The Power of Awareness in Addressing Water Challenges

"Awareness is the great agent for change," says Echart Tolle, author and international spiritual guru.

This can apply to everything, including water-related challenges and water scarcity, which is becoming a global concern. According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., the key to reducing water consumption, preventing water scarcity, and ensuring its availability in the future is awareness.

"This will be especially true in 2024, as more people become aware of the gap between water supply and demand. It will encourage more people around the world to take actions to conserve water and use water much more efficiently."

However, we are learning that the effectiveness of change using awareness campaigns often depends on how it is presented. For instance, in the mid-1980s, drug awareness programs were created to encourage American teenagers not to take drugs and, if they started, to stop taking them.

Since then, several studies have been taken, all coming to the same conclusion: these drug prevention programs did not work. In some cases, they even increased drug use among teenagers.

As to why they did not work, there are almost as many conclusions as there are studies. But most of these studies concluded: "Scare tactics do evoke a strong emotional reaction, [but] research shows that teens still don't modify their behavior accordingly. They rarely make the connection between the message and their own personal [use of drugs]."

Interestingly, studies have found that the same is true of adults. Instead of getting adults to change certain behaviors, scare tactics often make them feel guilty. When this happens, they tune out the campaign or do just the opposite of what the campaign is encouraging them not to do.

"In the past, scare tactics have been used to shock people into using less water," says Reichardt. "While awareness is the answer to helping the world reduce water consumption and use water more responsibly, scare strategies should not be used. A different approach is necessary."

Instead of scare tactics, here is what Reichardt recommends:

End the doom and gloom. Instead of showing desperate people walking miles to collect water or having no water, focus on what is being done to help these people alleviate these challenges. Positive behaviors can promote positive changes, including using water more responsibly and efficiently.

Communicate with images. It's true. Images can speak a thousand words. But don't show despair in these images; show hope and solutions. This creates positive emotions and inspires people to reduce their own water consumption.

Calls to Action. Let people know what they can do to help address water challenges and water scarcity. Positive awareness campaigns need to leave people with positive emotions and hope and indicate what steps they can take to improve the situation. Be specific. Let people know what they can do. This approach will help people feel good about themselves and feel they are part of a global campaign to help others when it comes to water.

Storytelling. The goal of any awareness campaign is to help people become aware of a situation. Storytelling is one of the best ways to make this happen. Storytelling motivates others to care. Interesting stories about individuals or entire communities that have struggled with water challenges and found ways to address them can be compelling and memorable. Be sure they have a beginning, middle, and positive end.   A heartfelt story with a positive ending motivates others to understand the water challenges we face, but even more, get more people on board finding ways to address them.

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

Source: "Scare Tactics Won't Work for Drug Prevention. Here's Why," by Jess Keefe, published in Shatterproof, a drug recovery program. October 12, 2022

THINK WATERLESS | Think Las Vegas

California and Texas are often seen as opposites by outsiders. They have many disagreements on various issues. But they have one thing in common: together they extract more underground water than any other states in the country – as much as 25 billion gallons every day.

Despite the above-average rainfall in both states in the last two years, the underground water reserves (aquifers) are still being drained faster than they can be refilled. "Those aquifers took thousands of years to accumulate water," says Klaus Reichardt, the CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "Now they are being depleted in many parts of the U.S., which means that water security could become a real challenge for the United States in the near future."

However, we have ways to reverse this trend. Nevada, especially Las Vegas, Nevada, are perfect examples of how this can be accomplished. 

Las Vegas now consumes 26 percent less water today – even with a much larger population - than it did in 2002. Moreover, the city and the state are constantly looking for new ways to reduce water use and use water more efficiently. In other words, it’s an ongoing journey.

How are they doing this? 

According to a 2022 report on CBS News and John Entsminger, the general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, among the ways are the following:

• Every drop of water used indoors is treated, recycled, and stored in Lake Mead. This has proven so effective, "you could leave every faucet, every shower running in every hotel room, and it won't consume any more water," says Entsminger.

• The state is helping homeowners financially to install desert landscaping. It also mandates when and how much water can be used for irrigation.

• A new law, the first of its kind in the U.S., bans non-functional grass. Non-functional grass is grass installed along roadways, at shopping centers, and other commercial facilities to improve the appearance of these areas – but has no functional purpose. It's being torn out all over Las Vegas and replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping. According to Entsminger, “watering one square foot of grass in Las Vegas uses seventy-three gallons of water per year. Drought tolerant landscaping uses just eighteen gallons."

• Las Vegas now has fourteen water-waste inspectors. They are on the lookout for property owners that let water run down outside drains. Fines run from $80 to $1,300.

