A Closer Look at Urinals, Water Consumption, and the Environment

In the 1950s, urinals used massive amounts of water, as much as seven gallons per flush (GPF). This has been reduced significantly over the years, and today’s average urinal uses about one GPF.

But it is estimated that 20 percent of the water available for drinking around the world is still flushed down urinal drains. This is a considerable amount of water. The spreadsheet below provides estimates of just how much water traditional urinals use in different types of facilities to see how much this can be.

• Small office with twenty-five males, about 58,000 gallons of water per year.

• Restaurant with 150 male patrons daily, 72,000 gallons of water per year.

• School, with 300 male students, 330,000 gallons of water per year.

Installing waterless urinals not only eliminates the use of water but the electrical power necessary to pump water. Instead of flushing away urine, gravity drains the urine in a waterless urinal system; it then flows into a trap cylinder unit filled with a thin layer of liquid sealant that sits atop the drain area of the urinal.

The trap/cylinder and sealant play a crucial role. Together, they prevent odors from being released into the air. As the cylinder fills, the urine overflows into a conventional drainpipe, much like a traditional urinal works. 

Waterless Urinals Benefits and Differences

In addition to savings on water, sewer, and electricity usage, building owners and managers have found that waterless urinals can offer other benefits as well:

• Savings in plumbing and installation costs because waterless urinals do not need to be plumbed for water, only drainage

• Lower sewer charges because no water is used

• Fewer installation requirements because flush valves or electric sensors are unnecessary

• Reduced vandalism in educational settings

• Quick and easy installation

• Less bacterial growth because bacteria need moisture to grow; with a waterless urinal, the interior of the urinal stays dry.

Many experts also believe waterless urinals are healthier than conventional urinals because they do not need to be “touched.” The touching of soiled restroom fixtures and handles can transmit germs and bacteria, a big concern with the pandemic. 

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Several manufacturers are producing waterless urinals in the U.S. today. Although they are quite similar in look, design, and operation, each uses a slightly different system, affecting maintenance requirements and operational costs. Purchasers should be aware of this.

For instance, the trap inserts on some models require more frequent replacement than others. And on some models, the trap/cylinders can be quite expensive, eliminating the monetary savings building owners might achieve by installing waterless urinals and minimizing water use.

Future Trends

When building owners and managers talk of operating their facilities in a greener fashion, it usually involves cleaning, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and similar issues. However, restroom fixtures are also becoming a key part of a green building operation.

According to Alex Wilson, President of BuildingGreen, Inc., a building contractor in Brattleboro, VT, the most significant environmental issue in the future of restrooms is water use and finding ways to reduce water consumption.

Further, he says the focus will increasingly be on urinals. Wilson says the savings are often the greatest when waterless urinals replace older urinals with three GPF or more. However, transferring to waterless urinals is still substantial even when the most efficient water-using urinals are installed.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co. Inc, Vista, Calif. 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, discussing water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com.

Phoenix We Have a Problem: No Water

Image by Melikamp - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87807042

Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the fastest-growing, if not the fastest-growing, city in the United States. Companies from around the world have already built facilities in or near the city or are planning to do so soon.

However, a recent report has given some companies pause about relocating to the city. While Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has negated the report, it concludes that the city is seriously running out of groundwater.

As to the report, it was released on June 1, 2023, by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. The Washington Post called it a “chilling warning” for the city and the more than five million people living there.

The Post concluded that the peripheral areas around the city do not have enough groundwater to sustain future growth. The result: developments that were approved are on hold, as well as at least three where construction has already begun.

The report did send chills down the spine of many city and state officials. Arizona is very dependent on housing developments and new companies moving into the area. But they need ample supplies of groundwater for this economic engine to continue.

Interestingly, before this Arizona report was released, there was only moderate interest in groundwater around the U.S., according to Google Trends, which indexes how often a term is queried.

But two days after the release of the report, the number of queries jumped four-fold. According to Google Trends, that peak occurred on June 6, 2023, at 4:20 in the morning and has remained high since.

Because of this four-fold jump, we must assume that many people in the country need to learn precisely what groundwater is. Let’s take a few minutes to help you understand this term, as it is likely we will hear discussion about it a lot more in the years to come.

What Ground Water Is and Why It Is So Important

Groundwater is water located beneath the earth’s surface. While some may be shallow — closer to the earth’s surface — usually it is found deep into the soil and rock formations.

Groundwater remains under the surface of the earth until it is tapped. From here, it is pumped out of the soil, treated, and used for drinking water, irrigation, industrial, and home consumption.

But how did groundwater get there in the first place?

Through rainfall in most cases. For thousands of years, water drained downward into the earth, pulled by gravity. The water is constantly moving, with some moving horizontally into springs and wells and the rest moving vertically, further down into the earth.

Groundwater and Its Impact Today

Farmers and water utility companies have been tapping into this groundwater for almost two hundred years. Everything was going fine until the past 15 to 20 years. That’s when climate change first made itself known.

Areas with ample rain or at least enough rainfall to meet their needs eventually received less precipitation. Because of this, farmers and utility companies had to dig deeper to find more groundwater, soon depleting supplies.

This is becoming a concern around the country, especially in the Southwest. While the Phoenix mayor says there is enough underground water to serve their needs for the next 100 years, others suggest she is too optimistic — even hopeful.

What we can expect from the state of Arizona, as well as New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Utah, which are in the same precarious situation, is that they will find ways to use water more efficiently.

For instance, compared to farmers of the 1970s, today’s farmers use as much as 90 percent less water.

Facilities such as office buildings and schools are also taking steps to use less water, which is one reason we see so many no-water urinals installed in commercial facilities. Dollar-for-dollar, it’s the least expensive way to save millions of gallons of water annually.

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 no-water urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

Meet the New Generation of Water-Conserving Restroom Fixtures

In most facilities, the primary goal of architects, planners, and plumbing engineers when designing restrooms is to manage peak traffic volume as effectively as possible. They consider a range of variables to help them select the products that best serve their clients' restroom needs.

 For instance, they factor in the type of facility— office, hospital, emergency center—the number of people having access to the restrooms, the size of the facility, accessibility issues regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), cleaning, and hygiene, as well as use and traffic. However, once installed, it is usually how efficiently these fixtures conserve water and their ease of maintenance that become the primary concern.

 A few years back, water and sewage costs in the United States averaged approximately $4 per 1,000 gallons. This rate has been increasing annually, and it is predicted that water costs will rise at a pace of 2 percent greater than inflation in the near future. 

 Additionally, pumping water to and from a facility requires electricity, an energy source becoming ever more costly. These costs are either paid by the water department through higher taxes or levied on the facility itself.

 And the United States is not alone in experiencing increased costs for water. Many countries worldwide, such as Ireland, Australia, and Canada, are increasing their user costs for water, and many are implementing surcharges for excessive water use.

 Fortunately, as facilities re-open from the pandemic, they are being greeted by a new generation of restroom fixture and water-saving technologies. These fixtures are safer, healthier, and by conserving water, these restroom fixtures play a crucial role in minimizing a building's environmental footprint and reducing its financial liabilities. 

 Among them are the following:

 On-Demand Water Faucets

 According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a considerable amount of water can be saved by switching to on-demand, sensory-controlled water faucets. Based on comparing conventional (manual) faucets and sensor-operated faucets, on-demand faucets offer a savings of 1.057 gallons of water each time a person washes their hands. 

Typically, when using manual faucets, users waste considerable amounts of water as they lather their hands, rinse, and reach for a towel. These savings occur because sensor-operated faucets shut off as soon as the user's hands are removed from the faucet area. Also, manual faucets are often left running because, as on-demand technology becomes more common, users expect the tap to turn off by itself. 

  Low-Flow Toilet Technologies

Although toilets manufactured in the United States since 1992 are required to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush (GPF), there are millions of still-functioning older toilets across the country that use 3.5 to as much as eight GPF.

 When one of these toilets is flushed, a flush valve or flush tank is activated, and water is released through holes in the toilet bowl rim. As water washes down the side of the bowl, gravity pulls the water to the bottom, removing waste. Post-1992 toilets use about half the amount of water as older toilets, and the fixture trap at the bottom of the toilet is enlarged to allow for quicker and more thorough removal.

 More advanced and conserving toilets (high—efficiency toilets (HETs) are being introduced with better pressure-assisted flush valves in the tank. These units are airtight and use pressurized air to rapidly push the water out of the tank, which delivers a much faster and more powerful flush than a standard gravity-fed toilet. The latest versions of these toilets use only about one GPF, about 35 percent less water than conventional toilets, and as much as 80 percent less water than toilets manufactured thirty years ago.

 Waterless Urinals

Waterless or no-flush urinal systems are also making headway in facilities. This technology is not new. Some of the earliest waterless systems were first seen in Europe about a hundred years ago. But with drought in the U.S. and worldwide, they certainly are garnering more attention.

