Helping Restaurants Consume Less Water

Some studies suggest that restaurants use as much as 25,000 gallons of water per day. If the restaurant is part of a hotel property, you can assume the number of gallons of water consumed daily is far beyond this amount.

So, how do we start bringing these numbers down?

While there are many places to start, focusing on the restaurant or the food service kitchen in a hotel property can produce some of the most dramatic results. The consensus of experts is that huge volumes of potable (drinkable) water are merely wasted in most restaurant and commercial food service kitchens. However, by just making even modest changes, that water waste can be reduced by 25 percent or more. And, just so we do not forget, a reduction in water consumption usually translates into cost savings—saving water means saving money as well. *

Start With the Easy Stuff

Here are some areas of focus and effortless ways to start reducing water, and the best part is the costs are minimal, if not free in some instances:

•    Does your kitchen use running water to melt ice? Instead, leave ice out earlier and allow it to melt on its own.

•    Are you pre-soaking utensils and dishes in water? Simply placing utensils and dishes in a basin of water helps reduce water consumption along with using pre-rinse spray nozzles.

•    Don’t allow water to flow unnecessarily anywhere in the kitchen. Automatic shut-off faucets should be installed to help reduce consumption.

•    Make sure kitchen staff is “water reduction-focused.”  Not only are significant savings possible through this awareness, but the kitchen staff often produces some of the best ideas to reduce consumption.

•    Teach kitchen staff how to replace a washer when there is a leak. In most cases, it’s quick and straightforward. Keep a washer kit and tools on hand.

•    Do not serve patrons water unless asked. Remember, it’s not just the glass of water that is the issue; it takes about two glasses of water to clean that one glass of water served.

Water-Saving Strategy Investments

While some of the following items require a monetary investment, they certainly will pay off when it comes to reducing water consumption. For instance, installing foot controls for frequently used faucets makes it much easier to turn off the water. The faucets should also have aerators, which can reduce water consumption tremendously.

However, as we know in a restaurant kitchen, there are times when we want faucets to run at full force, such as when filling pots or rinsing vegetables. Fingertip controls are available that can adjust the amount of water being released accordingly, based on the need.

Moreover, many kitchen floors are cleaned using spray devices. If this is how your kitchen is being cleaned, make sure to install automatic shutoff controls to help reduce water consumption. And, restaurant owners and managers should consider floor cleaning methods that do not use spray equipment.  Depending on its diameter, a spray hose can use anywhere from twenty-four gallons of water per minute to more than forty gallons of water per minute.

The best option is to switch to automatic scrubbers. These systems apply cleaning solution, agitate floor, and vacuum-up soil, grease and oil, and moisture all in one pass. This makes them a very quick and efficient way to clean floors.

Big Bucks, Big Bang

Most of the water-using equipment found in commercial kitchens use quite a bit of water. However, manufacturers have taken several steps in the past 10 years to reduce this consumption.

Newer dishwashers, for instance, use significantly less water. But, if a new water-saving dishwasher is not in the cards right now, some studies indicate that by just going from two-thirds full loads to full loads, can save a restaurant about 100,000 gallons of water per year.

If using boiler-type steamers, be aware that newer models are available that have no water or discharge sewer lines. With these units, steam is generated in a reservoir at the bottom of the cooking compartment, and water is added and drained manually. Condensed steam returns to the reservoir and does not drain outside. This again presents a possible annual savings of thousands of gallons of water.

One more piece of equipment to look at is the ice machine. A “once-through” water-cooled icemaker uses about 1,320 gallons of water per day, or over 46,000 gallons per year. Replacing these units with air-cooled units can result in dramatic water savings per year.

And lest we forget, because there is a cost saving attached to reducing water consumption, the return on these investments can be anywhere from one to just a few years.

Water Savings Beyond the Kitchen

There are two other areas restaurant owners and managers should look at to conserve water. The first is outside. Natural vegetation—plants will always require less water than vegetation that is more common in areas that receive more rainfall. Consider installing what is referred to as “sustainable” landscaping, which invariably consumes less water.

The other area to focus water-saving efforts on is in the restroom. We know already that aerators should be installed in sink faucets. As to the toilets, a dual-flush toilet—light flush for liquids and heavier flush for solids—is one of the best options for restaurant owners/managers to consider. These systems use about 1.6 gallons of water per flush, less than what is currently the regulated standard.

Also, consider waterless urinals for men’s rooms.  Waterless urinals can save a significant amount of water and provide better hygiene. Depending on the type of no-water urinal selected, they can have a relatively quick return on the investment.  However, owners/managers are urged to do their due diligence.  Some systems cost little to maintain, while some water-free urinals can actually be quite costly to maintain over time.

A final thought is to start monitoring water consumption.  Many of us, including many businesses, simply pay the water bill when it comes.  Especially in the restaurant business, which is no longer an option. Check how much water is being used each month and track it.  Look for usage spikes; this could mean leaks have developed.  And note what you are paying each month for water.