• Monitors to detect leaks in the city's water infrastructure have been installed. The system has identified more than 1,600 underground leaks, helping to save three hundred million gallons of water. That's enough water to supply 1,800 Las Vegas homes.

• Encouraging the installation of water-conserving restroom fixtures. Many hotels now have compressed-air toilets, which use extraordinarily little water. Additionally, waterless urinals are now commonplace in many hotels, commercial buildings, and schools.

• MGM Resorts and the Bellagio Hotel have built their own water wells, reducing their dependence on the Colorado River and underground water supplies. Water that evaporates is replaced with treated and recycled water. The process has helped the properties reduce water consumption by 30 percent in the past three years.

Entsminger adds that all the steps mentioned here are part of an ongoing effort to reduce water consumption in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.

"The situation we're facing today isn't drought. It's the long-term aridification* of the desert Southwest. These plans need to be permanent, and they need to build upon themselves every year."

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are:

• The go-to company for reducing water consumption.

• Understand the many benefits of waterless urinals.

• Help you find ways to use water more efficiently.

For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

*Aridification refers to an area gradually getting dryer and hotter. This is caused by natural climatic events as well as climate change.

Here’s How Hemingway Might Describe a Urinal

The urinal, sturdy and unassuming, stood alone in the corner, its porcelain gleaming under the harsh fluorescent light.

It offered a refuge for weary men, a momentary respite in a world of chaos.

Its purpose was simple yet profound – to collect and dispose of waste, an everyday task carried out with stoicism and efficiency.

Forged from the hands of craftsmen, its design was unadorned, its lines clean and purposeful. It was a silent witness to moments of reflection, camaraderie, and relief.

In this shelter of solitude, men found solace, their burdens temporarily lightened as they stood together, united by the commonality of human needs. The urinal, modest and unassuming, transcended its utilitarian nature, becoming an emblem of forgotten struggles and silent triumphs.

Waterless Co., Inc’s New Year’s Greeting

In 1991, we were the first company to introduce no-flush urinals to North America. Since then, our products have helped customers here and around the world reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.

As we enter 2024, we are excited to launch new products, strengthen our brand and empower our people. We are committed to our mission of reducing water consumption globally. That’s what drives us, motivates us, and defines us.

Have a Healthy, Happy New Year

Wealth and Water: The Surprising Disparity

Traditionally, people of wealth use more water than low-income individuals. The reasons are apparent.  

Wealthy people, such as those living in wealthy enclaves in California and other areas of the country, typically own large homes with a lot of acreage, even in city areas. These homes typically also have lots of water-hungry landscaping, all of which suggests greater water consumption. 

Further, these folks have access to expensive water "toys," such as multi-head shower heads and double showers allowing two people to shower simultaneously, oversized bathtubs, home spas with hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and more. Again, these all require water to enjoy - and lots of it.

However, a Stanford University research group found that in times of drought and when water curtailment measures are in place, it is the rich that see water bills go down, even when rates go up. On the other hand, it is lower-income households that see their water bills go up.

"A low-income household often has a different response to [water] curtailment measures and surcharges because of how much water they used before the drought," said Benjamin Rachunok, who conducted the work as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford and is now an assistant professor at North Carolina State University.  

"This can lead to different affordability outcomes for low- and-high-income people, even if the same processes and policies are applied to everyone." 

According to lead researcher, Sarah Fletcher, lead researcher reported:  

"The standard way of thinking about the connection between water scarcity and affordability has been to look at the cost of supplying water and how that cost is passed on to users.  

But we must include people's behavioral responses to how the drought is unfolding and the restrictions that are put in place."  

What Fletcher is saying is that when there is a water shortage, water providers often ask consumers to cut back on water consumption, and to help enforce this and make up for lost income, they often introduce water surcharges.

When this happens, high-income households have the flexibility to cut back on water use significantly, lowering their average water bill, even with the addition of a water surcharge.  

On the other hand, low-income households have less flexibility in their water usage. Even if they can curtail their water use, the drop does not compensate for the additional surcharge charges. In other words, they pay more for water.  

Commercial Water Consumption

If we look at water use in commercial facilities, we see again that those facilities with the resources can invest in additional steps to reduce water consumption. This has been going on for several years now.  

For instance, for years, building owners in large parts of California and other western states have been installing natural landscaping that uses less water.  They have also been installing highly efficient toilets and urinals, or taking this a big step further, installing waterless urinals that use no water at all.  

Having the resources to take these measures and install these fixtures helps lower water consumption significantly in these facilities along with their water utility bills - even with additional surcharge added to the bill.

What is affordable Water?

Determining what percentage of an office building's budget applies to water can be challenging. There have always been several variables to consider and sometimes each tenant in the facility pays their own water utility bill.  

Further, with so many office vacancies around the country at this time, water budget estimates that worked in the past likely do not work today.  

