Water, pure and bright 🍃🌧☔💦
Cleansing our souls, quenching our thirst
Flowing through our streams and rivers.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆
A gift from heaven, the icy peaks and the ocean's depth
Water shapes our world
Bringing about a symphony of nature.
In every drop, a universe unfolds.
Let us always be grateful
Precious water, it gives us life 🌊
-Klaus
CEO Waterless Co., Inc
How Microsoft Is Addressing Water Challenges
This is part of our continuing series, Overlooked No More, where we highlight companies and organizations taking significant steps to reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.
Many of the companies previously featured focus primarily on their own water use and finding ways to use less. However, our focus company this month, Microsoft, is extending its efforts far beyond its own operations. The company collaborates with countries and organizations worldwide to reduce water consumption, enhance water efficiency, and replenish water supplies.
Before exploring some of their efforts, the following two terms need to be clarified:
Water Efficiency. This refers to strategies that reduce or eliminate water consumption for the long term. Xeriscape landscaping, installing low-flow toilets, and no-water urinals are perfect examples.
Water Replenishment. According to Microsoft, replenishment activities typically address water quantity, availability, or quality by reducing water use and recharging local aquifers.
So, what's Microsoft been up to?
Among their major water efficiency projects currently are the following:
**The Colorado River** The goal here is to focus on water efficiency by using technologies that quickly uncover and repair leaks and introducing steps for farmers to reduce water consumption.
**Chile** This country frequently faces multi-year droughts that severely impact its water availability. To address this, Microsoft uses advanced leak detection technologies, helping farmers use water more efficiently, and develops projects that help the land absorb and retain more water, such as reforestation and soil conservation.
**Shanghai** This city of twenty-five million people has several water-related difficulties. Substantial amounts of water in Shanghai are polluted due to agricultural runoff and insufficient wastewater treatment. Additionally, there is a leadership vacuum in water management. To address this, Microsoft seeks ways to strengthen water stewardship, restore wetland areas to minimize runoff and improve water quality.
**Phoenix** Cooling systems can use vast volumes of water, especially in hot and dry areas such as Phoenix, AZ. Furthermore, these mechanicals often use more water as they age. Microsoft has developed a revolving loan program for the city's hospitals to address this. Loans are provided to hospitals to retrofit their HVAC systems. As the money is paid back, those funds are re-loaned to other hospitals, reducing water consumption and dramatically improving water efficiency.
Beyond water efficiency and replenishment, Microsoft's other water goals include the following:
Finding Water Alternatives: Exploring and implementing alternatives to water, particularly for data centers.
Monitoring and Measurement: Encourage water consumption tracking and replenishment efforts. Data allows communities to understand their water usage better and evaluate the effectiveness of their water reduction strategies.
Our series, Overlooked No More, aims to encourage you and your organization to support similar initiatives and implement strategies that help reduce water consumption and use it more efficiently. If we can help you in this endeavor, please contact us. In the interim, hopefully, we have provided you with some inspiration.
-Klaus
Urgent Action Needed to Ensure the World’s Supply of Fresh Water
Study Prepared by the UN Commission on the Economics of Water
Half the world’s population is currently grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published in October 2024.
The report warns that this alarming figure is only set to escalate as the climate crisis intensifies.
The report also highlighted the following:
More than 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people – 44 percent of the world’s population – lack safe sanitation.
Tragically, every day, 1,000 innocent children lose their lives due to the lack of access to safe water. This heart-wrenching statistic underscores the urgent need for action.
Demand for fresh water is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent in just six years.
Without action, by 2050, water problems will shave about 8 percent off global gross domestic product (GDP), with poorer countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, facing a 15 percent loss.
Over half of the world’s food production comes from areas experiencing unstable water availability trends - including areas of the United States.
The report also pointed out that two types of water serve the world:
Green Water. Found in soil, this water is used by agriculture, plants, and soil microorganisms. When used by vegetation, it is released back into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.
Blue Water. This water comes from rainfall or the melting of snow.
While the study focused on many other dark realities related to water, it also provided some answers and solutions, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a leading marketer of no-water urinals.
According to Reichardt, the report concluded that we must reshape world economies so that water is allocated more equitably and used more efficiently, eliminating waste.
