New Executive Order Puts Focus on Water Consumption

Encourages Development of “Net Zero Water” Buildings

In March 2015, President Obama issued Executive Order 13693.  This Order, which has proven to be far less controversial than some of the President’s other Executive Orders, is tightly focused on what is termed “energy and water security” and applies specifically to federally owned and operated facilities around the world.

However, as with President Clinton’s Executive Order 13101 dealing with green and sustainable issues, it is expected to have considerable impact on all types of facilities, private as well as government owned.   Among the provisions of the order, which will be implemented in stages beginning in 2016 and through 2025, are the following:

·        All facilities are to begin implementing programs that use water more efficiently

·        Reduce potable (drinkable) water consumption by 36 percent by fiscal year 2025 through reductions of 2 percent annually through fiscal year 2025

·        Installing water meters and collecting and utilizing building and facility water balance data to improve water conservation and management

·        Reducing industrial, landscaping, and agricultural water consumption measured in gallons by 2 percent annually through fiscal year 2025

·        Installing appropriate green infrastructure features on federally owned property to help with stormwater and wastewater management

Among several other measures, the Order also calls for the development of “net zero water” buildings. According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co Inc., manufacturers of no-water urinal systems, this refers to buildings that are designed, constructed, renovated, and operated to greatly reduce total water consumption as well as recycle and reuse water.

“As with most ‘net zero’ programs, the ultimate goal is to eliminate waste,” says Reichardt. “In this case, instead of fuel or energy, this Order is focused on eliminating water waste.”

The Order also provides recommendations on how building owners/managers can implement the program from using WaterSense® certified products to installing water efficient products. 

“To meet ‘net zero water’ requirements can be simpler than many building owners/managers may realize,” adds Reichardt.  “In some cases, just installing no-water urinals (termed by WaterSense as equivalent to low flow urinals), and high-efficiency toilets may reduce consumption enough to meet the new guidelines.”



For more information on how to use water more efficiently, please contact a Waterless Co representative. 

From Water Conservation to Efficiency, and now Waste

From Water Conservation to Efficiency, and now Waste

Back in the 1970s, when California first experienced serious water shortages, citizens and businesses were asked, and in some cases required, to scale back on water consumption.  While it was inconvenient, most everyone in the State believed the restrictions were only temporary. The assumption was that once a major rain or snowfall event occurred the shortage would be over and everything would be back to normal…and they were invariably right.

We referred to the actions the state took in those days as water conservation.  People and industry conserve water during droughts but it is always with the expectation that in a few months, or possibly a year, it will all be over.

Drawbacks of Using Less Water

Drawbacks of Using Less Water

Californians have really proven their stripes when it comes to saving water. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, California’s water agencies are reporting that as of July 2015, the state is using 31 percent less water than it was in July 2013.*

However, with this good news come some unexpected problems.  And because water conservation and water efficiency are issues spreading throughout the country, what California is experiencing today may likely emerge as issues in other cities and states.

Major Food, Beverage Companies Failing at Water Management, Investors Say

Major Food, Beverage Companies Failing at Water Management, Investors Say

Archer Daniels Midland, Monster Beverage, Tyson Foods, Kraft Heinz and other major food and beverage companies that are “poor performers on water management issues,” must increase their water risk management and disclosure practices, according to investors.

More than 60 leading North American and European institutional investors collectively managing $2.6 trillion in assets sent joint letters to 15 food and beverage companies last week.

The Cost of Water: Why It Keeps Going Up

The Cost of Water: Why It Keeps Going Up

The cost of water keeps going up as most facility managers know.  In fact, in  many cases, the cost of water is going up very significantly, with even higher costs anticipated in the future. For instance, in Chicago, the cost of water went up an average of 25 percent in 2012, and plans are now being discussed to double rates in 2015.

So why is the cost of water escalating so fast? After all, historically it has been one of our least expensive natural resources in the United States. However, water has typically been underpriced for decades. Utility companies are now trying to adjust charges so that they better reflect the actual costs to collect, store, and deliver water to consumers.

Avoiding Looming Water Problems

Avoiding Looming Water Problems

Many people are surprised to learn that the Chinese word for crisis actually has two meanings. The same Chinese characters that represents “danger” also means “opportunity.” Similarly, the future water challenges expected in the United States and other parts of the world may actually be opportunities in disguise.

In May 2014, the Pacific Institute (which researches and promotes sustainability-related issues), along with VOX Global (a public affairs and communications firm), contacted senior executives from more than 50 major companies in the United States—including such large and extremely well-known corporations as AT&T, The Hershey Company, MillerCoors, and the Union Pacific Railroad—to survey them regarding water issues.

The BIG Odor Problem

The BIG Odor Problem

About four years ago, the city of San Francisco began requiring what are termed high-efficiency toilets – which usually use even less water than is federally mandated – to be installed in city-owned facilities and large public buildings such as ballparks, where huge volumes of water can be consumed. The program moved along reasonably well until building users started complaining of a “rotten egg” stench, not only in the restrooms, but throughout these facilities.

 
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