However, for residential facilities, the story is different.

The authors of this study consider water to be affordable when it exceeds two to four percent of a household's income. The researchers go on to say that "while the cost of supplying water is the primary driver of water bills, even a small bill increase during droughts could make it difficult for some households to afford the water they need."

Hopefully, states will return to rebate and assistance programs that can help lower-income households install fixtures that use less or no water. Ultimately, it will be beneficial to these households and helpful for all of us as we struggle to always use water more efficiently and responsibly in times of drought and at all times.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company for 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. 

Source: Socio-hydrological drought impacts on urban water affordability, by Benjamin Rachunok and Sarah Fletcher, published online by Nature Water, January 19, 2023

PDF: Socio-hydrological drought impacts on urban water affordability.pdf

Enter A True Cost Saver

Waterless No-Flush™ urinals resemble conventional urinal fixtures. The only difference is that they save an estimated 35,000 gallons of water per year.

These easy-to-install urinals have no flush valves. There are no handles to touch, making them the perfect fixture in this post-pandemic era. They have no costly sensors to install or adjust and no moving parts.

The urinal bowl surfaces are smooth, and urine is removed by flowing down the bowl, helped by gravity alone.

And because the surface stays dry, no water deposits develop, no bacteria or similar contaminants grow, and odor problems are eliminated.

And, with ever-increasing water and sewer costs, Waterless No-Flush urinals have proved themselves to be tremendous energy and money savers – fitting in perfectly in our increasingly sustainability-focused world.

For more information, visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free: 800-244-6364

So Many to Choose From - But Waterless Still Leads the Way

Waterless urinals, which were once a rarity, are now being produced by several manufacturers and can be found worldwide. 

However, among all the systems introduced, the Waterless No-Flush™ Urinal system from Waterless Co., Inc. has proven to be the most reliable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. 

Unlike other systems, it does not require weekly/monthly flush-outs with water. When we say no-water, we mean no-water.

The trap/cylinder inserts, installed at the bottom of the urinal can quickly and easily be removed. 

What's more, when they need to be changed, they can be refilled effortlessly with BlueSeal®, designed to be used with our all no-water urinals. 

The Waterless EcoTrap® system is still the most affordable and effective trap/cylinder available in the market today.

For more information, visit Www.waterless.com, or call toll-free 800-244-6364.

More Questions and Answers About Waterless Urinals

The following is an interview with Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co. Inc., for a university campus publication.

Question: What are some initial and long-term benefits for colleges that install waterless urinals?

Installing waterless urinal systems can offer several benefits to building managers.

Firstly, the installation cost is significantly lower as waterless urinals do not require flush handles, sensory systems, and incoming waterlines necessary for conventional urinals.

Secondly, waterless urinal systems rarely require plumbing repairs. For instance, one popular restaurant/bar manager shared that after a busy Saturday night, it was common for at least one of the restaurant's conventional urinals to be broken or clogged with debris. However, with waterless urinals, this rarely happens.

Thirdly, waterless urinals can help keep water bills in check, which is a significant cost-saving factor. Since 1991, the average water bill in the U.S. has risen about 50 percent, higher in some areas, making it a growing cost concern for building managers.

What Costs are Associated with Installing Waterless Urinals?

The most significant costs involve the trap/cylinders placed at the base of the urinal. Some no-water urinals require more frequent changing of these trap/cylinders than others, which can undermine the expected cost savings. Interestingly, the brands that require frequent trap/cylinder changes are also the most expensive, with some costing as much as $50 each. However, with our urinals, the trap/cylinder costs only about $10 per unit. 

How Much Water Do They Save?

A conventional urinal uses 20,000 to 45,000 gallons of water per year. A waterless urinal uses no water at all. Further, some manufacturers of these urinals recommend flushing a gallon of water down the urinal each month. We do not. That rarely is necessary with our urinals, further helping to keep water consumption to a minimum. 

How does waterless technology work?

The way waterless urinal systems work is quite simple. Instead of using water to flush away urine, gravity drains the urine into the trap/cylinder we just mentioned.

We use the Eco-Trap cylinder. It is filled with a thin layer of liquid sealant called BlueSeal, which must be refilled as necessary and, in most cases, is a quick and easy procedure. 

As the urine passes through the trap/cylinder and sealant, the urine overflows into a conventional drainpipe, much like a traditional urinal works.  

How long has your company offered these fixtures, and what has customer feedback been?

We have been in business since 1991. That tells you a lot about our products and our company. The urinals work and work well. Further quality customer service is always our goal. We keep our customers happy with our products and quality service.

What’s the Connection Between No-Water Urinals and LEED?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program has gotten much more focused on reducing water consumption than ever before. Facilities that install waterless urinals often find the water saving is so significant that this is all they need to earn water-related points and pass this criterion of the LEED program.   