He also suggests that we should "begin with the end in mind when it comes to water, focusing on the desired outcome and then working backward to achieve it."
November 19, 2024, is World Toilet Day | Here’s One of Many Reasons We Should Honor It
In rural Tanzania, a significant number of schools have no toilets and face severe sanitation challenges.
Forty percent lack access to clean water, and over 60% have no designated area for sanitary pad disposal.
These conditions frequently compel girls to miss school for extended periods. To address this issue, a World Bank program will upgrade toilet facilities and improve sanitation in up to 1500 schools spread across 17 administrative regions of Tanzania.
Watch this two-minute video to learn more.
Top Eight Reasons Facilities Consider LEED Certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. Every five years, the LEED program is reevaluated and updated by the US Green Building Council, the non-profit organization that manages the LEED certification program.
These updates, crucial to staying abreast of the latest environmental trends and regulations, are typically driven by changes in our environment and culture, and a growing need to conserve natural resources, particularly water.
They set a higher standard for facilities seeking LEED certification, encouraging organizations to take more significant steps towards sustainability and resource protection.
The latest LEED version, "v5," will be introduced in 2025. Because of this, many companies, building owners, developers, and managers are expected to give the latest version a close look. This is especially true of organizations planning construction projects, renovating existing buildings in 2025, or believing the time has come to become LEED-certified.
But what are the compelling reasons for an organization to pursue LEED certification? The benefits are numerous and significant. Among them are the following:
1. Government incentives. Some cities and states offer rebates and tax benefits to LEED-certified facilities, especially if steps have been taken to reduce water consumption.
2. Lower interest rates on construction loans. Banks may offer lower interest rates on construction and renovation loans for properties seeking LEED certification. Banks view these as safer investments.
3. Address new rules and regulations. Both in the U.S. and especially in Western Europe, new rules and regulations are being put into place that put greater emphasis on sustainability, water efficiency, and environmental concerns. LEED-certified facilities typically can meet these new regulations and are often one step ahead of them.
4. Culture of sustainability. Numerous organizations are adopting a "culture of sustainability." This is when all aspects of their business operations - from the vendors they work with to the products or services they offer – are taking steps to reduce consumption and protect natural resources.
5. Happier employees. LEED-certified buildings have improved indoor air quality, typically because of the way they are cleaned and maintained. Further, there is much more emphasis on natural light and more open spaces. This contributes to happier employees and happier employees tend to be more productive and loyal to their employers.
6. Long-term savings. While there was once a belief that LEED-certified buildings would be more expensive to build and operate, the reality is quite the opposite. These more efficient buildings typically have lower operating costs and energy and water bills, providing a sound financial investment overall.
7. Real estate profitability. It is no secret that office buildings are struggling to attract tenants. However, LEED-certified facilities still maintain an edge over non-certified buildings. Potential tenants remain convinced that a LEED-certified facility tends to be better and more efficiently operated.
8. Resilience. Compared to past versions, LEED v5 places much more emphasis on facility resilience. This is because changes in our climate are having a more significant impact on existing buildings. The two hurricanes in Florida are often used as an example. LEED v5 buildings are built to be more resilient and protective environments for building users.
Throughout, we’ve mentioned concerns about water and protecting this natural resource. This is because water scarcity is a growing global crisis. Further, droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting communities globally.
However, for businesses, the truth is inescapable: water is their lifeblood.
If taps run dry, production lines freeze, employees go home, and revenue evaporates. While companies acknowledge mounting water crises, they're not just embracing water efficiency as a noble goal, they're recognizing it as the very oxygen they need for survival.
-Klaus
Only Two States Not in Drought Conditions: What You Need to Know Now
Storyline: Almost the entire United States faced drought conditions during the last week of October 2024.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a staggering 87% of the United States was engulfed in at least moderate drought conditions, marking a historic moment in the monitor's records. Only Alaska and Kentucky were spared from this widespread crisis.
Details: The past four months have been consistently warmer than usual over a wide swath of the country, said Rich Tinker, a drought specialist with the National Weather Service. But in June, while a quarter of the country was dry, now 87 percent is.
