Why Facility Managers Are Switching to Waterless Urinals for Water Efficiency & Savings
Image found on Prexels from Mart Productions
Below, we discover why facility managers are switching to waterless urinals. Learn how this upgrade saves millions of gallons of water, cuts utility costs, and boosts LEED scores.
For facility managers in commercial real estate, education, and healthcare, the pressure is on. There is a growing demand to simultaneously reduce water usage, trim utility expenses, and meet increasingly stringent environmental compliance standards.
While many look to complex HVAC overhauls or solar integrations, savvy managers are turning to a high-impact, often-overlooked fixture: the urinal.
The shift toward waterless urinals is gaining significant momentum. This technology represents more than a minor tweak—it is a transformational change that lowers operating costs, enhances water efficiency, and immediately improves a facility’s sustainability profile.
The ROI of Water Efficiency
The most immediate benefit of switching to waterless technology is the sheer volume of water reduction
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing a single conventional urinal with a waterless unit saves approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually.
To put that into perspective for a larger facility:
1 Urinal: 26,000 gallons saved.
50 Urinals: 1.3 million gallons saved per year.
Note: 1.3 million gallons is enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools. This massive reduction in water usage translates directly to lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Operational & Ecological Advantages
The benefits of waterless urinals extend far beyond the water meter. By eliminating the flush, facilities unlock several downstream operational efficiencies.
1. Energy Reduction
Traditional urinals require significant energy to pump water to the facility, treat it, and pump it away as wastewater. By eliminating flushing, facilities reduce their total energy footprint and decrease the volume of wastewater entering municipal treatment systems. This lowers the chemical and energy demands required to process sewage.
2. Enhanced Hygiene and Maintenance
Custodial teams often report significant workflow improvements after the switch.
Fewer Chemicals: Waterless urinals typically require only simple all-purpose cleaners, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals used to combat scale and calcium buildup in flush units.
Odor Control: With no standing water, dry surfaces inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm buildup. This naturally reduces odors and creates a more hygienic restroom environment.
Boosting Green Building Credentials (LEED & WELL)
In today’s market, green certifications influence tenant leases, investor interest, and even insurance assessments. Waterless urinal technology aligns directly with the goals of major green building certifications.
Installing these units is a low-barrier strategy to support certification goals without major capital investment, contributing to:
LEED v5: Points under the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit.
WELL Building Standard: Credits within the Water Concept for Health and Sustainability.
The Future of Restroom Efficiency
With shifting climate conditions and rising building performance standards, the demand for scalable water-saving technologies is no longer a trend—it is a necessity.
As Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., puts it:
"We’re at the point today where every gallon saved is a gain for the environment and our planet."
For facility managers looking for a win-win in cost reduction and environmental stewardship, the waterless urinal is a clear choice.
The Future Doesn't Flush – Clean and Hygienic Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals
Let's Test Your Knowledge About Water Efficency
Q: What is water efficiency and why is it important in 2026?
A: Water efficiency means using water responsibly to achieve goals—like cleaning, growing food, personal hygiene, or manufacturing—while minimizing waste and reducing strain on water supplies.
As we move through 2026, water efficiency has evolved from a simple preference to a critical component of sustainable water management. It is essential for addressing population growth, a changing climate, and the growth of business and industry.
Q: What's the difference between water efficiency and water conservation?
A: Modern water efficiency is about smart usage, not restriction. Unlike water conservation (which often involves temporarily cutting back usage), water efficiency focuses on technologies and processes to deliver the same or better results with less water permanently.
Q: What are some practical examples of water efficiency?
A: Examples of efficiency in practice include:
Smart Infrastructure: Detecting and fixing leaks to reduce system losses in urban water supplies.
High-Performance Fixtures: Installing toilets, faucets, waterless urinals, and washing machines designed to consume less water, or eliminate water consumption entirely, without sacrificing performance.
Precision Agriculture: Using advanced irrigation systems that increase crop yields per unit of water used.
Q: Want to learn more?
A: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-water-efficiency-2026-klaus-reichardt--umkhc/
Image: Department of Water Management, City of Chicago
💧 5 States Facing Critical Water Shortages as AI Data Centers Multiply
Data Center in Indiana: Indiana University
States that welcomed AI data centers with open arms now confront a harsh reality: their water supplies can’t keep pace.
The problem is simple but severe. These facilities consume enormous volumes of water to cool their operations—primarily the processors that power AI chips. While some states were already water-stressed before data centers arrived, other regions now face a different crisis: inadequate water infrastructure, limited water storage capacity, and insufficient groundwater to meet surging demand.
