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Below, we discover why facility managers are switching to waterless urinals. Learn how this upgrade saves millions of gallons of water, cuts utility costs, and boosts LEED scores.
For facility managers in commercial real estate, education, and healthcare, the pressure is on. There is a growing demand to simultaneously reduce water usage, trim utility expenses, and meet increasingly stringent environmental compliance standards.
While many look to complex HVAC overhauls or solar integrations, savvy managers are turning to a high-impact, often-overlooked fixture: the urinal.
The shift toward waterless urinals is gaining significant momentum. This technology represents more than a minor tweak—it is a transformational change that lowers operating costs, enhances water efficiency, and immediately improves a facility’s sustainability profile.
The ROI of Water Efficiency
The most immediate benefit of switching to waterless technology is the sheer volume of water reduction
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing a single conventional urinal with a waterless unit saves approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually.
To put that into perspective for a larger facility:
1 Urinal: 26,000 gallons saved.
50 Urinals: 1.3 million gallons saved per year.
Note: 1.3 million gallons is enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools. This massive reduction in water usage translates directly to lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Operational & Ecological Advantages
The benefits of waterless urinals extend far beyond the water meter. By eliminating the flush, facilities unlock several downstream operational efficiencies.
1. Energy Reduction
Traditional urinals require significant energy to pump water to the facility, treat it, and pump it away as wastewater. By eliminating flushing, facilities reduce their total energy footprint and decrease the volume of wastewater entering municipal treatment systems. This lowers the chemical and energy demands required to process sewage.
2. Enhanced Hygiene and Maintenance
Custodial teams often report significant workflow improvements after the switch.
Fewer Chemicals: Waterless urinals typically require only simple all-purpose cleaners, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals used to combat scale and calcium buildup in flush units.
Odor Control: With no standing water, dry surfaces inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm buildup. This naturally reduces odors and creates a more hygienic restroom environment.
Boosting Green Building Credentials (LEED & WELL)
In today’s market, green certifications influence tenant leases, investor interest, and even insurance assessments. Waterless urinal technology aligns directly with the goals of major green building certifications.
Installing these units is a low-barrier strategy to support certification goals without major capital investment, contributing to:
LEED v5: Points under the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit.
WELL Building Standard: Credits within the Water Concept for Health and Sustainability.
The Future of Restroom Efficiency
With shifting climate conditions and rising building performance standards, the demand for scalable water-saving technologies is no longer a trend—it is a necessity.
As Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., puts it:
"We’re at the point today where every gallon saved is a gain for the environment and our planet."
For facility managers looking for a win-win in cost reduction and environmental stewardship, the waterless urinal is a clear choice.
The Future Doesn't Flush – Clean and Hygienic Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals
