along with the plumbing shortage brewing on the hot kettle, many of us do not know that the days of learning how to be a plumber, for instance, when a father teaches his son, are long gone. The craft of being a plumber has become much more involved, and most areas of the country now require plumbers to be certified, which means going to school.

So, what does this mean for the rest of us?

If you guessed that plumbing charges will escalate significantly, you hit the nail on the head. This means it may prove difficult for some families to have plumbing repairs performed. Plus, it will drive up the costs of maintaining commercial buildings, which are already struggling to get back on their feet.

But that's not all. The publication also reports that the shortage will cause the following:

•         Delay flood recovery efforts because too few plumbers will be able to answer the call.

•         Postponement of commercial building upgrades at a time when property owners are trying to make their facilities more enticing for renters.

•         Impact housing developments. The number of housing starts plays a vital role in the country's economy.

•         Slow the government's infrastructure spending because too few plumbers can complete the job.

What can commercial property owners and managers do to address this situation of higher costs and fewer plumbers? Because most of the water consumed in a commercial building is in the restroom, we need to start there.

Some steps to take include the following:

•         Select more durable, long-lasting fixtures. Don't correlate high fixture costs with extended longevity—in some cases, it can be just the opposite. When selecting fixtures, always ask about the durability of the product. Manufacturers often have these statics.  Fixtures should last ten or more years.

•         As to faucets and some other fixtures, select models made from ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. These can last for decades.

•         Pay special attention to the selection of auto-flush devices. This is often the most mechanical part of the fixture. Again, select auto-flush devices with proven records of durability, and add to that fewer repair needs.

•         No-water urinals are the best option for urinals. They have no mechanicals and need few repairs. As long as the urinal is cleaned regularly and properly maintained, not much can go wrong.

Fortunately, today's restroom fixtures are designed to last quite a long time. To ensure this, select high-quality fixtures that are installed correctly and then properly cleaned and maintained. This should help keep plumbing costs down as the plumber shortage becomes more serious.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com.

A Proud Member of Australia's Water Conservancy

Over the past year, we have proudly become an active member of the Water Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting water efficiency in Australia. This has raised questions from our clients – primarily in the U.S. - and our staff about promoting an organization virtually on the other side of the planet. But we are doing so for two key reasons:

• Australia is grappling with some profoundly severe water challenges like those impacting many other countries.

• The Water Conservancy promotes water efficiency, vital in helping Australia address these challenges.

• The Water Conservancy and the US Alliance for Water Efficiency have joined hands to promote better water use across the world.

Before delving deeper into our involvement with the Water Conservancy, let's first understand the gravity of the water issues in Australia. 

• Australia receives less precipitation than any other continent except Antarctica. 

• Its average annual rainfall is about eighteen inches but unevenly distributed. Some of the more populated areas receive the least amount of water.

• Climate change has made the country warmer and drier; it receives far less water today than it did a century ago.

• The population continues to grow. In 30 years, the population will grow from 26 million today to more than 46 million.

• Water consumption is expected to rise 73 percent in the next 30 years.

The country is addressing this situation; however, many of its steps have considerable pitfalls.

For instance, it has been developing desalination plants. These remove the salt from seawater, so it is drinkable. But the water they create is nicknamed "bottled electricity." Why? One plant in Syndey costs A$500,000 a day to run—even when it is sitting idle. 

In Perth, the country's fourth largest city, wastewater is being poured into aquifers to be naturally filtered. The water is not used for home consumption. However, Perth is considering delivering it to water taps, which at this time is meeting considerable opposition. 

Australia's only way to address its water needs for the near future is water efficiently. That's where the Water Conservancy comes into the picture. Its goal is to help Australians be more conscious of their relationship with water and its value. Doing so will encourage Australians to use water more efficiently, conserve more, and waste less.

 Efficiently is the keyword here. This means the Conservancy is encouraging methods that reduce water consumption for the long term. Short-term conservation will help, of course, but it is temporary. The country has gone beyond temporary measures. 

At Waterless Co., Inc., we are pioneers in water efficiency. This is one of our stated goals. We support this organization because we are in harmony with it.

And one more thing. Australia's inroads in water efficiency will help many other countries address their water challenges. Because of this, we view Australia as a leader we all should follow and support.

Think Waterless | Think Restroom Renovations

Just as updating bathrooms in a home can increase the home's value, updating restrooms in a commercial facility can also add value.

This value comes in different forms. Among these are the following:

·       Help rent tenant space.

·       Help market the building.

·       Improves a property’s image.

·       Enhances morale.

·       Is a long-term cost savings.

So, how do we go about this? Here are some of the restroom renovations we suggest:

Toilet-Seat Cleaning Systems

There are several toilet-seat cleaning systems, so due diligence is necessary. With some systems, a wave of the hand over the toilet activates a mechanism that automatically and quickly cleans, disinfects, and dries the toilet seat after each use. The entire process occurs without contact, ensuring sanitary conditions.

Smart Mirrors

More restrooms have smart mirrors installed. These mirrors are a digital display but on a mirror. They can update users on time, weather, traffic conditions, stock market reports, and local and national news. Building managers often also use them to remind tenants of special events in the building, when the building will be closed for holidays, and even jokes to make using the restroom a bit more fun.

Gender-neutral Restrooms

These are becoming much more common. Gender-neutral restrooms promote inclusivity and enhanced toilet privacy because most are single-user stalls, and some integrate biophilic elements that create calming environments. Further, parents with young children prefer them, and for people in wheelchairs, they are viewed as easier to use, enter, and exit.

More Touch-Free Devices

A touch-free restroom has fixtures with sensors that eliminate physical contact, such as touchless faucets, automatic soap dispensers, hands-free flush systems, and motion-activated towel dispensers. The goal is to enhance hygiene and conserve resources, making the restroom more comfortable, clean, and sustainable. Make installing touch-free systems a journey. New innovations are introduced each year.

Waterless Urinals

Studies about the waterless urinal market indicate that the industry will grow significantly in the coming years. Reasons for this are many and include the fact that waterless urinals have proven themselves to be:

·       Sanitary.

·       Cost less to purchase and install than traditional urinals.

·       Require no flush valves and have fewer plumbing and service needs.

However, the significant benefit is water savings, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment.

Plastic Partitions

Many older restrooms have metal partitions. These can be heavy, requiring bolting to both walls and floors, making cleaning the floors around them challenging. Further, metal partitions can be easily scratched, making them more vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti.

Plastic partitions, on the other hand, weigh less, so they need only be connected to surrounding walls, making it far easier to clean the floors around them. In addition, many plastic partitions are designed to be graffiti and vandalism-resistant, keeping the entire restroom looking its best.

Installing New Floors

New flooring can make a noticeable difference not only in the restroom's appearance but also in its cleaning and maintenance. Tile-and-grout restroom floors should be removed. Although such floors can be attractive and provide slip resistance, keeping them clean and sanitary is often a never-ending battle. When installing new restroom floors, consider seamless, one-piece epoxy flooring. These floors have waterproofing capabilities, can be pitched for drainage, are durable, and are much easier to clean and keep clean.

Think Ahead

Whether the restroom renovation involves updates and upgrades such as those mentioned here or an entirely new restroom, administrators are urged to think ahead. For instance, water costs – both the delivery of and removal of water – are expected to increase in years to come. Installing the most water-efficient fixtures available today will pay dividends tomorrow.

For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.