What looked like an economic opportunity just a short time ago, may become – if we are not careful - a looming resource crisis.
Below are the five U.S. states most vulnerable to water shortages caused by AI Data Centers.
1. Texas faces severe water challenges ahead. The state’s data centers already consume over 50 billion gallons of water annually, with individual facilities using as much as 4.5 million gallons per day. This strain comes as parts of Texas struggle with unreliable water access, recurring droughts, and aging water infrastructure.
2. Arizona’s water crisis has reached a critical point. The state depends heavily on underground aquifers that are depleting rapidly. At the same time, population growth has led developers to demand more water for new commercial and residential projects. Meanwhile, AI companies argue that Arizona is ideal for data centers because solar power can reduce energy costs and water consumption. However, with groundwater reserves shrinking and persistent water shortages, the state faces an uncertain future when it comes to developing these data centers.
3. New Mexico has advantages over Texas and Arizona due to its smaller population and slower growth rate. However, AI data center developers have recently targeted the state for expansion. State lawmakers are concerned because New Mexico’s water system is fragile and the state has limited funding for new water infrastructure. As a result, proposed data center projects face intense scrutiny from regulators.
4. Utah is a growing data center hub, but faces limited water sources, recurring droughts, and a shrinking Great Salt Lake due to droughts—suggesting data center expansion may soon be unsustainable.
5. California already hosts numerous large data centers, but the state swings between climate extremes: torrential floods such as occurring now, the start of 2026 and severe drought the next. This boom-bust water cycle repeats every few years, creating dangerous unpredictability.
With data centers consuming millions of gallons daily, the state’s volatile climate makes long-term water planning nearly impossible.
🧭 Big Picture
The challenge is real but solvable. Meeting the water needs of AI data centers, businesses, agriculture, and residents doesn’t require us to choose winners and losers — it requires us to use water smartly and more efficiently.
Water efficiency refers to long-term reductions through smarter use: consuming water only when and where truly needed, eliminating water waste at every point, and deploying technologies such as waterless urinals that do not need water at all.
The path forward:
For policymakers: Enact clear water efficiency standards for all new data centers and create strong incentives for upgrading older facilities to reduce water usage.
For tech companies: Invest in advanced cooling technologies, such as liquid immersion cooling and air-cooling systems, to dramatically reduce water consumption.
For communities: Support and seek funding for infrastructure improvements to prevent water loss and ensure adequate storage capacity for future demand.
For all of us: Explore new ways to reduce or eliminate water consumption. The U.S. can meet this challenge—but only if we act now, together, before water scarcity forces very difficult choices.
-Klaus
Three Powerful Ways to Use Water More Efficiently in 2026
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko found on Prexels
It’s not rocket science. Here are three simple, high‑impact ways to use water more efficiently in 2026:
Fix leaks
Upgrade to water efficient fixtures and install waterless urinals
Change a few daily habits like shorter showers and smarter outdoor watering.
These are inexpensive or free, work in any home or commercial building, and are strongly recommended by major water agencies.
1. Fix leaks quickly
Check for and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and urinals, and leaking hoses; even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons per year.
A simple toilet dye test (food coloring in the tank to see if it seeps into the bowl) helps spot silent leaks that often go unnoticed.
2. Install efficient fixtures
Install low‑flow showerheads and faucet aerators; WaterSense‑labeled models cut flow while maintaining pressure and can save thousands of gallons yearly.
If possible, use high‑efficiency or dual‑flush toilets or inexpensive displacement devices in older tanks to reduce water per flush.
Switch-out old urinals for new waterless urinals to save up to 35,000 gallons of water per urinal per year.
3. Change everyday habits
Take shorter showers (around five minutes) or use a “stop‑start” method: wet, turn off water to soap/shave, then rinse, which can cut shower use dramatically.
Outdoors, irrigate lawns or gardens early morning/evening, avoid watering pavement, and consider drip irrigation or smart controllers to
The Future Doesn't Flush – Clean and Hygienic Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals
The Waterless Urinal Advantage
💰 Financial Savings
Each unit saves up to 35,000 gallons annually 💧
No flush valves, cisterns, or electronic sensors to repair 🔧
Decreases in blockages 🚫
Simpler retrofits with no need for water supply pipes or flush valve hardware ⚙️
Lowers utility costs from decreased water demand, pumping, and wastewater treatment 📉
🧼 Improved Hygiene and Odor Control
Better odor control ✨
Less bacteria growth 🦠
Touch-free operation 🚫👋
Reduced splatter 💦
🌱 Sustainability and Green Building Credentials
Significantly decreases wastewater 🌊
Contributes toward LEED certification 🏆
The Future Doesn't Flush – Clean and Hygienic Waterless No-Flush™ Urinals
💧 Think Waterless | The Next Generation of Smart & Sustainable Restrooms
Waterless Urinals from Waterless Company Installed in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium
Welcome to the Era of Practical Smart Restrooms
Imagine stepping into a commercial restroom that doesn't just look clean but actively manages its efficiency, hygiene, and user experience. While the idea of a restroom greeting you with your favorite music might sound futuristic, the true future of Smart Restrooms is focused on practicality, sustainability, and data-driven management.
Many have heard of smart restrooms, but an entirely new generation of connected facilities is arriving. This new wave of IoT Restrooms is designed to be more efficient, cleaner, and significantly more sustainable than ever before.
The Power of Data: Practicality Meets Performance
At the heart of the next generation of smart restrooms is data. Seamlessly integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and now Artificial Intelligence (AI), these intelligent systems provide valuable, real-time insights into usage patterns and maintenance needs.
The practical benefits include:
Water Efficiency: Detecting leaks and significantly reducing overall water usage for the long-term.
Hygiene & Maintenance: Self-cleaning modes and predictive maintenance that enhance overall facility hygiene.
Energy and Cost Savings: Identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing energy use.
Real-Time Adjustments: Automatically adjusting restroom temperature, increasing or decreasing humidity, monitoring air quality, and locating plumbing blockages before they become serious issues.
The proof is in the numbers. In one recent study, the implementation of a smart restroom system reduced restroom-related complaints by an impressive 75 percent compared to a traditional facility.
Furthermore, smart restrooms eliminate the premature refilling of paper products, resulting in significant waste reduction and cost savings.
Why Waterless Urinals Are Already Smart and Sustainable
Waterless Urinals already possess inherent "smarts" that align perfectly with the goals of IoT facilities:
Ultimate Water Reduction: By their very nature, they eliminate water usage for flushing, making them the most water-efficient urinal option available.
Natural Hygiene: They are naturally more hygienic than conventional, water-flushing urinals, addressing a core concern of any facility.
Sustainability Leaders: While they may not adjust the temperature or play music, their minimal environmental footprint makes them an indispensable part of any truly sustainable restroom design.
The future of restrooms is here, driven by data and focused on practical sustainability. Think Waterless, Think Smarter.
Selling Your Home in 2026? Then Know This
Image by Pavel Danilyuk found on Prexels
Main Trend: Realtor.com data shows real estate listings featuring water-saving fixtures jumped 290% from January to September 2025, signaling a dramatic shift in consumer priorities.
What Qualifies: Water-efficient homes using EPA-certified fixtures (toilets, faucets, showerheads, dishwashers) that consume at least 20% less water than standard models, help buyers reduce utility costs and environmental impact.
Unexpected Driver: Growing awareness of AI data centers' massive water consumption for cooling has heightened national focus on resource efficiency, prompting homeowners to emphasize their own water conservation efforts as a competitive advantage.
Expanding Options: Waterless urinals, previously limited to commercial buildings, are now entering residential properties bigtime. Originally popular in drought-prone states, they're spreading due to affordability and strong returns.
Related Trends: Other surging sustainable features include professionally designed landscaping (+163%), net-zero ready homes (+100%), EV charging stations (+92%), and outdoor low-voltage lighting (+91%).
Water efficiency and water conservation have transitioned from a luxury feature to a mainstream expectation for home buyers, making water-saving upgrades potentially crucial for sellers looking to stand out in 2026's real estate market.
Discover More Here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/water-efficient-homes-top-real-estate-trend-expected-reichardt--zat6c/?trackingId=9VNmhyGB136mEurQP6sbQA%3D%3D
Rethinking Water in America: Safety, Cost, and the Changing Landscape
Adam Ortega from the UCLA Department of Environment and Sustainability
We frequently feature insights from leading voices in the water industry. Today, we highlight Adán Ortega, chair of UCLA’s Department of Environment and Sustainability.
Ortega provides a critical look at how Americans perceive their water, the reality of infrastructure costs, and the necessary shift toward climate-appropriate landscaping. Below is a summary of his recent remarks.
