Thirsty Giants: Water Use at Major Airports

O’Hare International Airport

Major international airports are among the largest non-municipal consumers of water, drawing on local supplies for sanitation, terminal and aircraft cleaning, cooling/HVAC, landscaping, de-icing and fire-suppression systems.

While exact figures vary widely by airport size, climate and operational practices, typical annual water consumption falls into the following ballpark:

• 132 million gallons to over one billion gallons per year.

• Roughly 400,000 to as much as three million gallons per day.

• Equivalent to 1.4–11 million liters daily

So, why is water consumption so high in airports?

Is it to maintain the hundreds of aircraft flying into and out of the airport each day?

The answer might surprise you. Just as in most commercial buildings, a large amount of this water is used in restrooms – to flush toilets, urinals, and running the faucet. And this is all potable water, meaning it can be used for human consumption and well as unneeded purposes like flushing urine down a urinal.

Beyond water consumption in restrooms, most of the water used in airports goes to the following:

·       Drinking fountains and restaurants in the airport.

·       Regular washing of floors, windows, gates, and planes. In this case, both potable and non-potable water is often used.

·       Cooling and HVAC systems also consume high volumes of water. Evaporative cooling towers and chillers are used in most airports to maintain comfortable temperatures

·       Landscaping and irrigation come in next.  Interestingly, commercial facilities in suburban areas use most of their water for landscaping. However, most airports purposely have limited landscaped areas to ensure security.

·       Finally, there are specialized uses of water at an airport.  Large amounts of water are used to de-ice planes or for fire suppression. *  

Flying Toward Water Efficiency

Fortunately, airports are adopting a range of strategies to curb water use and bolster resilience:

• Leak detection and rapid repair to prevent losses that can reach up to 50% in aging networks

• Installation of low-flow fixtures and sensor taps

• Replacing water-using urinals with waterless urinals

• Harvesting rainwater and treating greywater for non-potable needs

• On-site wastewater treatment and reuse for landscaping or cooling towers

• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) planning to align airport systems with regional water stress considerations

Further, by benchmarking consumption per passenger or per aircraft movement, airports can set targets and track progress—turning themselves into local leaders in sustainable water stewardship.  

Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. LLC in Vista, California, is a recognized authority on water conservation. Since 1991, he has led the company to innovate plumbing products like the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water.

To contract Klaus, click here

*These statistics can vary considerably based on a variety of factors.      

The AI Perspective on Waterless Urinals

What does artificial intelligence (AI) think about waterless urinals? We asked an AI system about these water-saving fixtures, and its responses highlighted several key benefits, including hygiene, water conservation, and ease of installation.

Hygiene and Sanitation

According to the AI, waterless urinals are a smart way to boost hygiene in any restroom. Since they don't use a flushing mechanism, they naturally reduce the spread of germs. Without a flush, there's no splash back, which minimizes splatter and keeps surfaces cleaner. The AI system also noted that waterless urinals help reduce restroom odors, further improving sanitation. Essentially, with a waterless urinal, you just aim and wash your hands afterward, and the fixture handles the rest.

Water Conservation and Cost Savings

The AI pointed out that waterless urinals are highly effective at conserving water. While the exact numbers can vary, a single waterless urinal can save thousands of gallons of water annually. This significant water reduction can also lead to noticeable savings on your monthly water bill. The AI estimated that one urinal could save around $50 per year in water costs, making them a great way to save both money and a vital resource.

Installation and Function

The AI system explained that waterless urinals are easy to install in a variety of locations, from public facilities to private homes. They can be integrated with existing plumbing, and the installation process is straightforward.

Waterless urinals function using an engineered trap system. This system collects and holds liquid without the need for flushing. The waste is stored until it reaches a certain level, then it's released into the drain. This mechanism is key to their water-saving design.

The Future of Restrooms?

The AI concluded that waterless urinals represent the future of hygiene. Because they don't require any physical contact with a flushing handle or button, they offer a touch-free and more sanitary experience. If you're looking for an effective way to improve hygiene and conserve water - and use water more efficiently - in your home or business, installing a waterless urinal is a great option to consider.

BlueSeal – Our Long-Lasting Biodegradable Trap Seal Liquid

BlueSeal® is an innovative, long-lasting, and biodegradable trap seal liquid designed for waterless urinals.

This eco-friendly solution provides superior odor control while reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Key Features & Benefits

Superior Odor Control

BlueSeal features a specific gravity lower than water or urine, allowing it to float on the surface and create an effective seal that blocks trap odors. The liquid remains in the trap for extended periods.

Other Benefits

• Zero evaporation at temperatures up to 100°F (38°C)

• Freeze-resistant down to -70°F (-57°C)

• Eliminate or reduce costly urinal winterization procedures

• Maintains effectiveness in extreme temperature conditions

• Remains indefinitely in waterless traps that are rarely used

• Reduces maintenance frequency and costs

BlueSeal is also biodegradable and compatible with most commercially available cleaners

Plus, it is simple to apply.  Just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For more information, contact Waterless Co., Inc. here.