If you incorporate some of the steps noted in this article, likely you will see your water usage and water costs come down.  As much as we want to reduce water consumption, when we see the cost savings, it often spurs us on to find more ways to become water efficient. 

Klaus Reichardt is a frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues. Reichardt is also founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Calif. Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal to establish a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Along with the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which works completely without water, the company manufactures other restroom and plumbing related products.

*The cost savings or amount of savings can depend on how consumers and businesses are charged for water.

The Problems with U-Traps

Surprisingly, we need look no further than checking out u-traps to see just how global the world has become. By global, we mean that people working or living in one part of the world can impact the health of other people working and living in other parts of the world.

It also means that events that take place on the other side of the globe are not long confined to one area, but instead, potentially affect us all. For example, severe acute respiratory syndrome, better known as SARS, started in southern China and other parts of Asia in late 2002 early 2003. And even 12,548 Kilometers away (nearly 8,000 miles), it also spread to Toronto. A woman traveling from Hong Kong to Toronto on February 23, 2003, had the disease.

Overnight, Toronto's hotel industry, restaurants, and even many medical facilities came to a stop. Very quickly, people in Toronto were afraid to visit these locations for fear they too would come down with SARS. It may come as a surprise that medical facilities were impacted, but it was in some Asian hospitals that the first cases were uncovered.

SARS, for those who have forgotten or may not know, has very severe flu-like symptoms. In most of the cases, and there were a reported 8,089 cases worldwide, it lasts 2 to 7 days, leaving victims tired, and frequently dealing with a dry cough that can take weeks to go away. However, 774 people did die of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When SARS first was discovered, public health officials were unsure exactly how it was spreading. They concluded that person-to-person contact was one of the keyways. Just like the flu and other airborne viruses and illnesses, if an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets are propelled which can be inhaled by others or land on surfaces, where they can later be touched then deposited on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of others nearby, spreading the disease.

Because these droplets could spread onto surfaces, hotels in Hong Kong used vast amounts of bleach to clean everything from the touch buttons in elevators to entire commercial kitchens, public and private restrooms, and "high touch" areas found in most all large facilities. It was said at the time that you could smell the bleach throughout the city.

However, on closer investigation, researchers uncovered more precisely how SARS started and one of the keyways it spread. In Asian hospitals, specifically, the virus was being released in sewer gas, which was becoming airborne due to dried "U-traps" in the plumbing connecting floor drains and other drains. This is why some of the first cases reported (a total of 105) were among healthcare workers in China; in fact, one of the first cases reported in Hong Kong was that of a doctor who had treated people in one of these hospitals.

Understanding U-traps

At this point, we have a pretty good understanding of what SARS is and how it spreads. What we need to clarify are the U-traps. These traps, also known as "J-traps" or "P-Traps," are plumbing devices installed below drains, which are designed to prevent sewer odors – and airborne pathogens – from being released into the air.

Sewer gases develop as solid waste is broken down in wastewater. They may not only have odors and house pathogens, but they also may include methane gas. A form of greenhouse gas, methane is also found in natural gas. While it is not considered fatal if inhaled by humans, it can cause dizziness, headaches, and lethargy.

The U-traps are connected not only to floor drains but to sinks, toilets, urinals, and other fixtures that may be in a restroom, kitchen, janitorial closet, laundry room, shower area, etc. The problem is that if a restroom, for instance, is not used for a prolonged period, these drains can go dry. When this happens, they open the door for sewer gases and potentially harmful pathogens to be released into the air.

It is a problem all types of facilities can have but is most notable in schools. This is because schools are often closed for two or three months during the summer or when there are school breaks, typically lasting one to two weeks.

The Next Concern: Legionella

SARS taught public health officials quite a few lessons about how germs and bacteria can spread and how they can impact human health. Now in Canada, we have another concern.

With changing demographics, an aging population, and the fact that much of Canada's water infrastructure needs updating, Legionella, better known as Legionnaires' Disease, is a growing concern. Legionella is a bacterium found in freshwater sources, where it is present in low amounts. However, it can multiply when water is stagnant, for instance, in pipes or air conditioning systems.

It was through a hotel's aging air conditioning system that Legionella was spread in Philadelphia in 1976, causing two hundred people to become sick. In 2012, 13 deaths and 170 documented cases of Legionnaires’ Disease were reported in Quebec City. These victims contracted the disease by inhaling droplets of Legionella bacteria in mists or vapors of water.

 The 2020 Canadian National Plumbing Code will include language and guides, so facilities can re-design P-trap systems so that they do not dry out or dry out so quickly. However, this may only apply to new construction or facilities under renovation.

What, then, can building managers do now to address this situation? How can they make sure U-traps do not dry out or at least do not dry out so quickly? There are different ways, some involving considerable expense and others that are relatively inexpensive.  Among them are the following:

Setting up a primer schedule:  Typically, a primer schedule involves custodial workers. On a set schedule, they pour about two cups of water into floor and other drains. Fresh water is all that is needed, and it should last two or more weeks depending on the use of the area and indoor climate conditions.

