When It Comes to Saving Water – A Little Therapy Can Go a Long Way

Typically, our blogs focus on ways commercial facilities can save water. However, with more than half of our water being used in residential settings, it's essential that we discuss ways to reduce water consumption at home as well.

We're not talking about taking faster showers or only washing full loads of dishes in the dishwasher. Instead, we are discussing therapy, or more specifically, how to use a little therapy to help us use less water at home.

To help us, we turn to Shawn Burn, a psychologist on the staff at Cal Poly University in Luis Obispo, California. Based on several blogs and articles she has written, here are some of her – and our – suggestions on reducing home water consumption using a touch of therapy.

 Talk. Like about everything in life, especially in therapy, it starts with talk – discussions, in this case, about reducing water consumption. If you have housemates or a family, start by saying, "We need to cut back on our water consumption. If we can cut back by just twenty percent, our water bill will go down enough that we’ll have enough money to buy everyone a treat on Friday night."

That's the positive approach. One that is more direct, especially if you are experiencing drought conditions, would be the following: "Here's our situation. If we don't cut back on water by twenty percent, we will face water rationing. That means we'll have even less water than if we voluntarily cut back now."

Whichever method is used, the next step is to ask your family or housemates what ways they think you can cut back on the water. This gets everyone involved.

Commitments. Once, I walked into an open house for a house for sale and noticed something in one of the girls' bathrooms that caught my eye. It looked like a certificate but what it said was the following:

"I will not go out on dates unless I tell my parents." Below the words, the young girl signed it, as did her parents.

This is a pledge, a family commitment. It can be used when it comes to water as well. A pledge I've seen some housemates use in California goes like this: "I pledge to get out of the tub when the water gets cold instead of filling it up with more hot water." 

Have everyone sign it and post it on the refrigerator as a reminder.

Messaging. This works and works well in all types of commercial facilities. We've all seen those signs in restaurant restrooms that say, "Employees must wash their hands before going back to work." Have you wondered why we see them so often? Because they work. Placing messages like, "Turn off the water when brushing teeth," can prove just as effective. Just keep them direct but polite. That makes them attention-grabbing but does not upset anyone.

Charges. Administrators invariably use their water bill to see if water consumption has decreased in commercial settings. The same is true for households. If the monthly bill has gone down ten or twenty percent, it's time to celebrate. That Friday night treat we mentioned earlier is now due. But if charges have stayed the same or even gone up, we have work to do, which leads us to the next suggestion.

Investigate. When was the last time your family or your housemates went around the house looking for leaks? For all too many of us, the answer is zero. We never look for them; they usually find us, like when we see a dripping faucet.

The issue is that many water-related problems, such as leaking taps, tend to worsen over time. Before blaming anyone that the water charges have not gone down, or worse, have gone up, investigate. The EPA says one leaky faucet can waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water annually. This adds about ten percent to your annual water charge. 

Retrofit. There's one more suggestion, which can save vast amounts of water. If you own your residence, it's time to install a home waterless urinal. They save hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of water per month. And if you have boys in the house and you're married, your wife is likely to say she could never live again without one.

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

Celebrating the History of Urinals and Waterless Urinals

Urinals are not something we think about very often - women, probably never - but the truth is that urinals have a long and storied history, and women have played a role in its evolution.   

 "For instance, it is believed that a woman actually invented the first urinal during the civil war," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc. "However, in the 1800s, women could not register a patent, so Andrew Rankin followed her and was awarded the first urinal patent in 1886."

This is one of the first times the truth about the development of the first urinal has been told.   

Reichardt lists some other surprising urinal facts, such as the following:

• While the first patented waterless urinal was in 1886, the oldest waterless urinal was found a few years back in Sri Lanka. The urinal dates to the ninth century.  We know this because of recently uncovered photos showing an ancient but rudimentary urinal discovered in Polonnaruwa, a tiny town in northern Sri Lanka, a country located in the Indian Ocean. The actual age is unknown, but archeological experts believe it was constructed sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries.  

• The U.S. industrial revolution made urinals famous. Factories hired hundreds of men, which meant large areas of the factory floor had to be designated for restrooms. By installing urinals, less restroom space was necessary.

• The women's suffrage movement played a role in the growing popularity of urinals. Many men believed standing up symbolically elevated them above women seeking equal rights, so they preferred using urinals. Women were not too keen on the symbolism. 

• Urinals developed a French flavor. Pissoirs were introduced in Paris in the 1900s. They were an immediate success causing other European city planners to install similar outdoor public urinals.

• Urinals made it into the art world in 1917. Marcel Duchamp created La Fontaine, the conceptualized porcelain urinal shown above. It became his most famous work. He signed it, "R Mutt." Why? It's believed he did not want others in the art world to know who developed the urinal, so he used the pseudonym, "R Mott."

• Also in 1917, a noted photographer, Alfred Stieglitz, then married to artist Georgia O'Keefe, photographed La Fontaine. It became one of his most famous photographs. 

• Urinals invaded politics in 1933. It was an open secret. Outgoing President Herbert Hoover had an extreme dislike for incoming President Franklin Roosevelt. Because of this, he removed the toilet from the Oval Office bathroom when he vacated the White House. In its place, he installed a urinal for incoming President Franklin Roosevelt. This turned out to be nasty. While most people were unaware of it at the time, Roosevelt was bound to a wheelchair during his presidency and did not use a urinal.

  In 1991, Waterless Company, Vista, Ca, introduced the first urinal in North America. About ten years ahead of its time, by the start of the 21st century, with more areas of the world impacted by droughts and water shortages, the need to use water more efficiently and only when and where needed resulted in greater interest and more installations of waterless urinals. At the same time, several water utility companies began significantly increasing the charges for water delivery and removal.

Between saving water and finding ways to save money, a star was born - the waterless urinal. 

• In 2004, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) surveyed five hundred experts in various fields of art regarding the most influential piece of art from the twentieth century. Amazingly, Marcel Duchamp's La Fontaine urinal was voted into the top position, above more celebrated works.  

• The look of urinals, both waterless and traditional, has mostly stayed the same since the 1970s. The reason is that their design is very functional and practical. This is also true of waterless urinals. While new styles and colors have been introduced over the decades, they tend to come and go. When restrooms are redesigned and remodeled, invariably, traditional-looking urinals are re-installed.

"Those of us in the no-water urinal industry believe the installation of waterless urinals is still in its infancy," says Reichardt. "We believe water will be the oil of the twenty-first century. If a country has water or can find ways to use it more efficiently, most of their other challenges can fall into place."

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. 

AR Talks – About Waterless Urinals

We asked Barb, an artificial intelligence service now being introduced by Google, to answer this question:

What are some things we need to know about waterless urinals?

With some corrections noted below, here is what Barb said we need to know about waterless urinals:

• Waterless urinals are a type of urinal that does not use water to flush. They work by using a barrier to prevent odors from escaping, and they can save a significant amount of water.
  

• Waterless urinals can save up to 50,000 gallons of water per year per urinal. This can be a significant savings for businesses and other organizations that use a lot of water.
  

• (NOTE: This figure is too high. It is estimated now that waterless urinals save about 35,000 gallons of water per year).
  

• Waterless urinals are also more environmentally friendly than traditional urinals. They do not require water to operate, and they do not produce wastewater.
  

• Waterless urinals can be more expensive to purchase than traditional urinals, but they can save money in the long run, due to no water charges and maintenance costs.
  

• (NOTE: Waterless urinals typically cost less to purchase than conventional urinals. There are fewer components).

Waterless urinals can be a good option for businesses and other organizations looking to save water and money. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional urinals and can save money on water and maintenance costs. 

Here are some considerations Barb suggested when choosing a waterless urinal:

Type of cartridge: There are two main types of cartridges used in waterless urinals: liquid sealant and microbial. Liquid sealant cartridges are the most common type, and they are easy to install and maintain. Microbial cartridges use bacteria to break down urine, and they can require more frequent maintenance.

(NOTE: Liquid sealant is the type of cartridge used in urinals by Waterless Co., Inc).

Material: Waterless urinals can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, stainless steel, and fiberglass. Ceramic urinals are the most common type, and they are durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel urinals are more expensive than ceramic urinals, but they are more resistant to vandalism. Fiberglass urinals are the least expensive type but may be less durable than ceramic or stainless-steel urinals.

Color: Waterless urinals can be made in a variety of colors, including white, black, and silver. The color of the urinal may be influenced by the décor of the restroom or by the users' preferences.

Price: Waterless urinals can range in price from $200 to $1,000. The cost of the urinal will vary depending on the cartridge type, material, color, and features.

If you are considering installing waterless urinals in your facility, it is essential to do your research and choose the right type of urinal for your needs.

That’s all folks! (NOTE: Oh, we added this)

#Waterless Co., Inc is a #pioneer in #waterefficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing #waterconsumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and #waterefficiently. For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterless Urinals Benefits and Differences

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

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

• Lower sewer charges because no water is used

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

• Reduced vandalism in educational settings

• Quick and easy installation

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

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

Looks Can Be Deceiving

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

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

Future Trends

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

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

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

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

Phoenix We Have a Problem: No Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Ground Water Is and Why It Is So Important

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

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

But how did groundwater get there in the first place?

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

Groundwater and Its Impact Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of no-water urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

Meet the New Generation of Water-Conserving Restroom Fixtures

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Among them are the following:

 On-Demand Water Faucets

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

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

  Low-Flow Toilet Technologies

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

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

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

 Waterless Urinals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUICK FACTS ABOUT WATER AND WATERLESS URINALS

KEY FACT

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

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

DESIGN AND OPERATION

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

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

APPLICATIONS

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

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

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

KEY BENEFITS

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

Low Maintenance. Waterless urinals require little maintenance.

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

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

Environmental Friendliness. Waterless urinals contribute positively to the environment.

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

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

The Future of Waterless Urinals According to Artificial Intelligence

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

What is the Future of Waterless Urinals?

Here is what it said verbatim:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

The Bathroom Fixtures of the Future Are Here Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOME FAQs ABOUT NO-WATER URINALS

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

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

 How do they work?

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

How are they maintained?

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

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

Do they smell?

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

How much water is saved?

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

How do users react to these systems?

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

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

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

 
* Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design