Could Waterless Urinals Save the World?

Waterless urinals have long been praised for their environmental benefits. By eliminating the need for water in the flushing process, they conserve billions of gallons of water annually. They also significantly reduce energy consumption – and the related greenhouse gasses energy production produces - because less energy is needed to deliver and remove water from facilities.

But their impact goes far beyond water savings and these benefits.

A groundbreaking development is emerging: the transformation of urine, often collected from waterless urinals, into valuable resources. Companies worldwide are turning urine into, among other things, fertilizers, biogas for energy, pharmaceuticals and opening a whole new realm of technological possibilities.

While using urine as a natural, organic fertilizer resource isn't new, large-scale implementation is a recent phenomenon. This innovation has attracted significant attention as evidenced by the February 2022 article in the magazine Nature titled "The Urine Revolution: How Recycling Pee Could Help Save the World."

To understand how this revolution is possible, it is essential to examine the role of waterless urinals.

Unlike traditional urinals, which use water to flush urine into sewers, waterless urinals, as the name implies, do not use water. Instead, gravity pushes urine down the sides of the urinal, collects it in a trap or cylinder at the base, and then deposits it into a sewer line. The entire process is safe, hygienic, and odor-free.

This undiluted urine is easy to convert into high-quality fertilizer and other byproducts and is less likely to be contaminated, which can happen when urine is mixed with water.

Scientists report that urine contains many nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all essential for plant growth. This makes recycled urine an excellent source of organic fertilizer - which the world needs now.

According to The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a non-profit journalism school and research organization based in St. Petersburg, Florida, the world is running out of fertilizer:

For the first time ever, farmers worldwide are testing the limits of how little chemical fertilizer they can apply without devastating their yields come harvest time. Early predictions are bleak.

In other words, farmers are using as little chemical fertilizer as possible, realizing it is in such short supply. This is already impacting food production worldwide, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.

"My biggest concern is that [due to a lack of fertilizer] we end up with a severe shortage of food in certain areas of the world," says Tony Will, the chief executive of CF Industries Holdings Inc., the world's largest nitrogen fertilizer company based in Deerfield, IL. Should this happen, food costs may skyrocket, which could increase starvation in many areas of the globe.

But that’s not all. Recycled urine has even more benefits. For instance:

• The conversion process has minimal environmental impact

• Few, if any, chemicals are used to make the urine-based fertilizers

• The process reduces burdens on local wastewater treatment facilities.

Once again, waterless urinals are at the forefront of sustainability. They help us use water more efficiently, dramatically reduce water consumption, and turn urine into much-needed fertilizer.

As we can see, a simple yet powerful technology like waterless urinals is significantly contributing to the improvement of the world we live.

-Klaus

Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc.  He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs. 

www.waterless.com

What Makes a Company an Icon?

Iconic companies don't just happen. They're built. 🔨🧱

They're not just about profits or market dominance. They're about impact and legacy.

Think Apple. Tesla. Amazon. They've shifted paradigms, created whole new industries.

An iconic company is a beacon. It lights the path for others to follow. 💡

At 33 years young, Waterless Co., Inc, has proudly become known as an icon in our industry. If that’s so, how did we do it?

Vision. A clear, ambitious vision. Not just a dream, but a roadmap to turn that dream into reality. 🗺️

Resilience. The ability to weather storms, to adapt, to evolve. To turn obstacles into opportunities. 🌪️

Innovation. Not only in products or services, but in approach, in thinking, in culture. 💡

Leadership. Not just a boss, but a mentor, a guide, a maverick. Someone who dares to challenge the status quo. 👤

And finally, people. We are most fortunate in having a team that believes, that contributes, that grows the company and grows with the company. A team that's more family than staff. 👥

That’s how we did it. So, are you ready to build an icon? 🏗️

If so, remember this: It's not about the destination, but the journey.

Enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and always keep the vision alive. 🚀

-Klaus

Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc.  He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs. 

www.waterless.com

The All-New Q&A on Waterless Urinals

We are updating our questions and answers about waterless urinals because of the growing interest in no-water urinals.

This growing interest is understandable. Water scarcity and stricter water regulations are prompting consumers, building owners, and managers to explore new and proven water-saving solutions.

Below are some of the questions we have recently received about waterless urinals, along with our answers.

Can you install waterless urinals in homes?

Yes, and this has been happening - a bit under the radar - for a few years. What's changed is that more people are considering installing these urinals, especially if they are renovating a bathroom.

Are waterless urinals better for the environment than conventional urinals?

The answer is yes, but this is a very broad question. Let's narrow it down. Waterless urinals are better for the environment in four essential ways:

1.       They reduce water consumption. Without question, this is their number one contribution to improving and protecting the environment.

2.       They cut water waste. Billions of gallons of water are wasted each year by malfunctioning flush mechanisms, restroom users tampering with urinal flush handles, leaking urinals, and unnecessary flushing.

3.       They create less sewage because no water is necessary. This reduces the burden on failing and fragile water infrastructure throughout the U.S. and the world. In addition, fewer chemicals are used in effluent treatment.

4.       They cut carbon emissions. It is estimated that for every 1 thousand liters or 264 gallons of water saved by a waterless urinal, approximately 175 grams of carbon are also saved, totaling 720 pounds of carbon annually. This is because unlike a waterless urinal, a conventional urinal requires energy to deliver and remove water - energy that releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

How often do you change the cartridge in waterless urinals?

This is not a new question. We are listing it here because we are being asked this question more frequently today. Our answer, as in the past, is that it depends. Under normal conditions, the cartridge should be replaced every three to six months with urinals marketed by Waterless Co., Inc. However, with some brands, the cartridge may need to be changed every two to three months and very often, these are more costly cartridges. Be sure to investigate this before selecting a no-water urinal.

How much should we budget in annual costs for maintaining a waterless urinal?

This varies, and we can only speak for our waterless urinals. Over the course of the year, the cartridges will need to be changed about two to four times per year. These cartridges cost, on average, $9 to $15. Also, a few ounces of liquid sealant, such as BlueSeal®, must be added to the cartridge to block odors from being released into the restroom. BlueSeal is a very cost-effective product. This makes the total yearly maintenance cost per urinal approximately $50.

In perspective, each time the flush mechanism on one conventional urinal must be repaired or replaced, expect to pay $60 to $250.

Where can we select waterless urinals?

We always suggest working with a plumbing distributor whenever possible. A plumbing distributor will understand your specific needs and help you select the best waterless urinal model to address those needs. Of course, several online retailers also market waterless urinals. However, many consumers purchase waterless urinals online with few, if any problems.

What are the main problems with no-water urinals?

Unlike a toilet, conventional urinal, or faucet, a waterless urinal has no mechanical parts that can fail, so it has few if any problems. Should the urinal cartridge become clogged, usually due to the accumulation of urine particle deposits, this can easily be corrected by replacing the cartridge per manufacturer’s instructions. A plumber rarely needs to be called in to service a waterless urinal.

Here's the big picture.

Waterless urinals are a practical solution for all facilities, especially those in drought-prone areas or with many restrooms. They are also cost-effective and reduce building operating costs, giving them a remarkably high return on the investment – something all building owners would certainly welcome right now.

- Klaus

Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc.  He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs. 

www.waterless.com

As Ground Water Dwindles, So Does Our Water Future 🔮

In the past few years, there has been a notable change in how we discuss water conditions in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Instead of discussing precipitation and rainfall, we’re going underground. It’s all about aquifers now.

⏳Since the beginning of time, vast volumes of water have been stored underground – just waiting to be tapped. But now we’re going too far. At least in the U.S., we are depleting ground water faster than ever before. And these aquifers are not being refilled – at least fast enough to compensate for how much is being pumped out.

This is because we are all becoming more dependent on ground water, more than ever before. Using it has become essential to everyday American life, for farming, cooling massive data storage centers, and mining, drilling, and other forms of industry.

🧑‍🏫Given the widespread and increasing reliance on ground water, what are the potential long-term consequences of this over-pumping? The implications could be significant and far-reaching.

Here are some takeaways you should be aware of:

📣The danger is worse than most of us realize.

According to a New York Times study, 45 percent of the aquifers in the country “showed a statistically significant decline in water levels since 1980. Four in ten sites reached record-low water levels during the past decade, and last year (referring to 2022) was the worst yet.”

This trend threatens entire communities and is happening now in places like Iowa, which is very dependent on groundwater for farming and industry.

🍲Reduced ground water supplies threaten our status as a food superpower.

Since World War II, America has been viewed as more than a military superpower. It’s also been viewed as a food superpower. It has always been one of the world’s largest exporters of corn, soybeans, some fruits and vegetables, and cotton. Groundwater depletion is threatening to bring that dominance to an end.

Just look at what’s happening to Kansas. Three million acres of land no longer have enough ground water to support large-scale agriculture. And forget traditional precipitation. As of June 2024:

·       Twenty percent of Kansas is in severe drought.

·       Twenty-four percent in moderate drought

·       The rest of the state is in abnormally dry conditions.

🌊The challenge has moved east.