Installing a trap primer: A trap primer is connected to a water supply that detects when trap water has evaporated. When this happens, the trap primer releases small amounts of water into the drain to refill the trap.  Some work with sensors, others with timers.

Liquid trap seal primer: Another option is to pour a liquid primer down the drain. Sometimes referred to as an “everprime” or "ever primer," these primers are long-lasting, as much as three to six months or longer. Some are odorless and biodegradable. This is an excellent option especially in schools or facilities which may be closed for long periods of time.

These options will help building managers manage risk. They will help prevent odors from being released in the facility, along with any potentially harmful pathogens as well.

A frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues, Klaus Reichardt, is the founder and managing partner of Waterless Co. LLC, Vista, Calif. Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal to establish a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. The company’s principal product, the Waterless Co., LLC works entirely without water.

From LinkedIn: Are Our Water Problems Over?

The following article was recently published in Facilities Management Advisor

The rainy season in California begins each year in October. When it started in October 2021, nearly half of the state was experiencing “exceptional” drought. This is the most severe category of drought. As for the rest of the state, 87% faced “extreme” drought, the second-most severe category.

But flash forward three months, and it became like night and day. In just two weeks during the holiday season, a barrage of rain and snowstorms in Northern California resulted in more precipitation than during the entire previous 2021 “rain season,” which ended Sept. 30, 2021. Since October, most of the state has had more rainfall in the shortest time in decades.

Now, the U.S. Drought Monitor says that California is experiencing only “moderate” drought, and some portions of the state are just listed as “dry.” 

While moderate and dry drought conditions might still sound serious, this is excellent news compared to what the state has experienced over the past decade.  

So, does this mean Californians, along with those living in surrounding states, can forget about water conservation and using water more efficiently? Not at all. The state governor is asking all Californians to reduce water use by 15% from 2020 levels, one of the driest years on record. The reason is simple: “Despite record levels of precipitation in some areas, we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Eric Oppenheimer, chief deputy director of the State Water Resources Control Board.

Here’s one way to look at the current situation. The state has been borrowing water from aquifers, dams, rivers, and anywhere else it could find it. Now those sources are drier than they have been in decades. The recent rains and snow are allowing the state to pay back some of those water loans, but California has a long way to go before paying off the entire water debt.

Further, what the governor and state water officials are focused on is not the current improvement but the fact that long term, the state, along with significant parts of the western United States, are likely to experience chronic water shortages throughout the century. This means that making our facilities more water efficient will continue to be center stage for many facility managers (FMs) for years to come.

Eliminating Water Waste

One quick and relatively easy way FMs can help reduce water consumption in their facilities is by eliminating what is referred to as “water waste.” Water waste often relates to water use outside a facility and includes such things as the following:

• Allowing water to flow or spray off a property. This can result from irrigation, leaks, or manual water use.

• Regular use of water as a cleaning agent to clean, for instance, sidewalks and outdoor areas.

• Failing to correct a malfunctioning water supply line for more than 48 hours.

• Using sprinklers to irrigate landscaped areas between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Especially on hot days, this is when water evaporates the fastest.

The Bigger Picture

Eliminating water waste is a significant first step in reducing water consumption and using water more efficiently. However, that is just the beginning. Long-term water reduction involves creating a water-savings plan, and it starts, very simply, with knowing how much water is currently being used in a facility.  

Surprisingly, many FMs are unaware of this. They may never have even seen a water utility bill for their property. 

Water utility bills are often emailed or mailed directly to accounting departments. For personnel in accounting, typically their only concern is the amount due, not the amount of water consumed.

To begin a water-savings plan, it’s essential to collect current and past water bills going back about two years. Create a spreadsheet to monitor monthly consumption. The spreadsheet will help FMs identify spikes, which often mean there is a leak that must be attended to and create benchmarks. Now, with benchmarks, we can set goals.

A reasonable goal for a commercial building is to reduce water consumption by 5% in one year. Interestingly, once the water-savings journey begins—and cost savings, the result of using less water, materialize—it is possible to surpass this goal, reducing consumption by as much as 10% to even 15%. Typically, this is accomplished in the following ways:

Reducing water pressure. Many larger commercial buildings have what are called “water boosters.” Water boosters pump water throughout a facility. 

However, these boosters are often set higher than necessary, delivering more water than is needed to faucets and other water-using outlets. The result is another form of water waste. Working with engineers, FMs can lower the pressure to pump just enough water throughout the facility.

Grappling with cooling tower evaporation. The big problem with cooling towers, new or old, is that they continually use water through evaporation. The best way to address this is to use recycled or “gray” water—that is, water not fit for human consumption. Some utility companies around the country are now working with building owners and FMs to use recycled water for non-potable purposes, such as use in cooling towers.

Eliminating dated restroom fixtures. Toilets and urinals are designed to last for decades. However, their longevity can work against us when it comes to using water efficiently. Even systems engineered to meet federal water-using standards may no longer meet those guidelines due to age and wearing parts. Consider replacing any restroom fixtures that are more than five to seven years old.

Surpassing water-use guidelines. Most water consumption guidelines now applicable in the U.S. were written in the early 1990s. Restroom fixture technology has advanced considerably during that time. If replacing toilets and urinals, look for toilets that use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, less than federal standards. For urinals, selecting water-using urinals, no matter how much water they use, may no longer be a wise option. Due to the costs of plumbing and installation and the fact that even new urinals use large volumes of water, FMs in drier states such as Arizona and parts of California are now required to install waterless urinals. As the name implies, these urinals use no water, saving as much as 35,000 gallons of water per urinal per year.

Finally, one of the most critical steps FMs can take is to educate users on reducing water consumption. Sure, with all the precipitation parts of the country have experienced over the past few months, this may prove more difficult than in the past severe drought conditions. But remember, when it comes to water, we must think long term. We are not out of the woods when it comes to water. Protecting our most vital resource and using it wisely and more efficiently must be viewed as a timeless priority.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Calif. 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.

No-Water Urinal Market Expected to Grow Over the Next Ten Years

Waterless® Co., Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release

No-Water Urinal Market Expected to Grow Over the Next Ten Years

Vista, CA – March 15, 2022 - According to Kenneth Research, which investigates market trends for several industries, and investment magazine MarketWatch, the worldwide demand for waterless or no-water urinals is expected to grow by more than ten percent over the forecast period of 2022 to 2031.

No-water urinals are unlike conventional urinals in that they do not require the use of water to operate effectively.

"They help in reducing water consumption and also help in cutting the costs associated with water supply and plumbing," according to the report.

The costs associated with "water supply," as mentioned in the report, often refers to energy. It takes electricity to deliver and remove water from homes and facilities. If less water is needed, then energy costs come down.

As to the reasons for the growth, the report listed the following:

• Growth of "green buildings," where no-water urinals are often installed.

• The heightened sense of urgency across the globe for saving water.

• The growing necessity for cities, countries, and governments to save potable (drinkable) water.

• Increased interest in water conservation technologies.

• Local and state governments encouraging and "incentivizing" the construction of green buildings in their communities.

"Waterless urinals can be the first step in reducing water usage substantially," concluded the researchers.

The report indicated the installation of waterless urinals would grow most significantly in the U.S., which “is the leading region for waterless urinals in the world based on market share.”

Following the U.S. is Latin America, Europe, and Asia, which includes India and Australia.

Additionally, the report indicated those market sectors most likely to install no-water urinals will be offices (office buildings), retail facilities, hospitality (hotels, restaurants, and bars), healthcare, industrial and educational facilities.

"We view market trend reports like this as 'interesting' but not necessarily written in stone," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO, and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc, the oldest and one of the largest manufacturers of no-water urinals in North America.

"However, since the first of the year, most (no-water urinal) manufacturers are reporting increased sales. We have every reason to believe this will continue."

About Waterless

Waterless Co. Inc. has established a well-respected reputation as being an innovative manufacturer of no-water urinal systems.  Based in Vista, Ca, the nearly 30-year-old company is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals in North America.  The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

Water Reducing Strategies in Manufacturing Facilities

The need for water reducing strategies in manufacturing facilities is more paramount today than ever before.  And many are taking steps to reduce both waste and consumption. But they are not necessarily doing this as a result of concerns about sustainability or the environment.  For many manufacturers, it has become a dollar-and-cents issue.  

Manufacturing locations that operate in a greener, more sustainability-focused manner are more efficient.  They waste less.  They use resources more efficiently, and in so doing, they can reduce operating costs.

Water is a perfect example. In most cases, we pay for water twice:

1. Once when it is delivered to the manufacturing facility

2. When it is discharged as effluent and sent to water treatment facilities.

While water utility companies have historically provided manufacturers and other heavy water users with different forms of discount pricing, those discounts appear to be withering away. 

In fact, in many parts of the country, water rate increases have surpassed electricity rate increases.  Further, sewer costs can be as much as three times the cost of water.

With growing populations and the challenge facing many water utility companies to repair and replace outdated water infrastructure, a "share the pain" mentality has evolved. This means everyone – manufactures, consumers, schools, and office buildings – are being asked to do their share and pay more for water, based on actual use and consumption.

This also means reducing water consumption for manufacturers may not only be a direct cost saving, but other savings may evolve as well. For instance, once water is delivered to a manufacturing facility by the water provider, it often must be pumped to different areas of the plant. The manufacturer must pay the tab for this in the form of higher utility bills.  So, if less water is wasted and more water is used efficiently, this can reduce the amount of water pumped to different areas of the facility, helping to bring down energy costs.

Water Reducing Strategies: How Much Water Are We Talking About?