 In addition to the Green movement, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is another reason waterless urinals are on the radar screens of many property developers and managers. By reducing indoor water consumption with waterless urinals, developers and managers can gain points toward LEED certification. And there can be direct money savings as well. Some cities offer commercial rebates to building owners to install water-conserving devices such as waterless urinals.

 Waterless urinals are manufactured by five or six companies in the United States. Although they look similar to conventional urinals, the most obvious difference is they have no flush valves or metal plumbing. This is how they work: 

· Gravity drains the urine into a trap cylinder that sits atop the drain area.

 · The trap cylinder (on most units) is filled with a thin layer of liquid sealant that prevents odors from escaping.

 · Urine eventually flows into a drainpipe connected to the urinal—similar to conventional urinals—with each use.

 We often forget that electricity pumps water into and out of a facility or up floors in high-rise buildings. Waterless systems and other water-reducing fixtures can cut energy costs significantly. Waterless units can also save building owners considerable sums in electricity.

 These water-reducing systems, on-demand faucets, low-flow toilets, and no-water urinals are expected to become much more common in the near future in all types of facilities. 

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, Vista, Calif. 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, discussing water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT WATER AND WATERLESS URINALS

KEY FACT

Billions of gallons of water are used annually to flush urinals in the United States. Consequences of this usage include the consumption of natural resources and the construction of new infrastructure to treat and transmit potable water and wastewater.

 Waterless or no-water urinals help lessen these effects because they use no water at all. Further, they offer other advantages, including lower utility charges, improved restroom hygiene, and decreased fixture maintenance.

DESIGN AND OPERATION

Waterless urinals appear and work like conventional urinals, except that they do not flush and require no water. 

 Like ordinary urinals, waterless urinals are plumbed to a standard drain line but do not use a conventional water supply. They utilize sealant liquids that function as a vapor trap. Urine passes through this liquid and goes down the drain. Except for a minuscule amount that escapes with each use, the liquid remains in place to trap odors and prevent them from escaping into the restroom.

APPLICATIONS

No-flush urinals can be installed virtually anywhere conventional flush-type urinals would go. Locations have included airports, schools, offices, hospitals, stadiums, convention centers, parks, and rest areas.

 Waterless urinals are suitable for both new construction and retrofits. In both applications, these urinals are installed like conventional ones, except that no water hookup is needed. Waterless urinals fit standard two-inch drain lines but not copper, which can react with the urea in urine to cause pitting and corrosion.

 Waterless urinals are an efficient option where facilities are not connected to a sanitary sewer system. Because there is no flushing, septic systems or on-site treatment facilities do not fill with water from urinals. No-flush urinals may also be attractive in locations such as parks and rest areas.

KEY BENEFITS

Water Savings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, toilets in the United States, flush urinals and toilets consume billions of gallons of water every day. Conventional flush-type urinals use about one to five gallons per flush, depending on their age. Because no-flush urinals use no water, one to five gallons of water is saved with each use.

Low Maintenance. Waterless urinals require little maintenance.

Improved Hygiene. Water used by conventional urinals gives germs in the restroom the moist environment they need to grow. Waterless urinals dry out between uses. This makes them hostile to bacteria and viruses.

Odor Control. The absence of a water-urine blend in the bowl lessens the prevalence of odors often associated with urinals.

Environmental Friendliness. Waterless urinals contribute positively to the environment.

Energy Reduction. Widespread use of waterless urinals could result in an overall reduction in energy use.

“Green Building” Credits. Many new construction projects are earning certification as “Green buildings” under the LEED program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Installation of waterless urinals helps gain water conservation points.

The Future of Waterless Urinals According to Artificial Intelligence

We recently asked an artificial intelligence system developed by Google the following question:

What is the Future of Waterless Urinals?

Here is what it said verbatim:

The future of waterless urinals is bright. With the growing awareness of water conservation and the increasing cost of water, waterless urinals are becoming a more popular choice for businesses and public facilities.

Waterless urinals use no water to flush, which can save a significant amount of water. A typical urinal uses about 1.5 gallons of water per flush. Over the course of a year, a single urinal can use over 5,000 gallons of water. Waterless urinals can save up to 98% of the water used by conventional urinals.

Waterless urinals are also more environmentally friendly than conventional urinals. They do not contribute to water pollution or the depletion of aquifers. Waterless urinals also require less energy to operate than conventional urinals, which can save on energy costs.