Keeping Your Customer's Facility Smelling Fresh This Winter

Winter months are around the corner, and they are often cold and dry, the perfect scenario for causing floor drains to dry up. This can result in the release of toxic sewer gases into your customer's facility.

Custodial workers often pour water, or bleach down drains to prevent this. However, this is a temporary fix, and bleach can be harmful to the user and the environment.

A more professional, effective, and certainly inexpensive option is  EverPrime from Waterless Co, Inc. Just mix three ounces of EverPrime in a gallon of water and you’re all set.

EverPrime is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting. It's not impacted by extreme heat or cold, and most importantly, it doesn't evaporate.

This means you can trust it to prevent noxious sewer gases from escaping into your customers’ restrooms and spreading throughout their facility.

Your satisfied customer will say, “job well done.”

For more information about how EverPrime, visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free 800-244-6364 today.

The Many Benefits of Water Savings and Water Efficiency

📝The Water Savings Domino Effect

Organizations are adopting waterless urinals to reduce water consumption, lower utility costs, and comply with environmental regulations.

Replacing a conventional urinal with a waterless unit can save approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

✋In facilities with multiple urinals, the collective water savings can be substantial, equivalent to filling multiple Olympic-sized swimming pools. Other benefits include the following:

💰Lower Costs: Organizations benefit from reduced utility and maintenance bills because waterless urinals have fewer moving parts and don’t rely on water or energy-intensive flushing and treatment systems.

🌍Environmental Advantages: These urinals decrease wastewater, lower energy consumption, and reduce the need for chemicals in cleaning and water treatment. They also help conserve natural water sources and reduce carbon emissions.

🧹Improved Hygiene & Ease of Maintenance: Without standing water, odor and biofilm buildup are inhibited, making custodial work easier while promoting a more sanitary restroom environment.

🏛️Green Building & Accreditation: Installing waterless urinals can help facilities meet LEED, WELL, and other sustainability certification goals, potentially influencing tenant and investor decisions.

🌱💪🌻Sustainability Leadership: By adopting waterless urinals, organizations boost their reputation, show environmental responsibility, and promote global water awareness.

>Let’s always remember that every gallon saved supports both operational efficiency and global environmental health, positioning waterless urinals as a smart, scalable sustainability solution.

👨‍💼Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc. in Vista, California, is a recognized authority on water conservation. Since 1991, he has led the company to innovate plumbing products like the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water.

We Asked ChatGPT: Do Waterless Urinals Cause Odor Problems?

Here’s What It Told Us

No: Most of the lingering odor issues with early no-water urinals stemmed from inadequate maintenance rather than a flaw in the technology itself. With a routine, thorough restroom cleaning and service regimen, you can keep waterless systems fresh and odor-free.

Past causes of odor problems with waterless urinals

• Barrier fluid depletion or expired cartridges. Once the sealing liquid in the trap breaks down, sewer gases and bacteria can escape.

• Failure to clean inside the urinal with an all-purpose or antibacterial cleaning agent on a regular basis.

• True for both conventional and waterless urinals, failure to clean floors, walls, partitions and mats under the urinal.

  Essential maintenance tasks

• Cartridge or trap-seal replacement

• Always use the correct cartridge or sealant fluid for your specific urinal.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval—typically every 2–6 months, depending on usage and model.

• Routine inspections

• Verify that the trap still contains liquid

Cleaning best practices

• Never flush with plain water as it would deplete the sealing liquid

• Use manufacturer-approved cleaners (for example, NviroClean) or a neutral pH disinfectant

• Spray the entire urinal, allow 2–3 minutes of dwell time, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

• Clean surrounding areas at every visit

• Wipe down walls, partitions, floors and mats to remove droplets and prevent odors from accumulating.

• Mop around the fixture with an all-purpose cleaner; launder or replace mats regularly.

• Monitor for and clear clogs promptly

• A blocked drain will back up odors. If slow drainage is noted, use a compatible, non-emulsifying cleaner or snake the line.

Bottom line

When you adhere to a schedule of timely liquid refills, cartridge replacements, targeted cleaning with the right products, and thorough surrounding-area care, waterless urinals deliver on their water-saving and hygiene promise without the odor headaches of the past.What It Told Us

The Restroom: A Key Focus for Water Efficiency

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, restrooms represent the primary source of water consumption in nearly all commercial environments. Toilets, sinks, and urinals collectively constitute approximately 60% of total water usage within commercial facilities.

Therefore, addressing restroom water efficiency presents a strategic opportunity for building owners and managers seeking to reduce operational costs and enhance overall sustainability.