It probably would be a good idea at this point to provide an idea of how much water and how water is used in many U.S. manufacturing facilities.  For instance:

•    In 2015, the United States Geological Survey determined that industrial withdrawals - the amount of water withdrawn for use in industrial and manufacturing locations - was 14,800 Mgal/d. A Mgal/d refers to "one million gallons of water per day." This means, about 1.5 billion gallons of water is consumed by industry every day.*

•    Much of this water is "groundwater," referring to aquifers. Many aquifers are drying up around the country.  These aquifers took centuries to fill with water, which tells us, once dried up, their use as a water resource in the future will be very limited.

•    States using the most water for industrial purposes include Louisiana, Indiana, Texas, and California.

•    Industrial and manufacturing facilities use water for fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, transporting a product, in restroom and kitchen areas, as well as for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility.  

Reducing Consumption

With a better understanding of how much water is used in manufacturing locations, we can now discuss proven ways to reduce water consumption, and in so doing, use it more efficiently.  Here are some of the critical steps we can take:

Measure and monitor. Most manufacturing facilities know how much they are paying for water, but many industrial locations have no idea exactly how much water they are using (and discharging) per day, week, or year, nor where it is being used.  A useful first step to take is to install sub-meters that can measure where and how much water is being used in different areas of the plant. One manufacturing location has nearly 30 sub-meters installed.  Now they have ample data to measure and monitor water-related data in all areas of their facility.

Form a water "minimization team." Now that we have a better idea of how much water and where water is being used in the plant, a water minimization team should be formed to identify areas where water use can be reduced. The team should set a water reduction goal, for instance, reducing water consumption by a ten percent per year.

We have two ways to begin this process: focus on the low-hanging fruit such as fixing water leaks, replacing valves on hoses, etc., or fixing or replacing big water consuming items. For instance, industrial locations with restroom fixtures more than five to seven years old should consider replacing these fixtures with newer, more water efficient systems that use less water or no water at all.

Begin water "training." Most all industrial locations have some type of safety training program for their workers. We need to add water training programs as well, and this can be expanded to using all types of natural resources more efficiently and less wastefully. This way, not only are ways taught to use water more responsibly, saving water becomes part of the company culture. Some industrial locations have even begun listing water savings as a key performance indicator (KPI). So, not only would a manufacturing facility have KPIs to measure how well it is doing each month or quarter, but they would also now know how much water is being saved during those same time periods.

After all, KPIs are a reflection of how well a company is doing financially as well as how well it is saving --- in this case by reducing water consumption.

 A frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues, Klaus Reichardt, is founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Calif. 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. Along with the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which works entirely without water, the company manufactures other restroom and plumbing related products.

* The United States Geological Survey only takes surveys on water related issues every five years. This is their latest research.

Do We Just Need a Sign to Save Water?

A new study finds that one way we can save water is just by posting a sign. But more about that in a second.

Many industrial locations in the U.S. are in suburban and rural areas of the country. Often these locations have some lawn - a green area - to not only enhance the appearance of the facility, but to provide workers and staff a place to eat lunch, take a break, or even have an outdoor conference

A service may be called in to mow lawns and trim bushes. But as to the actual irrigation of these green areas, many industrial locations turn to automated systems that irrigate vegetation at specific times and days or have a staff member irrigate vegetation so many times per week/month. Typically, they follow any local regulations that may require irrigation only on certain days or at certain times. These are found in about thirty states.

However, these restrictions may not be enough to reduce water consumption. A lawn typically needs about one inch of water per week. To give you an idea of how much water this is, a tiny lawn, say one hundred square feet, requires approximately sixty-two gallons of water each week.

But the average lawn in the U.S. is 2,500 square feet. This means it takes 155,000 gallons of water every week to water that lawn. That totals over eight million gallons of water each year just to irrigate that green area.

While these day/time water restrictions may be helping – somewhat - they are not making the dent in water consumption that many water utility companies had hoped for. To find a solution to this situation, researchers at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) conducted a test.

They selected a residential community in Florida and put together a program referred to as “The Rain-Watered Lawn” pilot program. The goal was to determine if weather-based water conservation strategies were more effective than the mandatory, specific day/specific time water restrictions currently in place.

The test included 627 households divided into two groups: 321 households were designated the experimental group and 306 the control group. The control group continued to observe the water restrictions in place but made no other changes.

What the researchers did was simple. Throughout the experimental neighborhoods, they placed road signs. The road signs would change regularly, indicating how much rainfall had occurred in the past seven days; remind homeowners that most Florida lawns only needed to be irritated about once per week, and would include the following message at the bottom of the sign:

“Is rainfall alone meeting the water needs of your lawn?"

The researchers also sent out postcards to the experimental group, just to make sure they understood the information on the signs. However, they were informed that existing day/time water restrictions were still in place, and nothing had been modified.

After several weeks, the researchers started gathering data. What they found was that in the summer months, when this region of Florida received the most water, there was, what was termed, an “astonishing” 61 percent decrease in lawn watering in the experimental group from the start, saving millions of gallons of water per week.  There were no such changes in the control group.