Can you comment on any other trends in water waste reduction you have noticed on college campuses?

It is hard to believe today, but at one time, toilets installed in schools and colleges in the U.S. used as much as eight gallons of water per flush (gpf). Today, they use 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf).

Similarly, pre-1992, conventional urinals used three to four gpf. Now, they use about one, but we consider that one too many.

The trend I see in the future is the increasing need to reduce water consumption around the world and to use water more efficiently. With each passing year, we see this as a growing concern.

Fortunately, waterless urinals are helping stem water consumption today, not only in North America but around the world.

Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc.  He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs. 

www.waterless.com

7 Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to Do Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release

7 Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to Do Now

Don't Forget the Antifreez

As the holiday season and wintry weather approach, some facilities, such as schools, will shut down for a couple of weeks, if not months. 

This means managers must take steps now to winterize plumbing in these buildings before they close.

Winterizing helps prevent leaks and breaks in the plumbing system. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can damage pipes and plumbing fixtures.

 Winterizing also prevents sewer odors and gases from escaping into the building. This happens when the P-trap underneath drains dries out, allowing hydrogen sulfide and methane gas to enter the facility. 

 These gases can cause serious health hazards.

To avoid these problems, Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc, marketers of no-water urinals and other restroom products, suggests the following Seven Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to do now: 

1.   Shut off the water supply. If permitted, this is the main water valve to the facility. If a pipe bursts, it could cause thousands of dollars in damage.

2.   Open all faucets and drains. This will allow water to drain out of the pipes.

3.   Drain the water heater. Turn off the electrical or gas service to the water heater, and then open the drain valve to drain the water heater.

4.   Add antifreeze to toilets. With the main water valve closed, flush toilets and pour antifreeze in the bowls. This prevents standing water from freezing. 

5.   Insulate exposed pipes. This will keep water in outdoor or exposed pipes from freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves, wrapping, or foam pipe insulation.

6.   Pour a liquid ever prime into drains. This will keep the P-traps from drying out and releasing unpleasant odors and unhealthy gasses. A few ounces per drain is all that is needed.

7.   Maintain a heating source in the facility. Setting the thermostat at 40 to 50 degrees (F) helps protect pipes from the cold.

“As the days grow colder, the last thing a manager wants to find when returning to a facility is burst or frozen pipes,” adds Reichardt. “These steps will help prevent this.”

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc., Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991.  Based in Vista, Ca, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other 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

a facility manager asks us about waterless urinals

I recently received the following question from a facility manager:

Hello Klaus,

Have there been any advances in the waterless urinal world? Although we all know they save water, many building owners and managers still believe they have odor issues. Is this true?

My Answer

Hello, and thank you for your interest in Waterless Urinals. I am happy you contacted me.

First, I must agree with you, waterless urinals are a terrific way to save water, promote sustainability, and reduce environmental impacts. They also have other benefits for building owners and managers, such as lowering maintenance costs, fewer plumbing problems, and improved hygiene.

However, some people may have misconceptions about waterless urinals and odor. This is understandable, as waterless urinals were not always as advanced and reliable as they are today.

Before going further, let me introduce myself. I am proudly viewed as a waterless urinal expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. I have been involved in the development, marketing, and installation of waterless urinals and related technologies in North America and around the world since 1991.

Now to your question. The main causes of no-water urinal odor issues in the past were the following three issues:

1.    Many manufacturers of non-water urinals were requiring - and still require - the use of costly cartridges, which are placed at the bottom of the urinal. However, the sealing liquid used for these cartridges did not last long.

So, you understand, the cartridge and the sealing liquid are designed to prevent sewer odors from entering the restroom. Today, most manufacturers use cartridges and sealing liquids that perform more effectively and last longer. In fact, many recommend our BlueSeal sealing liquid. It lasts longer, is refillable, easy to use, and is less expensive than most other sealing liquids.

2.    The second issue comes down to cleaning. When no-water urinals were first being adopted, cleaning professionals were unsure how to clean them. Often, they used substantial amounts of water, which was unnecessary, could damage the cartridge, and reduced the amount of sealing liquid in the cartridge. Errors such as this have been eliminated.

Cleaning professionals are now familiar with waterless urinals and know how to clean them. Typically, all that is required is a sanitizer or disinfectant sprayed on the surfaces of the urinal and then wiped down. There rarely is deposit build-up of any kind on these urinals so no scrubbing is necessary. 

3.    Finally, many cleaning professionals did not know how often to replenish the sealing liquid. It’s quite simple. But once again, cleaning workers were not taught how to do this, which often resulted in odors.

I hope this answers your question and clears up any doubts you may have about waterless urinals. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our products and services, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Klaus Reichardt