Even after Hurricane Helene dropped vast amounts of destructive rain across the Southeast, the region is experiencing drought. When all the water comes at once, it's more difficult for soil to soak it up or for water storage to contain it. Since the storm and warmer temperatures, the result has been higher evaporation rates and drier soils.
Conserve Every Drop. The drought in New York City, the driest October since record-keeping began in 1869, prompted the city to issue a drought watch for its 9.8 million residents. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water efficiency. New Yorkers were urged to 'conserve every drop' of water possible, highlighting the crucial role of individual efforts in addressing this crisis.
Climate Change. While scientists don't yet know the exact role climate change played in the current drought, it is notable for its widespread nature, said Benjamin Cook, a climate scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
"Often we get regional droughts concentrated in the Southwest or Texas, but to have nearly the entire country dry or experiencing drought conditions is pretty rare," Dr. Cook said.
Brighter Future? The potential onset of La Niña conditions this fall or winter could significantly impact the drought. While it could worsen conditions across the country's southern half, the Northeast is in a state of uncertainty.
Dr. Cook suggests that the coming months could either continue the trend of warm and dry weather or bring a much-needed deluge of rain and snow.
"With precipitation on the uptick and temperatures, it does look like we're going to be in a good trajectory," Mr. Tinker said. "But it's been pretty dry and warm for quite a while, so we won't pop out immediately."
Source: In a Record, All but Two U.S. States Are in Drought; The New York Times, November 4, 2024
Water Efficiency is a Game Changer. 🏌️
Yet, many organizations overlook the simplest truth: you can’t manage what you can’t measure. ⚖
Tracking water usage isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding patterns, identifying waste, and making informed decisions.
➡️Start with these practical steps:
1. **Install Smart Meters**: These devices provide real-time data. They highlight leaks and inefficiencies before they become costly problems.
2. **Conduct Regular Audits**: Schedule assessments to evaluate water usage across all operations. This helps pinpoint areas for improvement.
3. **Set Clear Goals**: Establish specific, measurable targets for water reduction. It creates accountability and drives progress.
4. **Engage Your Team**: Educate employees on the importance of water conservation. Empower them to contribute ideas and solutions.
5. **Leverage Proven Technologies**: Transfer to low-flow toilets, taps, aerators, and no-water urinals, all proven to improve water efficiency dramatically.
The bottom line? Measurement leads to accountability, and accountability drives change. Embrace a culture of water efficiency, and watch your organization thrive. 💧📊
Klaus' Story: Why I started Waterless Co. Inc.
Hello, I'm Klaus, the CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. After more than three decades, I’m still asked why I started Waterless Co., which markets no-water urinals.
Well, it all began during my college days at Pepperdine University in Southern California. Seeing the impact of droughts and water shortages firsthand, year after year, was a real wakeup call. These weren't freak occurrences – they were recurring challenges that threatened people and businesses alike.
Sure, measures and incentives popped up during these dry spells, and Californians did their part. But there was a sense of complacency. Too often, droughts were seen as temporary inconveniences, and people felt they could just go back to using water freely once things "normalized."
That's when it hit me. This couldn't be the way forward. With a growing population facing more frequent droughts, we needed a permanent shift towards water efficiency. After graduating, I dove deeper into the issue, and that's where I stumbled upon waterless urinals. It ignited a passion in me!
In 1991, Waterless Co. was born. We were the first company in the US to introduce these innovative water-saving fixtures. Since then, our products have found a home everywhere: schools, offices, even major sports arenas like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
It's been over 30 years, and while Waterless Co. has seen steady growth, there were bumps along the road, like any business. But through it all, remembering the "why" behind our company has been my anchor.
Speaking of "why," I want to leave you with a powerful video by Simon Sinek that emphasizes the importance of purpose for any organization. It resonated deeply with me, and it aligns perfectly with our mission at Waterless Co.
I hope it helps you as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjriwYrGL28)
Let's use water wisely, together.
More Companies Taking Action to Improve Water Efficiency
Waterless® Co., Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release
What strikes me is how much is being accomplished to reduce water consumption around the globe.
Vista, CA – October 20, 2024 - When it comes to water concerns, what we hear about most frequently is the failing water infrastructure in the U.S., growing water scarcity, dry aquifers, more frequent droughts, and severe water challenges in different parts of the world.