Further, the experimental group continued to use about 41 percent less water than the control group throughout the test period. This indicated that a water conservation pattern had been developed. While the experimental group still followed the day/time restrictions, what they paid closer attention to was whether their lawns needed irrigation.

The Bigger Picture to Saving Water

The researchers suggested that their findings have more significant ramifications than might initially be realized. "This program has the added benefit of getting people more in tune with the natural water cycle, which might help [water users] prepare for changes in water supply and water policy,” said Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., dean of FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Does this mean we could post similar signs in, for instance, the restrooms of industrial facilities - where the second largest amount of water is consumed in a facility – updating them on water conditions and urging them to use water more efficiently?

The researchers believe the answer is yes. They say the signs created “a greater sense of environmental stewardship that could be tied to everyday activities,” all of which could help reduce water consumption in industrial restrooms and throughout the facility, potentially reducing water consumption.

A frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues, Klaus Reichardt, is founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Calif. 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. Along with the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which works entirely without water, the company manufactures other restroom and plumbing related products.

Maintenance Needs of Waterless Urinals

Waterless Urinals in an Indiana High School

One might wonder why we need waterless urinals. After all, water rates in most of North America have traditionally been some of the lowest in the Western world.

However, all that is starting to change. Most areas of North America are now raising water rates, some significantly, for two simple reasons:

• Current charges no longer come close to covering what it costs to gather, treat, deliver, and remove water.

• Because water has been underpriced, many areas have delayed upgrading their infrastructure.  This, in many cases, is no longer an option.

It is because of these reasons and others that many facilities in North America such as hotels, office buildings, and schools are installing waterless or no-water urinals. 

These urinals, which look just like traditional urinals, operate entirely without water, so they have the potential of saving building owners/managers hundreds if not thousands of dollars in water charges annually.  However, they have other benefits as well compared to traditional urinals.  Among these are the following:

•    No mechanical parts to purchase or repair

•    Reduced vandalism; flush handles/mechanisms tend to be vandalized on many traditional urinals

•    No-water urinals tend to be less costly to purchase and install compared to traditional urinals

•    No special plumbing is required; they drain into a standard two-inch (50.800 mm) drain, just like water-using urinals

•    If "snaking" is necessary to remove a clog, some no-water urinals allow direct access to the drain line, helping to reduce plumbing costs.

Maintenance Requirements: The Cartridge

In many ways, no-water urinals are cared for just like traditional urinals. However, there are differences starting with the cartridge placed at the base of the unit.  The reason for this cartridge is to keep sewer odors from being released into the restroom.  Typically, they are filled with about three ounces of sealing liquid. This seals the cartridge to the urinal. With most systems, it should be refilled about twice per month. 

In time the cartridge should be changed.  It's similar to the air filter on a car.  After so many miles, it needs to be replaced.  With a waterless urinal cartridge, after so many uses it has to be changed.  The traps are designed with either a locking mechanism to secure them to the urinal or merely require a "press and fit" to install.

Most manufacturers provide a simple tool to remove the cartridge. However, when it comes to cartridges, this is where building owners/managers must do their homework.  Some cartridges last for several months before they need to be changed and, in at least one case, are very cost effective.  With other systems, the cartridge needs to be changed every couple of months and, interestingly, some of these cartridges are costly.   Due diligence is advised.

Maintenance Requirements: Cleaning

Similar to a traditional urinal, on a daily basis, the most effective way to clean no-water urinals is to use a cleaner/disinfectant and spray all surfaces of the urinal.  Because this cleaning solution contains a disinfectant, cleaning professionals must allow it to "dwell" on the surface for a few minutes before wiping.  Complete instructions will be listed on the product label.

If a separate cleaner and separate disinfectant are used, spray the urinal first with the cleaner, wipe and clean. Then spray the disinfectant on the urinal and allow for dwell time.  This is the same "two-step" process that should be performed whenever using these solutions separately.

Finally, no water is necessary for the cleaning process, nor is scrubbing.  This is because there are rarely water deposits, or any other deposits that build up on these urinals.

Maintenance Requirements: Odors

In some instances, some building users complained that water free urinals leave odors in restrooms.  This is usually an indication of not having adequate sealing liquid in the trap.  The most important is ensuring that cleaning professionals know how to effectively clean and care for no-water urinals. It is further recommended to clean/snake the drain lines before installing non-water urinals.

 Also, it was found that in very old buildings, the drainpipes below the urinal were not always compatible with the water-free units. Adjustments can be made, however, to address this issue.  

Odors are not an issue when it comes to waterless urinals. Many building owners/managers find these urinals are often cleaner, more hygienic, with less odor than traditional urinals. This is one more benefit we should've mentioned.

A frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues, Klaus Reichardt, is the founder and managing partner of Waterless Co. LLC, Vista, Calif. Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal to establish a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. The company’s principal product, the Waterless Co., LLC works entirely without water.