The Great Debate: Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
Do Americans take water for granted? According to Ortega, the issue isn't apathy, it's a lack of understanding regarding the true cost of water delivery. The real expense lies in maintaining safe drinking water through modern filtration and adhering to rigorous quality standards.
Despite massive public investment in infrastructure, a "trust gap" remains:
The Cost Discrepancy: Consumers often pay up to $1 per gallon for bottled or vending-machine water, while municipal tap water costs only a fraction of a cent.
The Regulation Reality: Ironically, bottled and vended water are often less tightly regulated than municipal tap water.1
The Perception Problem: Ortega notes that constant updates to safety standards unintentionally fuel the fear that tap water is unsafe.
The Goal: The industry must bridge this communication gap to help residents understand that their tap water is not only the most affordable option but also safe and healthy.
Image by Jakub Zerdzicki found on Prexels
Water Affordability and Low-Income Assistance
Is water a basic human right? Ortega argues that it is, noting that a major industry challenge is establishing a universal low-income rate assistance program.
This initiative is gaining momentum and is a priority within the Metropolitan Water District’s climate adaptation master plan.
The Projected Cost: Statewide estimates suggest it will cost approximately $600 million annually to support low-income households.
The Challenge: As the cost of treating and delivering reliable water rises, finding sustainable funding to ensure access for all residents is critical.
Native Plants by Dariusz Grosa found on Prexels
Sustainable Landscaping: The Shift to Native Plants
Are we seeing a change in outdoor water use? Since 2016, over one billion dollars has been invested in helping Californians transition toward landscapes that reflect the state’s natural heritage.
Ortega sees encouraging signs that the aesthetic of the American yard is evolving:
Embracing Native Flora: There is a distinct shift toward native and climate-appropriate plants.
Lush, Not Barren: Low-water landscaping does not mean barren yards or just cacti.2 Ortega’s own yard is described as lush and adapted to the California climate.
Ortega predicts that in 10–15 years, we will look back at old photos of Southern California and marvel at how drastically—and beautifully—the landscape has evolved to meet environmental needs.
Key Takeaway
While Adán Ortega focuses on California, his observations resonate nationwide—especially across the drought-prone western U.S. The message is clear: to secure our future, we must value, respect, and use water far more efficiently.
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.
Cheers to Reuse! Raising a Glass to Beer Made from Recycled Water
Image by: Ketut Subiyanto found on Prexels
“More than 15 percent of the world's potable water used in commercial buildings is wasted”
Vista, CA – November 10, 2025 - A San Francisco firm, Epic Cleantec (Epic), is introducing two consumer beers: Shower Hour OPA and Laundry Club Kölsch, made from highly purified recycled water taken from the showers and laundries of commercial buildings.
The two beers, created in partnership with Devils Canyon Brewing Company of San Carlos, CA, mark the first "wide release" of beers made exclusively from recycled water resources.
Epic did market a beer made entirely from purified and recycled water on an extremely limited basis a few years ago. That beer was honored by Time magazine and Fast Company as one of the most innovative new products of 2022.
"These beers are not only made from recycled water, but one, Shower Hour OPA, also promotes sustainable agriculture techniques," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., an early pioneer in water efficiency.
This is because this brand is made from:
Azacca hops, which require less irrigation and offer stronger disease resistance compared to conventional hops*
Fonio grain, a drought-tolerant African cereal crop known for its rapid growth and capacity to improve soil health
Kveik yeast, a fast-fermenting type of brewing yeast that thrives at elevated temperatures, helping to lower a brewery's energy consumption
"One reason these new beers are so significant is that more than 15 percent of the world's potable water used in commercial buildings is wasted," explains Reichardt.
"Our goal at Waterless Co. Inc. has always been to help building owners and managers reduce water consumption and promote water efficiency.
We congratulate Epic for finding even more opportunities to use water more efficiently and protect our country's water resources.”
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*Hops are used in beer to add both sweetness and bitterness, along with flavor and aroma.
About Waterless
Founded in 1991 and based in Vista, CA, Waterless Co., Inc. is a leading innovator in water-efficiency solutions. The company offers a full range of waterless urinals for residential and commercial use, along with liquid plumbing products and cost-saving accessories. Every product reflects Waterless’ commitment to sustainability and smart, practical innovation.
Contact Information
Waterless Co. Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364
Media Contact: Robert Kravitz
Phone: 312-880-8176
E-Mail: robert.kravitz@outlook.com