What we hear very little about is the progress being made by many companies to address these issues. These companies are becoming much more water efficient, which means they are reducing their water consumption long-term.
"I do not dispute [the fact that] the world has many water challenges," says water-efficiency expert, Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., marketers of no-water urinals.
"But what is also important is that we do not overlook all the actions taken by businesses to reduce water consumption."
Reichardt points to programs such as Water<Less, which Levi Strauss & Company developed. This program reduces the amount of water used for garment finishing by 96 percent.
Since the program's inception in the late 2000s, more than 800 million gallons of water have been saved, and more than 400 million gallons of water have been recycled.
Several other corporations have also made commendable progress in enhancing their water efficiency efforts. Among them are:
The Ford Motor Company has reduced its water consumption by 70% since 2000.
Google has ambitiously pledged to replenish 120% of the water it uses by 2030.
Coca-Cola achieved a milestone in 2015 by becoming the first Fortune 500 company to be net-zero - replenishing as much water as it consumes - in its worldwide beverage production.
PepsiCo has also made substantial improvements, boosting its water efficiency by 50% from 2019 to 2020. Its target is to achieve net water positivity by 2030.
Similarly, Microsoft is actively working towards becoming net water positive, aiming to restore more water than it uses globally by 2030.
"What strikes me is how much is being accomplished to reduce water consumption around the globe," adds Reichardt. "This must not be overlooked because it shows what can be done and inspires other companies to follow these water-efficiency leaders."
About Waterless
Waterless Co., Inc. has been a pioneer in water efficiency since 1991, when it introduced waterless urinals to North America. Headquartered in Vista, CA, the company has established itself as a key player in promoting water efficiency. Their product range includes a variety of no-flush urinals, liquid plumbing solutions, and cost-saving accessories, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in water-saving technologies.
Contact Information
Waterless Co. Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364
Overlooked No More: Companies Taking Action to Improve Water Efficiency
Here are some of the warnings we hear about water regularly:
By 2023, the UN predicts that the water demand will outstrip supply by 40 percent.
Due to climate changes, fresh water is increasingly in short supply in drought-prone areas of the world.
Currently, as many as two billion people endure prolonged periods without access to safe water and sanitation.
At Waterless Co., Inc., we do not dispute these challenges. What we are concerned about is the lack of attention being paid to what global companies - which use two-thirds of the world’s freshwater - are doing to address these issues.
We know that with the right strategies and commitment, we can bring about positive change when it comes to water. Take for instance the following:
Levi Strauss & Co. It is always a shock to people when they learn that making a single pair of genes consumes more than 1,000 gallons of water. Levi's is aware of this, and they are taking significant steps to reduce this water consumption.
The company started a project called Water<Less.
Using the Water<Less process, Levi's claims it will be able to reduce up to 96 percent of the freshwater typically used in making of a pair of jeans. The project is a set of over twenty techniques designed to reduce water consumption and is being used in virtually all the products made by the company.
Other pant and clothing manufacturers are taking notice. Many of the steps Levi’s is taking are being shared with these companies. This collective effort is a beacon of hope, as together, these companies will make an incredibly significant contribution to reducing water consumption long-term – what water efficiency is all about.
Intel. Some of our recent posts have discussed how much water artificial intelligence (AI) servers require. In one post, we mentioned that it takes about sixteen ounces of water—as much as in a bottle of Coke—to produce just one AI-generated email.
Now, Intel, which develops chips and computer components used in AI servers, is working to address this. Intel's operations in the United States, Costa Rica, and India are officially net-positive on water use. In those countries, Intel restores and returns more freshwater than it takes in.
According to Todd Brady, Intel's chief sustainability officer, "More than ten years ago, we began exploring how to better understand and reduce our water footprint. Five years ago, we set a public goal to restore 100% of our consumption and became the first tech company to set a companywide water restoration goal."
Further, just like Levi's, many of the steps Intel is taking are being shared with other chip manufacturers worldwide. This global effort to reduce water consumption, improve water efficiency, and become net-positive is being adopted by major corporations, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
We don't hear stories like this that often. In the future "Think Waterless" posts will address this oversight.
Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer 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 who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com