Why Is the Hotel Industry Becoming So Environmentally Focused?

We all know that the hotel industry has evolved into one of the Greenest and most sustainability-focused industries here in North America and many other areas of the world.

However, have we ever taken a step back and asked ourselves why?

It was not that long ago that the hotel industry believed that offering their clientele—especially their higher-end clientele—a “green hotel” would be second rate, costlier, or a combination of both. Accordingly, there was, at least initially, considerable hesitance to adopt green initiatives.

However, all of that began to change when their corporate customers started asking hotel operators if their hotels were, for instance, cleaned using environmentally preferable cleaning products and if they were sustainability focused.

“This parallels what we witnessed in the professional cleaning industry,” says Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, the leading advocate for environmentally responsible cleaning in the industry.

“There was also considerable hesitance. However, when Green Cleaning became consumer-driven, that is when everything started to change. When building managers and their tenants started calling for it, the industry responded and put much more time and energy into developing Green Cleaning products.”

So, when it comes to Green Cleaning, the primary impetus was the fact that hotel guests were calling for it. It was business driven.

The Push for Water Efficiency in the Hotel Industry

When it comes to water reduction programs, once again many hoteliers believed that adopting initiatives to reduce water consumption would not be welcomed by their clientele. Most assumed that one of the things travelers looked forward to when staying at a hotel was to “luxuriate” in water by taking longer showers, enjoying baths, using hotel spas, and sleeping in freshly washed sheets every evening. These were things they very often could not or did not have at home.

However, this time, the push to reduce water consumption was not necessarily consumer-driven, but cost- and utility-driven. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that hotel properties consume about 15 percent of all the water used in commercial facilities each year in the United States.

In recent years, with the price of both water and wastewater services (the removal and treatment of water) rising, as well as conservation mandates, fines, and regulations, the push to use water more efficiently has been at the top of the list in many hotel properties.

By the early 2000s, a few of the largest hotel chains had begun switching from fresh sheets every day to fresh sheets every three days. The savings in water consumption, as well as energy consumption, necessary to heat water, proved so significant, virtually all properties adopted such programs.

Another push for reducing water consumption can also come from what we could call social pressure. At least, this is what a 2015 study in Barcelona, Spain, concluded after the city suffered a severe drought from 2007 to 2008.

More than 250 hotels in Barcelona participated in the study, which examined, among other things:

• Water use in the hotels

• Impact of hotel category (1-star, 2-star, 5-star, etc.) on consumption

• Factors motivating some hotels to take steps to reduce consumption, the key goal of the study.

The researchers found that the most significant water usage in these hotels paralleled water consumption usage in most other hotels. For instance:

• Guest rooms use about 35 percent of all water consumed on the property

• Food and beverage preparation, up to 25 percent

• Laundry services and air conditioning, 16 percent

• Pools and gardens, around 5 percent.

Not surprisingly, the researchers also found that 5-star hotels consume significantly more water per guest than any other hotel category. The reasons for this, they surmised, are that 5-star hotels offer the following amenities:

• More water-related services such as pools, spas, sports, and fitness centers

• Full meal service—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—available daily for guests as well as the general public

• Greater use of in-house laundry services

• Larger square footage with more restaurants, bars, and kitchens.

After the 2007–2008 drought, many hotels did take steps to reduce water consumption, but the timing was not necessarily driven by costs or even water restriction mandates. Instead, the researchers reported:

“Although cost is the main motivation factor for adopting water conservation measures, prices do not appear to be the determining factor in the timing of conservation investments, at least in our case. Social pressures and marketing objectives as well appear to be more

important.”1

 In other words, the properties felt pressured by the community to reduce water consumption but, at the same time, realized the steps they were taking could be used to market and promote their properties.

Interestingly, the researchers found that the higher ranked the hotel—4- or 5-star—the more active they were in reducing water consumption.

Our Question Answered

So, to answer our question, “why is the hotel industry becoming so environmentally focused?” all we can say is that it is the result of a variety of factors.

No matter the motivation, however, it is clear that being more environmentally responsible, whether it involves cleaning or reducing water consumption, is paying off in many different ways, especially when it comes to the hotel’s bottom line.

Klaus Reichardt is founder and managing partner of Waterless Co, Inc, Vista, Calif. 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.

1. Marta Dinarès and David Saurí. (2015). Water consumption patterns of hotels and their response to droughts and public concerns regarding water conservation: the case of the Barcelona hotel industry during the 2007–2008 episode. Documents d'Anàlisi Geogràfica 61, no. 623. DOI: 10.5565/rev/dag.255. Emphasis added.

NGBS Green Certification: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Chances are, you’ve already heard that the no-water urinals from Waterless Co., Inc are green certified by the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). In light of that, I thought it might be a good idea to better understand what this means and explain a bit more about this fine organization.

What NGBS is doing is guiding residential builders and contractors as well as homeowners around the country, helping them build homes and apartment buildings that are not only greener, but much more sustainable, self-sufficient, and healthier.