There are a few potential drawbacks to waterless urinals. Some people may be hesitant to use them because they are not used to urinals that do not flush. There is also a risk of odor buildup, but this can be prevented by using a urinal deodorizer - or proper cleaning. (Our insertion)

Overall, waterless urinals are a viable option for businesses and public facilities that are looking to save water and money. They are becoming more popular as people become more aware of the benefits of water conservation.

Here are some of the reasons why waterless urinals are becoming more popular:

• Water conservation: Waterless urinals save a significant amount of water, which is important in areas where water is scarce.

• Cost savings: Waterless urinals can save businesses and public facilities money on water and sewer bills.

• Environmental benefits: Waterless urinals do not contribute to water pollution or the depletion of aquifers.

• Hygiene: Waterless urinals are designed to prevent odor buildup and the spread of germs.

If you are considering installing waterless urinals, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure the urinals are properly installed and maintained. Improper installation or maintenance can lead to odor problems and other issues.

• Choose the right type of waterless urinal for your needs. There are a variety of waterless urinals available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your specific application.

• Educate your employees and customers about how to use waterless urinals. Some people may be hesitant to use them at first, so it is important to explain how they work and why they are important.

With proper installation and maintenance, waterless urinals can be a great way to save water, money, and the environment.

So, there you have it. Now you know everything we know about the future of waterless urinals.

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 finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

The Bathroom Fixtures of the Future Are Here Now

With little fanfare, the bathroom fixture industry has been introducing restroom fixtures that are safer, use less water, are easier to keep clean, and get this, darn right smart. These fixtures, which are introduced for household use, will find their way into commercial facilities relatively soon. So, as we get back on our feet after the pandemic and commercial facilities start seeing more traffic, expect to find some of these systems in use in offices and schools as well.

Let’s start our discussion with how bathroom fixtures are getting smarter. One leading manufacturer has introduced a toilet that doubles as a health monitoring device that analyzes waste and looks for signs of a virus or an infection. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve known that traces of COVID are found in wastewater. Analyzing waste content can help us know what is happening in our bodies sooner and seek earlier treatment if necessary.

Other bathroom fixtures of the future that are here now include the following:

Touchless. Earlier, we mentioned that some technologies are first introduced for home use and find their way into commercial facilities. This development is just the opposite.

Several manufacturers are introducing touchless bathroom fixtures. All some faucets need us to do is wave our hands over them. Depending on the direction of our hands, the water released is hotter or colder.

Chromotherapy. For many years, most bathroom fixtures have been white, as it was the most accepted color. But now, some homeowners want a spa-like feel and manufacturers are introducing fixtures in different colors. A color that appears to be garnering attention that has rarely been used before is green.

Showers. Talk about chromotherapy, ceiling shower heads are available that use LED lighting to color water as it is released. The color can be adjusted to suit the user’s mood; plus, the shower heads remember which user likes which colors. Further, many of these systems have speakers which can access different online music media outlets. Anyone up for “Singing in the Rain”?

Power. One way to reduce water consumption when taking a shower is to release a more powerful spray. Some new showerheads offer 60 percent more force than currently mandated by the EPA WaterSense program. Manufacturers claim the greater blast of water results in less water used per shower.

Recycling. Another shower development is a system that collects shower water and recycles it to be reused while showering. The water is put through a filter and disinfected using UV light. Some “fresh” water is still released to maintain pressure and temperature, but the process, manufacturers say, can reduce consumption.

Urinals. The installation of urinals in home bathrooms has been evolving in fits and starts for years. But now, not just urinals, but waterless urinals are becoming much more commonplace. Waterless urinals are the preferred choice because they are less costly to purchase and install and offer greater installation flexibility.

Flush. Some new toilets are being introduced that use less water than required by federal law. Right now, they must use 1.6 gallons of water or less. One manufacturer has introduced a toilet that uses close to half a gallon of water per flush. Oh, and that’s not all. Some systems have automatic lid opening and closing systems, deodorizers, auto-flushers, and mist the toilet after use electrolyzed water, keeping the toilet cleaner.

We should add that except for the waterless urinals, none of these bathroom fixtures of the future come cheap. Whereas a waterless urinal costs about $300, the chromotherapy showerhead that colors water and plays music starts at around $12,000.

Innovation costs money. But for those of us not willing to fork up $12,000, it's good to know we can still get a showerhead from Home Depot for about $20.

Robert Kravitz is a writer for the professional building and cleaning industries.

SOME FAQs ABOUT NO-WATER URINALS

Droughts, escalating water and sewer rates, and LEED* certification standards have created a growing interest in no-water or waterless urinal systems.

