Problems with Water-Using Urinals

As buildings slowly open around the country, building owners and facility managers are discovering several problems with traditional – water-using - urinals. Invariably, these problems are significant enough that a plumber must be called in to fix them.

Lack of use during the pandemic is the root cause of many of these issues – but not always.  Others are more common problems that frequently occur with traditional urinals. 

So, what are some of these common problems? Let’s take a look.

Clogged Drain Walls

Water in a traditional urinal is released from small holes located at the top of the urinal. These holes can become clogged by calcium build-up. They can also become clogged due to other minerals in the water. This is especially true in regions of the country where the water is hard. What typically happens when these holes clog is the flow is reduced. In most cases, a plumber must be called in to clear the holes. If ignored, the situation can worsen, little if any water will be released, and bacteria can build up in the urinal, potentially causing odors.

Unpleasant Odors

If there is a drain blockage - indicated by the urinal draining more slowly than usual - this could cause water to pour onto the restroom floor and allow odors to be released. This is especially true of older urinals and older plumbing. While solutions can be poured down the drain to help eliminate the blockage, a plumber usually must come in with a router to address the issue.

Water Leaks

Water leaks from urinals can be serious. Typically, the leaking water ends up on the floor. The tile and grout floors in most public restrooms can become very slippery when this happens. These floors have smooth surfaces with little or no traction to help prevent falls. The leaks typically come from pipes connected to the flush mechanism at the top of the urinal or base, where water is drained away. We should mention one more problem: when water leaks, water bills rise. Even one small leak can result in dozens of gallons of water wasted every month.

Low Water Pressure

Guess what happens when water leaks come from several urinals and other water-using devices and fixtures? These leaks may result in not having enough water available to flush waste in urinals and toilets. It’s just one more reason leaks should always be fixed as soon as possible. Leaks can lower water pressure for the entire building.

Changes in Water Color

Sometimes, when flushing a urinal, the water looks discolored. Often this discoloration is caused by rust. The pipes leading to the urinal can become corroded over time, and this causes the water to have a dark or unusual color. The rust can stain the urinal and cause unusual odors. These rust stains can usually be removed, but it takes time and special cleaning solutions and tools to do the job. Typically, what needs to be done is replace the rusty pipes delivering water to the urinal, which can be a costly procedure.

So, why are we discussing all these issues?

First, and again due to the pandemic, more buildings are experiencing urinal-related problems. But there is another reason. Virtually every issue discussed here does not occur when no water or waterless urinals are installed. No pipes are needed to deliver water to waterless urinals, so rust stains are not an issue. There are no changes in water color because no water is used with waterless urinals. No odors and no clogs.

And one more thing. With these problems eliminated and waterless urinals installed, no longer a need to keep the plumber on speed dial - a significant cost savings.

New LEED Version Focuses on Reducing Water Consumption | Where Waterless Urinals Fit In

LEED has released its latest version of standards, V4.1, which includes several updates to the LEED certification program. However, with this version, there is considerably more emphasis on water – and using water more efficiently and wisely.

But before we go into details, let’s ensure we are all on board as to what LEED is. LEED is part of the U.S. Green Building Council. Here is how the organization is defined on their website:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. 

In its early days, LEED put considerable emphasis on energy and fuel conservation and the use of green-certified cleaning solutions. Over the years, its scope has increased considerably, expanding to how facilities are built, the materials used to make those facilities, how they are operated and maintained, and now, water and water management systems in these facilities.

We should also know that since its founding in 1993, LEED has had a significant impact on facilities and the owners and managers of these facilities. Today, over 93,000 facilities are LEED-certified or registered for LEED certification.

For a facility to earn this certification, it must receive so many points or credits. At one time, reducing water consumption in a facility by 11 percent would earn a specific number of LEED credits. But now the tables have been turned. To even be considered for LEED certification, a facility must show that it has reduced water consumption by 11 percent or more. In other words, it is now a prerequisite.

Further, because nearly 20 percent of LEED’s certification points now relate to water, before awarding LEED points, version 4.1 compares the water performance of one building to comparable high-performing buildings.

Tracking Water Consumption

Being LEED certified has always involved providing the organization with considerable amounts of data. But this data serves an essential purpose, especially regarding water. The data is the only way to track water reduction progress. Further, it helps building owners and managers know what and where improvements are needed when it comes to water reduction to meet LEED standards.

So, what steps can facilities take to earn these points and how many can they earn? Below are the corresponding point values:

•         By installing a rainwater management system, a facility can earn up to three points.

•         No or low-cost potable water preservation one point.

•         More water-efficient cooling systems, three points.

•         Innovation in new construction related to water reduction, 1 point.

•         Overall exemplary performance, 2 points.

•         Reduce indoor water use by 6 points.

A Closer Look at Indoor Water Use

 It is evident that most LEED points associated with water revolve around minimizing indoor water consumption. Therefore, how can commercial facilities like offices, schools, airports, or similar establishments reduce water consumption over the long term? Here are a few approaches they can adopt:

Install automated software systems that track water usage in the facility. In larger buildings, it's best to install multiple systems that monitor water consumption in different areas to alert managers of any issues in those areas and even regulate water usage in some parts of the building. 

Place a greater focus on water usage in restrooms, where most water is used. Installing water-efficient faucets that use aerators can dramatically reduce consumption while still meeting user satisfaction. 

Toilets are another significant contributor to water consumption. Even if they were initially designed to use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, age, and wear can cause them to use more water. In most cases, toilets should be replaced after about seven years to prevent excessive water usage. 

Waterless urinals should be installed. Installing waterless urinals can often help facilities meet LEED requirements for water reduction without making any other modifications.

Benefits of LEED Certification

Let's address one more issue. Why is LEED certification necessary? Are facilities just making their facilities more efficient, greener, and sustainable because it's the "right thing to do?" Hardly.

Today, commercial buildings are finding it very difficult to get tenants. If a facility is LEED certified, that is a big feather in this facility's cap, helping secure tenants.

Reducing water consumption promotes sustainability. According to the World Economic Forum, 60 percent of organizations globally have developed sustainability standards because they believe sustainability will be crucial to their market differentiation and financial performance in the coming years.

Finally, reducing water consumption saves money. Remember, we pay for water twice: once it's delivered and once again when it is taken away. The less water used and then returned to treatment facilities can be a considerable savings for large facilities.

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

How We Keep French Fries Looking Their Best – (hint, it starts with water)

Possibly, you are unaware of this, but back in 1967, the United States Department of Agriculture prepared quality standards for frozen french fries. Most of the fries we purchase in grocery stores, as well as most of those used in restaurants, start out frozen.

These standards were developed to help Americans select french fries that are high quality based on how they look and even how they taste. But this was not the first set of standards for French fries. The first one was created in 1946. They were updated in 1966. And then again, a year later. 

While the Department does not say there is a correlation, it is believed that the third set of standards was developed due to the virtually overnight success of McDonald's. By the late 1960s, McDonald's franchises were cropping up by the hundreds around the country, and the Department of Agriculture believed another review was necessary.

So, what do these latest standards cover? Here are some of the critical factors. We should add these only apply to fries marketed in the U.S.:

Grade A. To be classified as Grade A, fries must all have a good flavor, color, uniform size and be practically defect-free. Good is defined as not tasting rancid or bitter and free of off-flavors or odors. There are two types of Grade A standards. One applies to strip-style fries, like the ones we get at McDonald's, and the other to non-strip fries, such as cut potatoes that are then fried. 

Grade B. Fries in this classification must have a reasonably good flavor and color, be reasonably uniform in size and symmetry, be reasonably free of defects, and have a reasonably good texture. As you can see, the keyword here is reasonably, which means the fries are somewhat lacking in flavor and may have objectional odors and flavors.  

Note that few scientific measurement systems determine Grade A or Grade B fries. It's virtually all subjective.  The standards also examine the following:

Variety: Refers to the types of potatoes used to make frozen french fries. The most common varieties are Russet Burbank, Idaho Russet, and Yellow Finn.

Size: The minimum and maximum size of the fries as determined by length, width, and thickness.

Color: The fries' minimum and maximum color intensity. Quality fries should be somewhat yellow, orange, or red. 

Defects: This refers to those blemishes we mentioned earlier. The most common defects are black specks, bruises, and cuts.

Texture: There are also minimum and maximum firmness requirements as to the texture, which is often determined by the moisture content of the fries.

Water and Fries

Here is where water comes into the picture. Water is crucial to produce french fries.

According to the Global Development Research organization, one serving of french fries requires six gallons of water. On July 13, the annual National French Fries Day in the U.S., Fox News reported that Americans eat more than 4.5 billion pounds of french fries annually. Calculating the exact amount of water needed for this is nearly impossible. However, we do know that the cultivation of potatoes and subsequent processing into french fries is one of the most water-intensive industries in the country.

This poses a new and severe challenge for potato growers who depend on underground water sources, called aquifers, for irrigation. These sources are depleting rapidly due to overuse, drought, and inefficient water use. Without water, farmers cannot grow potatoes.  

Recently in Minnesota, a prominent corporate farmer violated their water permits and pumped more than 500 gallons of water per minute from underground aquifers. Some rural people woke up one day and found they had no water as a result. This is no longer sustainable in Minnesota or anywhere else in the country.

When it comes to water, here’s how we must look at things. Robert Glennon, in his book Water Follies, says: "We have to think of our water supply as a giant milkshake in a glass…with a limitless number of straws in the glass, all sucking up the milkshake – i.e., our water – at the same time." When you look at it that way, you realize there's only one thing we can do: be more water efficient and use water wisely.

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. 

Here's What Barb Has to Say About Waterless Urinals

We asked Barb, the new AI system developed by Google, to answer some questions about waterless urinals. Below are the questions and how Barb answered them.

Where Are Most Waterless Urinals Installed?

 Waterless urinals are installed where water conservation is essential, such as:

•         Schools: Schools are a major consumer of water, and waterless urinals can help to reduce water usage by up to 50%. (Note: This is Barb’s estimate).

•         Office buildings: Office buildings are also significant water users, and waterless urinals can help to save water and money.

•         Hospitals: Hospitals use enormous amounts of water, and waterless urinals can help reduce water usage and costs.

•         Stadiums: Stadiums and other sports facilities use a lot of water for irrigation and other purposes, and waterless urinals can help to reduce water usage and costs.

•         Parks and recreation areas: Parks and recreation areas often have waterless urinals in their restrooms to conserve water.

•         Military bases: Military bases are required to conserve water, and waterless urinals are popular.

•         Commercial buildings: Many commercial buildings use waterless urinals to save water.

•         Residential homes: Waterless urinals are becoming more common in residential homes, especially in areas where water conservation is important.

How Much Water Can Waterless Urinals Save

Here are some of the specific water savings that can be achieved with waterless urinals:

•         In schools, waterless urinals can save up to 50,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In office buildings, waterless urinals can save up to 30,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In hospitals, waterless urinals can save up to 20,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In stadiums, waterless urinals can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year per urinal.

Note: Again, these are Barb’s estimates. Actual water savings will vary depending on the installation and usage patterns. However, waterless urinals can make a significant contribution to water conservation.

How Many Waterless Urinals are Installed in Homes?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as no central database tracks the number of waterless urinals installed in homes.

However, Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., an industry leader in waterless urinals, estimates that about 2 percent of U.S. homes currently have home urinals installed. This would amount to about 1.5 million homes.

However, the number of waterless urinals installed in homes is increasing as more homeowners become aware of the water savings and other benefits they offer.

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

•         Ensure you have the space: Waterless urinals require a minimum of space, but you still need to make sure you have enough room for one.

•         Select a gravity-fed urinal. These are the most common type of waterless urinals. They allow urine to flow into a cylinder or trap that sits atop the drain area of the urinal, forming a bond.

•         Get professional installation: A professional plumber should install waterless urinals to ensure proper installation and operation.

What is Driving the Sales of Waterless Urinals?

Here are some of the factors that are driving the growth of waterless urinal:

•         Increasing awareness of water conservation.

•         Lower upfront costs compared to conventional urinals.

•         Government incentives: Some governments offer rebates or other incentives to install waterless urinals.

Do Waterless Urinals Require Less Maintenance than Conventional Urinals?

Yes, waterless urinals require less maintenance than traditional urinals. This is because they do not have a flush valve, a common source of problems with conventional urinals.

There are, however, some specific maintenance requirements for waterless urinals. These are:

•         Checking the sealing liquid level: The sealing liquid prevents sewer odors from being released into the restroom. The level of the sealing liquid should be checked and refilled as needed, typically about twice a month.

•         Replacing the cartridge: The cartridge is a disposable component that helps to trap odors. An EcoTrap, used in many waterless urinals, typically lasts longer than other traps and is less costly.

•         Cleaning the urinal: Like traditional urinals, Waterless urinals should be cleaned regularly, daily in a commercial setting.

What are the Key Benefits of Waterless Urinals?

Here are some of the key benefits of waterless urinals:

•         Save water: Waterless urinals can save up to 50% of water compared to traditional urinals. (This figure can vary)

•         Reduce maintenance: Waterless urinals require less maintenance than traditional urinals.

•         Improve odor control: Waterless urinals help prevent sewer odors from being released into the restroom.

•         More hygienic: Waterless urinals are more hygienic than traditional urinals.

•         Eco-friendly: Waterless urinals are a more environmentally friendly option than traditional 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. 

Growth Projected in Waterless Urinal Market

A new report from Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered in Wilmington, Delaware, predicts that the waterless urinal market will expand by six percent in the next eight years.

The report estimates that the market is currently valued at $128 million. "It is expected to grow steadily … reaching a value of $205 million by the end of 2031."

The report cites the following factors as the main drivers of this growth:

•        Global population growth has increased the demand for public restroom facilities. No-water urinals will be more widely adopted in these facilities due to global conservation efforts, increased focus on sustainability, and government initiatives.

•        As for government initiatives, the report said more countries have gone beyond incentives and are now requiring the installation of no-water urinals to reduce water consumption and waste.

•        The report indicates another growth factor because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "has emphasized the potential for significant water savings by replacing traditional urinals with no-water alternatives."

Waterless or no-water urinals direct urine into a trap or cylinder at the bottom of the urinal. The trap prevents odors from escaping into the restroom. Because no water is needed, substantial water and cost savings are one of the key benefits.

The report identifies Asia Pacific countries, such as India and China, as the regions where the growth of the waterless urinal market is expected to be the most noteworthy.

The Middle East and Africa will also contribute to the growth of this market due to a "rising focus on public sanitation and hygiene."

"Waterless Co., Inc.'s President and CEO, Klaus Reichardt, says that similar research studies are published every few years, invariably reporting similar findings.

"What's new here is that one of the reasons for selecting waterless urinals is their sanitation and hygiene benefits.

This is a consequence of the pandemic. No-water urinals have always been considered more sanitary than conventional urinals. But after the pandemic, sanitation and hygiene has become a much bigger concern."

Navigating the I0T of Restrooms: A User's Guide

Public restrooms in the U.S. are undergoing rapid transformations. Some innovations will be immediately visible, but others - especially the most significant ones - will remain hidden.

One of the most noticeable changes is the use of indicator lights. Have you ever seen a digital display that shows how many parking spaces are available in a parking lot? You can expect to see something similar in large facilities with many restrooms and fixtures, such as in airports, sports venues, and theaters.

The purpose is to inform users of the expected waiting time for using the restroom. With this information, they might decide to use another restroom in the complex.

Along with this, expect red and green lights on the cubicle doors in these restrooms. A red light indicates a cubicle is occupied. Conversely, if a stall is free, a green light is on.

Less visible will be the IoT - the Internet of things - which is taking over public restrooms. These do not provide information to users but rather send data to the maintenance and housekeeping departments of larger facilities. Further, their goal is to help reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.

Essentially, IoT is a communication system. For example, if a toilet or urinal is overflowing or malfunctioning, IoT notifies maintenance personnel in real-time - when it happens. No more waiting for a user to report a problem in the restroom or for the maintenance personnel to discover one hours later.

Additionally, IoT systems already installed or coming soon can do the following: 

·       Detect if consumables - toilet paper, soap, paper towel - are running low or predict when they might run low. Usage is recorded. The technology knows when supplies are likely to run low and communicates this with maintenance staff.

 ·       IoT water monitors are being installed for a variety of reasons. One reason is to monitor water usage for each fixture and tell managers where more water-efficient fixtures should be installed.

 ·       Water monitors are also being used for prevention, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting. The system knows – in advance – where plumbing repairs may be needed. With this advanced knowledge, maintenance professionals can make repairs before a serious problem arises.

 ·       Sensor and range controls are also key features of an advanced restroom IoT system. Have you ever used a toilet or urinal that auto-flushes before you’re done?  Or use one that does not flush after you’re done? Join the club. This happens all the time. IoT controls can detect this problem and notify maintenance staff that an adjustment is needed.  

 ·       As to range issues, here is a perfect example. Have you ever placed your hands under the faucet, and no water is released? What most users then do is move their hands in various places under the tap to see if that triggers the release. IoT can detect this problem, alert maintenance staff, and often, the system can fix it.

 ·       Flow meters will also be part of an advanced restroom IoT system. By measuring and recording the water flow through the pipes, it can detect if something unusual or abnormal is happening, such as a leak or a toilet flapper is stuck. Once again, these situations are detected in real-time, helping to catch and repair problems before too much water is wasted.

IoT in Restrooms has Features, Benefits, and One Big Drawback

As we can see, IoT has many amazing features but has one significant drawback: it can be very costly. Most of the cost comes from installing the technology, not the technology itself.

For instance, meters must be installed on all pipes and fixtures to monitor water use and then must be wired to a central computer system. This is only cost effective for very large facilities.

So, what about smaller facilities?  Smaller locations must rely on a different kind of technology: human intelligence.

One of the first steps to take is to check the age of the fixtures in the restroom. Older toilets and water-using urinals tend to have worn-out internal parts. This causes them to consume more water per flush than when new.  Instead of fixing or replacing these parts, it is often recommended to install new fixtures.

While today’s new urinals use less water than older units, foresight suggests taking the next step and installing waterless urinals, which use no water at all. This way, you are saving water now and in the future.  What is more, these urinals are maintenance free.

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. 

Why All the Water Rate Increases?

With all that’s happening in the world today, an article in the New York Times on July 14, 2023, did not receive as much attention as it deserved. The article pointed out that “average water and sewer bills [in the U.S.] have increased about 50 percent over the last decade … and are expected to increase further.” *

The article is based on numerous studies including an August 20, 2021, study by Bluefield Research. According to their study, the reasons for the jump in water prices over the past decade are due to several factors, some of which we have heard about before and new ones that have recently evolved. Among these are the following:

 Aging water infrastructure. This has been an issue for more than 30 years. What’s different now is that utility companies around the country can no longer ignore it. The bandages placed on water infrastructure in the past no longer do the job. Entire infrastructure systems must now be rebuilt.

 Inflation. The inflationary pressures of the past two years that have impacted consumers and businesses around the country have also impacted water utility companies. Utility companies are paying more for all types of products and services they need to operate, and these costs are now being passed on to their customers.

 Politics. While the Bluefield study did not go into details, it did report that “public [water] utility rates are influenced significantly at a political level.” Another study, “Re-Theorizing Politics in Water Governance,” indicates that several government bureaucracies are involved with water, water treatment, water delivery, and even what was termed “who gets what” when it comes to water delivery, all of which can result in water rate increases.

 The pandemic. This relates to politics. Government officials pressured many water utility companies not to increase water rates during the pandemic. Most obliged, and rate increases that were necessary at that time were postponed. With the pandemic over, many of these utilities have been forced to raise rates significantly to cover delayed increases.

Financial challenges. Several economic challenges beyond infrastructure expenditures are impacting water utility companies in the U.S. However, the study added that “each [utility company] faces unique challenges that impact water rates … there is no formula or pattern, from utility to utility” that impacts all.

Supply chain disruptions. While many manufacturers in the country were waiting for weeks and months for supplies from overseas vendors, utility companies were waiting for supplies as well. In some cases, when these supplies were finally delivered, they were more costly than initially planned. Further, while waiting for supplies, some utility companies had to find ways to “make do” and use items they had intended to replace, negatively impacting their operating costs.

Climate change. As if there were an elephant in the room — an obvious problem that no one wanted to discuss — the changing climate has increased water rates. “Climate change continues to have an impact on water infrastructure,” says Charlie Suse, an analyst with Bluefield. Plus, “we expect drought conditions to continue to impact rates in many cities.”

It’s a supply and demand issue now. Less water means higher prices.

The Takeaway

The New York Times article and Bluefield Research appear to have come to the same conclusion: water rates are going up and will continue to do so.

Does this mean we should take shorter showers to keep water rate increases in check? No, we have long past that advice.

What needs to be done is to use water efficiently — a long-term reduction in water consumption — and eliminate water waste. According to the Times article, “bathrooms are a good place to start. They may account for more than half the water families use indoors.”

This same is often true in commercial facilities. Installing more water-efficient fixtures, including restroom fixtures that use no water at all, and “smart” meters that notify consumers when they are using water excessively or beyond average consumption, can help reduce water consumption by millions if not billions of gallons of water per year.

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

*“Water Bills Are Rising. Here’s What to Do About It,” by Ann Carrns, published in the New York Times, July 14, 2023.

How to Make a Big Impact with Aerators

Delta Faucet Aerator

At Waterless Co, Inc, we focus on helping our customers reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently. One of the best ways to do this — other than installing no-water urinals — is to install aerators in kitchen and restroom faucets.

At the end of each of these faucets is a screen. Its purpose is to add air to the water as it streams out of the tap. It does little to reduce water consumption. What does, however, is removing that screen and installing an aerator.

With an aerator installed, facility managers and homeowners can realize the following benefits:

• A significant reduction in water use. Aerators vary in capabilities, but at least a 50 percent reduction in water use should be realized. (See Quick Facts below.)

• Over time, the stream of water starts to come out of the sides of the faucet. This results in water inefficiency, meaning water is wasted. Installing an aerator can prevent this, using water more efficiently.

• Minimize the splashing of water as it hits your hands or the sink. Once again, this is water inefficiency.

• Often debris collects in pipes and is released into the water. Aerators have a more advanced screen that catches and prevents this debris from being released.

When to Clean Aerators

Many building managers and homeowners believe once the aerator is installed — that’s it. It needs no servicing. For the most part, that’s true. They rarely need any servicing. Nonetheless, aerators should be unscrewed and cleaned at least twice yearly, if not more.

However, incidents could cause managers and homeowners to remove, clean, and reinstall the aerators more often. For instance, in 2021, the state of Michigan discovered that small particulates of plastic had found their way into the water delivered to consumers. This was due to an aging infrastructure.

In another incident, communities that experienced severe wildfires or flooding have reported sediment collected in their water. If something similar happens in your community, removing and cleaning the aerators is recommended. Dirt, particulates, and debris get trapped in the aerator, diminishing the amount of water it releases.

Aerators should also be removed and cleaned in those areas of the country that have hardwater.  Hardwater is found in about 85 percent of the U.S.  The problem with hardwater is that the hardwater contains minerals that can eventually clog the aerator.  You’ll notice this happening     as the flow of water from the faucet starts to slow.

Further, if there has been a water main break in your neighborhood or construction has been performed in your facility. During construction, dirt and particulates can get into pipes and get stuck in the aerators. Once again, this will diminish the amount of water the aerator releases.

How to Clean Aerators

The first step in cleaning aerators is knowing how to take them off. Most are hand-screwed onto the tap and can be easily removed.

Sometimes they require pliers to remove them. Be sure and wrap a small towel or rag around the pliers so as not to scratch the metal surface.

Other aerators are preinstalled on the faucet. In these cases, a small aerator key, which comes with the faucet, will be necessary to remove the aerator.

Once the aerators have been removed, soak them in vinegar for about five minutes. Please do not use a traditional cleaning solution, as it might damage or discolor the metal.

A small brush — such as an old toothbrush — may be necessary to remove debris that is collected on the screen. Remove the debris and soak the aerator again in vinegar for about five minutes.

Once these steps have been completed, reinstall the aerator.

Quick Facts About Aerators

Before you go, here are a few quick facts about aerators you should know:

·       They are very inexpensive.

·       As mentioned, they can vary in their ability to reduce water flow; due diligence is needed to select the aerator that best meets their needs.

·       With more advanced aerators, you should not notice a significant difference in the water flow.

·       And even if you do, remember that one aerator can save as much as 250 gallons of water per month — a major savings.

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.

Helping Seniors Adjust to Water Shortages

When discussing water shortages and droughts, the conversation typically centers around the water restrictions imposed on citizens and businesses.

While most people can comply with these requests fairly easily, some people, particularly seniors in care facilities, often find adjusting to these water restrictions difficult. 

Here are three ways administrators of senior care centers can help:

Education

Education is a crucial factor in raising awareness and motivating action among seniors who may be reluctant to change their water consumption habits. They usually think that water shortages are temporary and will soon be resolved by natural rainfall cycles. 

However, this is only sometimes the case, as evidenced by the recent history of California, where a severe drought lasted from 2014 to 2018. 

Plus, with the planet getting warmer, it means more areas of the world will experience water shortages.

That is why some experts warn that water shortages and drought conditions could be the new normal for many regions of the world. Therefore, administrators must inform seniors in their care about the reality and urgency of conserving water and using it more efficiently. 

Faith

To help seniors feel less pressured about saving water, we need to show them that the facility is also taking steps to reduce its own water consumption. One way to do this is to tell them about the modern technologies that can help everyone in the facility conserve water. 

Some of these technologies are simple. For example, a showerhead uses about four gallons of water per minute. Adding an aerator reduces this to 2.5 gallons per minute or less.

Other technologies are a bit more involved, such as switching from conventional toilets to high-performance toilets that use less water than the federal standard. Waterless or no-water urinals are another option. Waterless urinals use no water at all and save millions of gallons of water each year.

Realization

Finally, administrators must recognize that droughts can take a severe toll on a seniors' mental health. While the two steps just mentioned can help ease the situation, much more may be necessary. Mental health facilities and resources must be available to those impacted by drought. 

Mood disorders caused by droughts can and have driven physical illness. This should not happen. Mental health care workers can help prevent this.

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

Maybe All We Need Is a Sign to Reduce Water Consumption

Many industrial facilities in the U.S. are in non-urban areas. These facilities usually have grassy areas to improve their look and offer employees a space to relax, eat, or meet outside.

These grassy areas must be watered regularly by either an automated system or a lawn service. Local rules limiting watering to certain days or times are followed. These rules are currently in place in about thirty states.

However, more than these restrictions may be needed to reduce water consumption.

A lawn typically needs about one inch of water per week. To give you an idea of how much water this is, a tiny lawn, say one hundred square feet, requires approximately sixty-two gallons of water each week. 

The water consumption of lawns in the U.S. is a major environmental concern. A typical lawn of 2,500 square feet requires 155,000 gallons of water every week, or more than eight million gallons per year.

What we are finding is that the current water restrictions based on specific days and times are not proving effective enough in reducing this amount of water.

To address this problem, researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) designed and implemented a pilot program called "The Rain-Watered Lawn.”

The aim of this program was to test whether water conservation strategies based on weather conditions were more efficient than the existing water restrictions.

The researchers conducted a test with 627 households split into two groups: 321 households in the experimental group and 306 in the control group. The control group followed the existing water restrictions but did not make any other changes.

In addition, the researchers did a simple intervention in the experimental neighborhoods. They put up road signs that would update regularly, showing how much rain had fallen in the last seven days, reminding homeowners that most Florida lawns only needed to be watered about once a week. 

These signs would also have this message at the bottom:

"Is rainfall alone meeting the water needs of your lawn?"

This got homeowners questioning if they really needed to water their lawn.

After a few weeks, the researchers collected the data. They discovered that during the summer months, when this region of Florida had the highest water demand, the experimental group - with the signs posted in their neighborhood - reduced their lawn watering by an impressive 61 percent from the beginning, saving millions of gallons of water per week.

The control group did not show any significant changes in their water use.

Moreover, the experimental group maintained a 41 percent lower water use than the control group throughout the study period. This suggested that they had adopted a water conservation habit.

The Bigger Picture

The researchers suggested that their findings have more significant ramifications than might initially be realized.

"This program has the added benefit of getting people more in tune with the natural water cycle, which might help [water users] prepare for changes in water supply and water policy," said Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., dean of FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Does this mean we could post similar signs in, for instance, the restrooms of industrial facilities - typically where the second largest amount of water is consumed – updating them on water conditions and urging them to use water more efficiently?

The researchers believe the answer is yes. They say the signs created "a greater sense of environmental stewardship that could be tied to everyday activities," which could help reduce water consumption in industrial restrooms and throughout the facility, potentially reducing water consumption.

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