It's important to distinguish between water efficiency and water conservation.

• Water conservation is a temporary reduction in water usage, often in response to a water shortage. For instance, a city might ask residents to limit outdoor watering during a drought. Once the shortage ends, these restrictions are usually lifted.

• Water efficiency, on the other hand, is a long-term strategy for reducing water consumption regardless of current water conditions. This involves installing systems and fixtures that meet the same needs as conventional ones but use less water over time.

By implementing water efficiency measures, building owners can achieve a measurable return on investment (ROI). This can be calculated by comparing previous spending on water and related operational costs with new, lower costs. The ROI for new equipment and fixtures can be substantial, as it includes savings from reduced water, sewer, energy, and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the project.

Key Steps to Improve Water Efficiency

Here are some effective steps commercial facilities can take to become more water-efficient:

• Toilets: Replace older toilets with models that meet or exceed plumbing codes, using 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). Consider high-efficiency or dual-flush toilets that use even less water.

• Faucets: Install low-flow aerators on faucets to reduce water flow from approximately 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to as little as 0.5 gpm.

• Urinals: Upgrade to newer, low-flow urinals that use 1.0 gpf or less. For maximum savings, consider installing waterless urinals. A Rand Corporation study found that these can lead to significant savings from reduced maintenance costs in addition to saving water.

• Alternative Water Sources: Explore greywater distribution systems. This non-potable water, collected from sinks and showers, can be reused for flushing toilets and urinals, and in some cases, for landscape irrigation.

• Leak Detection: Implement a formal leak detection program. Regular checks of all fixtures and plumbing connections can prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water each year. Leaks are often only fixed when they become obvious, but a proactive program can catch and fix them early.

The Power of Tracking Water Usage

Before making any changes, the first and most crucial step is to understand where your facility is using water. Installing sub-meters in different areas—such as restrooms, kitchens, or different floors—and tracking consumption can reveal inconsistencies and problem areas.

For instance, if one section of a building uses significantly more water than another, is it due to fewer occupants, or could there be hidden plumbing leaks or outdated fixtures? Tracking this data allows building engineers to quickly pinpoint and address these issues, helping owners and managers prioritize which areas to upgrade first to maximize savings.

By investing in water efficiency, building owners and managers not only save money but also position themselves as leaders in their communities, making a positive impact on reducing water consumption.

Klaus Reichardt is a frequent speaker and author on water conservation and water efficiency issues. He is the founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc, makers of no-water urinal systems and other restroom products.

The 2025 Guide to Waterless Urinals: Your Questions Answered

Waterless No-Flush Urinals in a Sports Stadium Restroom

With more people returning to offices, schools, and campuses, there's a growing interest in upgrading restroom facilities. Waterless urinals are becoming a popular choice, and we've gathered the most common questions to help you understand them better.

Installation and Maintenance

Is a waterless urinal's trap easy to clean?

Yes. The cylinder or trap at the base of a waterless urinal, such as the EcoTrap®, only needs to be wiped down during regular cleaning. There's no need to remove the trap for a special cleaning. This simple process makes upkeep a breeze.

Do you need to clean the drainpipes?

No. Unlike with flush urinals, you don't need to perform extra cleaning of the pipes. The only time you'd need to clean them is if there's an obstruction, which is rare.

Will urine crystallize and clog the pipes?

The hard crystallization of urine that can build up in flushed urinals is not a problem with waterless models. The soft sediment that remains in the drain line won't cause blockages.

How long does it take to install a waterless urinal?

Replacing a traditional urinal with a waterless one typically takes a plumber about an hour. Installation can take longer if the new urinal has a different "footprint" or if there are unexpected plumbing or structural issues.

Manufacturing and Selection

How many companies make waterless urinals?

There are several manufacturers in North America, with Waterless being a leader in the market. More companies also operate in Europe, Asia, and India.

Should I shop around before buying a waterless urinal?

Absolutely. It's a mistake to assume all waterless urinals are the same. Key differences to consider include the design, how the system works, and the overall cost of ownership. Some models have a much higher long-term cost than others, so it's smart to compare options before you make a decision.

Usage and Scalability

Is there a user limit for waterless urinals?

No. There's no such thing as a "boy limit" or a user limit for waterless urinals. They are designed to accommodate high-traffic facilities, including schools with hundreds of students, just like traditional urinals.

How many waterless urinals are installed globally?

It's estimated that waterless urinals make up about 5% of all urinals worldwide. This number is expected to grow as more facilities adopt this water-saving technology.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about waterless urinals?

Just ask.

Waterless Urinals - Just How Do They Work?

At a recent conference in Germany, Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of California-based Waterless Co., Inc., answered questions about waterless urinals, their pros, cons, and solutions before a group of German builders, building owners, and managers.  