 Although waterless urinal technology has been available in the U.S. for nearly two decades, the systems are still new to many building professionals. The following FAQ, developed by the city of Calgary (Canada) and Waterless Co. LLC., answers some of the most frequent questions about these systems.

 How do they work?

No-water urinals look just like conventional urinals but without flush valves or water connections. Instead, urine flows into a drain where a “trap” is located; the trap acts as a sealant to prevent sewer odors from escaping. Once it has passed through the trap, the urine drains into a pipe and is carried away.

How are they maintained?

Waterless urinals are cleaned in the same way as conventional urinals; however, harsh chemicals and substantial amounts of water are not needed.

Most systems’ traps need to be replaced two to four times per year, depending on usage. Traps can cost as little as $10.00 to more than $40 on some water free systems.

Do they smell?

Urinal odors are usually caused by bacteria or by water reacting with urine. There tends to be fewer bacteria growing on no-water urinals and water/urine reactions are obviously not an issue; therefore, waterless urinals actually tend to have fewer odor issues.

How much water is saved?

It is estimated that a single flush urinal uses 25,000 to 40,000 gallons of water per year. So, a no-water urinal saves 25,000 to 40,000 gallons of water per year

How do users react to these systems?

There are few issues. When waterless systems are installed, users are sometimes surprised by the lack of flush handles or sensory devices. This is why many manufacturers suggest posting a sign explaining that the urinal does not need to be flushed.

However, this is not as necessary today due to the fact that so many waterless urinals are now installed in buildings throughout North America.

Most studies report that both users and building owners/managers are happy with the performance of no-water urinals. Concerns about water conservation have helped to further the public’s acceptance of these fixtures.

 
* Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Concerns Still High About Touching Restroom Fixtures

The 2023 Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corporation found that Americans are still concerned about germs in public restrooms, and many are taking steps to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces. The survey also found that Americans are increasingly in favor of touchless fixtures in public restrooms.

Here are some of the key findings from the survey:

• 62% of Americans use a paper towel as a barrier to avoid touching flushers, faucets, and doors. Women are more likely to do this than men (67% vs. 57%).

• 43% of Americans use their foot to flush toilets.

• 31% of Americans do not sit on toilet seats; they hover over the seat.

• 27% open and close doors with their backside to avoid germy contact. Women are significantly more likely than men to do this (35% vs. 19%).

• 82% of Americans believe having touchless fixtures in a public restroom is essential. This percentage has remained high in the survey since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

• Half of Americans say they would feel safer from germs in public restrooms if they were equipped with touch-free technology.

• Having touchless restroom fixtures is among the topmost requests, along with keeping restrooms cleaner and better stocked and always providing paper towels, even if there are hand dryers.

• The survey also found that the restroom features considered most essential to be touchless are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.

• The 2023 survey found that three in four Americans remain in an elevated state of germ consciousness triggered by the pandemic.

• Specifically, Americans are most concerned about germs in stores (48%), medical facilities (44%), gas stations (37%), restaurants (34%), and schools (25%).

Takeaway:

“When we first introduced waterless urinals, one of the benefits we promoted was that they did not require touching,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc.

“It’s always been a concern among [public] restroom users, but today, after the pandemic, that concern has grown tremendously.”

Reichardt offers other tips for staying safe in public restrooms:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using the restroom.

• Avoid touching any surfaces in the restroom that you don't need to touch.

• Use a paper towel to open and close doors, flush toilets, and turn on faucets.

• If there are no paper towels available, use your elbow or a clean cloth to touch these surfaces.

• If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Be sure to dry your hands thoroughly before leaving the restroom.

The Water Rates Top Ten - Who Pays the Most and the Least for Water

Waterless® Co., Inc.

Celebrating our 32nd Year

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Press Release

 The Water Rates Top Ten

Who Pays the Most and the Least for Water

Vista, CA – June 7, 2023 - With all the rain that fell on California and other western states this past winter, many believe water rates, which have been going up steadily for decades, might hold steady.

 But according to Klaus Reichardt, “this is not the case. While many reservoirs were filled, the problem was that much of that rainwater washed into the ocean or was not captured for storage.”

 The result is that the pressure to raise water utilities, “may have lessened, but we can expect rates to continue to go up.”

That said, an average U.S. family currently pays about $876 annually for water, based on using one hundred gallons of water per person per day.

The state with the least expensive costs for water is Florida, where the average family spends an extraordinarily low charge of about six dollars per month, or about $72 per year.