Plus, they are the only residential green rating system approved by ANSI – the American National Standards Institute. This is significant. There are other certification bodies. Even the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s LEED program has the LEED for Homes program. However, ANSI decided it was NGBS Green that met the highest levels of residential green certification, winning their endorsement.

With that said, here are some more things we should know about NGBS:

What Is It?

Launched in 2009 by the Home Innovation Research Labs, it is an independent, third-party certification agency for residential facilities. These facilities can earn certification by implementing green practices in one or all of the following categories:

• Lot and size development

• Resource Efficiency

• Energy Efficiency

• Water Efficiency

• Indoor Environmental Quality

• Homeowner Education

As in the LEED rating system, builders, contractors, and homeowners receive points for their green initiatives. A home or residence can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald (the highest) green certification based on how many points they earn.

What Are the Benefits of NGBS Green Certification?

The following scenario will help answer this question. An investment company is considering the purchase of two large apartment buildings in the same area. Similar in almost all ways, one of the buildings is NGBS Green certified, and the other is not. However, the NGBS certified building is slightly more costly than the non-green building. The investment company turns to their accountants and advisors to determine the better investment. 

They determine that the better investment is the NGBS Green certified building, even though it is more costly and give the following reasons why:

• It’s more energy efficient, which will be a cost-saving.

• Water-saving technologies are installed, lowering operating costs.

• To meet NGBS Green requirements, the Green apartment building provides more fresh air, has fewer moisture problems, and has more advanced air filtration systems installed. This makes it a healthier building. Tenants want to be in healthier buildings.

• The NGBS Green building has less “competition.” There are many traditional apartment buildings in this community, but few are green certified. Because of this, the accountants determine that the vacancy rate will be lower.

In other words, the benefits of the NGBS Green property offset any additional costs to purchase the building, making it the better long-term investment.

How Many Homes have been NGBS Green Certified?

As of this writing, more than 265,000 homes have been certified, with about 150,000 registered to seek certification. These include single-family homes, townhouses, apartment buildings, multi-use buildings (apartments and offices), and residential rehabilitation projects.

Is the NGBS Green Program Updated?

Yes. It has been updated four times since 2009, with the last one launched in 2020. With this latest update, a much greater emphasis on water efficiency is noted. In the past decade, water concerns have mounted, not only in this country but around the world. Responding to this, NGBS wants developers, builders, and contractors to reduce water consumption, including eliminating it entirely when and where possible. That is likely why they honored Waterless Co with green certification.

As a Builder, How do I Get My Apartment Building NGBS Green Certified?

NGBS provides a resource library for builders, developers, and homeowners. This resource library includes scoring tools, training programs, marketing materials, and product-specific information. 

Once that has been reviewed, the next step is to contact a Verifier. There are over 250 Verifiers in the U.S. They know the NGBS program thoroughly. They will help you register for the program and guide you through the process, including making sure your apartment meets all the standards and criteria to be NGBS Green certified.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, Vista, Calif.  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.

Waterless Urinals Earn NGBS Green Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Press Release

 Waterless Urinals Earn NGBS Green Certification

Vista, CA – Feb 15, 2022 - Waterless No-Flush urinals manufactured by Waterless Co. Inc., proudly announces that their urinals have earned National Green Building Standard Certification (NGBS Green) from Home Innovation Research Labs™. 

NGBS Green is a building certification program that focuses on new and existing residential structures. It is the only green building certification program recognized and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The NGBS Green program is similar to the LEED for Homes program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Both programs rate and then recognize homes that are healthier, more sustainable, and more energy and water efficient.

Like LEED, NGBS uses a cumulative point system to certify products. Based on the number of points earned, the NGBS Green program has four performance levels:

1.    Bronze

2.    Silver

3.    Gold

4.    Emerald, the highest certification.

“Both LEED for Homes and NGBS Green™ are strong residential rating programs,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO, and Founder of Waterless Co. “They are scientifically developed, consensus-based, and provide guidance for builders and homeowners on ways to build or renovate homes so that they are more environmentally responsible. However, in some ways, NGBS Green goes even further.”

This is because of the NGBS Green “remodeling path.” The remodeling path process requires an audit by an accredited inspector – known as a Verifier - who records water and energy consumption before and after construction or renovation.

Based on the audit, the project is awarded certification depending on the percentage of water and energy that is reduced.

“This remodeling path certification is especially important to Waterless Co, because so many of our no-water urinals are installed in existing homes,” adds Richardt. “Many times, just by installing no-water urinals, water consumption is reduced enough that the project can be awarded certification.”

But, according to Reichardt, what is most important is that NGBS Green is encouraging builders and contractors to focus more of their efforts on reducing water consumption. “We need to do this, and with home construction booming, we need to do this now.”

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 About Waterless

Waterless Co. Inc. has established a well-respected reputation as being an innovative manufacturer of no-water urinal systems.  Based in Vista, Ca, the nearly 30-year-old company is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals in North America.  The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com