Below are some of those questions and his answers. While sometimes specific to Germany and Europe, these answers apply universally, making them relevant wherever Waterless urinals are considered or installed. 

Do certain facilities benefit more from installing waterless urinals than others?

While all facilities can benefit from waterless urinals, some, like convention centers, may benefit the most. These large venues, used by millions of people annually, consume vast amounts of water. Installing waterless urinals can significantly cut water usage and operating costs. That's why many sports venues, which are also used by millions of people, have already installed them and are now enjoying water and cost savings.  

Are there facilities where waterless urinals cannot be installed?

For the most part, not any longer. Some areas of the world may still have plumbing codes that deter the installation of no-water urinals, but in North America and most of Europe, these codes have mostly been removed or are no longer applicable. However, some exceptions may exist, such as historical buildings with strict preservation rules, which might prevent the installation of waterless urinals.  

Along these lines, have you ever told a building owner or manager they should not install waterless urinals in an existing facility?

Actually, I have. Before installing waterless urinals, building owners and managers must ask themselves three questions:

1.    How many men would be using the urinals?

2.    How many times a day?

3.    How many days per week?

Installing waterless urinals may not be cost-effective for a small location with just a few building users. However, waterless urinals should be considered during renovations or new construction, assuring a sound investment, no matter how many people use or work in the facility.

Is sustainability a key factor in installing waterless urinals?

Yes, that is a factor, but at the end of the day, cost savings has become the key reason for adopting waterless urinals. Water and sewer costs can vary by location in Europe and throughout North America. Still, overall, water is becoming very expensive around the globe especially in Germany and other parts of Europe. According to the NCESC Geographic FAQ, which provides information for people and organizations considering relocation, water in Europe 'can cost up to four times more than in the U.S.'

Additionally, wastewater removal from facilities can be 'considerably higher in Europe than in the U.S.' For instance, in Germany, the average cost of water and wastewater removal for a medium-sized business can be significantly higher than in the U.S.  

Are waterless urinals less or more expensive to clean and maintain than traditional ones?

The costs to clean and maintain traditional and waterless urinals are the same – but with one exception.  We still find that some manufacturers require specific cylinders (these are placed at the bottom of most waterless urinals) that cost more and have shorter life spans than other waterless urinals.  As with the selection of virtually all products, some due diligence is necessary to select the most cost-effective waterless urinals. 

What's the funniest or strangest question you've ever been asked about waterless urinals?

Well, since you asked, I was talking to a group of building owners and managers in a meeting just like this when suddenly, someone asked with genuine curiosity, "Should we install these in the ladies' restroom?"  I just had to keep a straight face and say urinals are designed specifically for men in men's restrooms. Then I added, "They're definitely not something I foresee ladies lining up to use." It was a light-hearted moment that brought some humor to the discussion.

-Klaus

The Surprising Data About Prison Water Consumption

It is well-known that prisons cost a lot of money to operate. The average cost of confinement in the U.S., according to most estimates, is around $30,000 per year per inmate. And with an estimated 2.1 million people behind bars in the U.S., you can see just what a staggeringly high price tag this is.

Correctional facilities are essentially small cities. To operate them, along with food service for the inmates and staff, they must pay all the same utility bills that any city – and any resident in that city – would normally have to pay. And this includes water, which can also be a hefty expense for correctional facilities.

Now, you might think that those incarcerated would use less water than someone outside, making water consumption less of an issue. After all, they don’t necessarily have to shower and shave every morning before going off to work, five days per week. Further, in some correctional locations around the country, inmates are only allowed three five-minute showers per week.

But the figures tell us a different story.

Prison operations require substantial financial resources. The average annual cost of incarcerating one person in the United States is approximately $30,000, and with 2.1 million Americans currently behind bars, the total expense is enormous.

Jails function like small cities, requiring the same basic utilities and services. They must provide food service, maintain buildings, and cover standard utility costs, including water bills that can be surprisingly expensive.

One might assume that incarcerated individuals would consume less water than people living freely. After all, they don't need to prepare for daily work routines, and many facilities limit inmates to just three five-minute showers per week.

However, the actual data reveals otherwise.

Prisoners use significantly more water than the average person. The average person uses between 80–100 gallons of water per day, while prisoners use 120–149 gallons per day. Some sources cite a slightly lower range, with "the average prisoner uses 75 to 100 gallons of water per day, with 40 to 50 gallons of that being" for hot water needs.

This higher consumption is counterintuitive given the restrictions on shower frequency and daily routines you mentioned in your original text. Investigators suggest the discrepancy exists simply "because they can" - meaning that when water is available without direct personal cost, people tend to use more of it.

This increased usage helps explain why water costs are such a significant expense for jails, despite the limited shower schedules and controlled environment. The facilities must provide adequate water infrastructure and pay for consumption that exceeds typical residential usage patterns.