This is followed by Wisconsin and Vermont, which average $18 per month, $216 annually.

Those are the lucky states. 

On an annual basis, the ten states where consumers pay the most for water are the following:

On an annual basis, the ten states where consumers pay the most for water are the following:  

1. West Virginia, $1,092 per month.

2. California, $924.

3. Oregon, $912.

4. Washington, $900.

5. New Jersey, $864.

6. Connecticut, $828.

7. Alaska, $816.

8. Hawaii, $768.

9. Arizona, $760.

10. Wyoming, $756. *

“We must remember that these charges are for consumers,” adds Reichardt. “A manufacturing facility may spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for water. As their charges [for water] go up, the more we must pay for the products they produce.”

Interestingly, one of the reasons Reichard expects water utility rates to jump in the future has nothing to do with water or the lack thereof.  

Instead, its infrastructure.

“States such as Florida manage to keep costs down by putting infrastructure improvements on the back burner,” says Reichardt. “But you can only kick the bucket down the road so far. Eventually, it reaches a dead end.”

 As to ways to beat the trend, and keep water rate increases in check, the answer, he says, is water efficiency. Water efficiency is all about reducing waste. 

“We waste huge amounts of water every year and this must end.”

 ###

*Sources: 

World Population Review.

Utility Smarts

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 31-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

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert@alturasolutions.com

Restroom Fixtures to Save Water

As New Yorkers go back to work, there is one building many would like to work in. That building is the Bank of America’s East Coast headquarters. While not brand new, it continues to be a marvel of innovative, high-tech, and environmentally preferable features.

In fact, the $1 billion structure was one of the first in the United States to earn the top environmental rating from a coalition of building industry leaders and environmental organizations.

 Its many unique, Green features include:

 · Double-wall technology that dissipates the sun’s heat

· Ventilation systems that run under floors, allowing for more efficient heating and cooling, thus conserving energy

· Monitors that continuously check indoor air quality and ensure adequate fresh air 

· A system that collects and reuses rainwater and wastewater, which the designers believe will save as much as ten million gallons of water per year

· Waterless urinals in all the men’s restrooms

 Moreover, giant office buildings are not the only facilities looking for ways to be greener and more sustainable - especially when it comes to restroom fixtures.

Schools, universities, and healthcare centers throughout North America are incorporating a variety of new, innovative fixtures in their restrooms in a quest to be more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly. The new systems include high-tech toilets which use very little water and waterless urinals, which use no water at all.

Curious Addition

Many facility managers are still curious as to how a waterless urinal works. Visually, a waterless urinal looks just like a traditional urinal but without the plumbing usually found at the top of the fixture. 

However, at the base of the urinal’s interior is a trap insert or cylinder filled with a thin layer of liquid or sealant. Urine passes through the cylinder and sealant, which forms a barrier to prevent odors from escaping. Urine flows under the barrier layer and down a conventional drainpipe. 

As to water savings, conventional urinals use as much as three gallons of potable water per flush. In even a small facility, urinals might be flushed 2,000 times per month. This means one urinal may use as much as 35,000 gallons of water annually, which must be disposed of by transporting it down drains and sewers where it is treated by costly-to-build and maintain local sewage treatment plants.

Maintenance Matters

Some managers and housekeeping departments also wonder if waterless urinals require special cleaning attention or if they become more soiled than a conventional urinal. 

Waterless urinals do not require any special cleaning chemicals and tend to be easier to maintain because most are made of smooth, liquid-repellant surfaces. And because no water is used, there are fewer water deposits or stains left on the urinal, which can require scrubbing to remove. Studies have found that germs and bacteria are less likely to develop on waterless urinals as well due to their dryness.

In the U.S., there are a few manufacturers of waterless urinals. Although each type works about the same, they use slightly different systems, requiring different maintenance requirements. 

Because of this, facility managers must analyze the several types of waterless urinals and decide which system works best for their facility. Some trap inserts, for example, are very inexpensive and long-lasting, while others are quite expensive and need to be changed often. This can eliminate the savings facility managers might have hoped to achieve by minimizing water use and installation costs.

Waterless urinals have finally found a foothold in the restroom fixture industry, especially in facilities that want to be greener and more sustainable. Waterless urinals are here to stay. They have proven themselves in facilities like the Bank of America building mentioned earlier and are helping promote water efficiency, something we desperately need today. 

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 Co., Inc | Pioneers in Advancing Water Efficiency