Many of us believe the west is most impacted by the aquifer problem. Think again. In the Maryland suburbs, 75 percent of the aquifers currently monitored have seen water levels drop since 1980, some by more than one hundred feet. It’s expected that ground water in these suburbs near Washington, DC, will run out of water in about a decade.

To survive, what these suburbs will do is draw water from aquifers in other states, depleting their water resources in the process.

😞Nature hates a vacuum.

Let’s assume a huge groundwater source in Utah has been totally pumped out. Now there is empty space where the water was once stored. Expect the surface to collapse in these areas. This is already happening in parts of Utah and other western states. This means homes, industry, and entire communities sitting atop these former aquifers are likely to collapse as well, as if an earthquake hit the area.

🏛️Dealing with the challenge.

Like it or not, more regulations of groundwater are urgently needed. There are regulations in most states about the use of groundwater, but they are not always enforced or have not kept up with the many changing demands on this water.

This will need to change.

🏛️But in the interim - and for the long-term - water efficiency is the only answer. For instance, using water only when and where needed is the most efficient way to consume water. We are already seeing this happening in commercial restrooms, which use staggering amounts of water. More efficient toilets, faucets, showers, and urinals are being installed.

As to urinals, what is increasingly happening is the installation of no water urinals. Most areas of the country and the world have come to realize water is simply not necessary for urinals.

 -Klaus

-Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

BAJA…Rama Continues: The Little Urinal That Makes a Big Impression

The Baja waterless urinal from Waterless Co., Inc., is a marvel of modern design and environmental consciousness. 💡

✨ Its unique features, such as its sleek and compact form, save space and bring a touch of elegance to any restroom.

Further, its efficient waterless operation makes it a standout product.

Celebrated as one of the top-selling no-water urinals globally, the Baha's popularity is a testament to its quality and efficiency. 🏆

Installing the Baja waterless urinal is a breeze. It seamlessly replaces traditional models without the need for wall or tile repairs or complex adaptors.

Further, the Baha uses the same drainpipe as your old water-using urinal, making it a practical and convenient choice that will save you time and effort.

🔄This alone makes it a favorite among eco-friendly business managers and homeowners alike, providing a sense of relief and satisfaction with their choice.

Once installed, the Baja is fast and easy to clean and maintain and does not need to be removed from the wall for snaking, again saving time and money.

Plus, it comes with two of our famous EcoTrap® inserts—Baja's unsung heroes. The inserts ensure your restroom smells fresh and clean, free from unpleasant odors. 😌

The Baja is a prime example of how practicality and sustainability coexist. It offers a sophisticated solution that leaves a lasting impression while conserving our planet's precious resources.

Once installed, use it, enjoy it, and always remember you are now saving 35,000 gallons of water per year:

😀 Water that could be used to irrigate our farmer's crops.

😁 Fill as many as three average size home swimming pools.

😊 Provide enough water for the typical household for three months, maybe longer.

This is the environmental impact of choosing the Baja waterless urinal. 🌲

www.waterless.com

Hey, Come Join Us. We’re Having a BAHA…Rama in July🍾

Our BAHA no-water urinal is making waves with its innovative design and eco-friendly approach to water efficiency and water conservation.

🌊With a stellar 4.5 rating on Wayfair, where consumers often purchase it, it's clear that they are not only satisfied with the BAHA but are also enthusiastic advocates for our product.

Just look at some of the testimonials below. 👇

Together, they highlight the BAHA’s ease of installation, the absence of unpleasant odors, and the significant water savings, making it a standout choice for any eco-conscious consumer or business.

It's not just a no-water urinal; it's a statement of sustainability and a testament to the ingenuity of Waterless Co., Inc. ‼️

As the BAHA continues to receive praise, it's evident that this product is not only a triumph of engineering but also a beacon of environmental responsibility.

🥳We invite you to join us and celebrate BAHA...Rama this July and join the ranks of those who prioritize functionality, efficiency, and the planet.

😄And now some of those happy reviews:

1.   This is a mighty fine place to do your business. ~~ Chris

2.   Works great, clean, no unpleasant smell, easy installation. ~~ Neal

3.   Great purchase and came quickly. ~~ Don Elkton

4.   Great price. Good product. Would recommend. ~~ Frank

5.   Great price. Good product. Would recommend. ~~ Mark

6.   The urinal I recently purchased was installed in our master ensuite in our new house. Looks great and will keep me out of the doghouse with my wife. ~~ Tim SK

7.   Great product. ~~ Alain

8.   Looks great! ~~ Greg

9.   Water savings are incredible. ~~ John 

www.waterless.com

When It Comes to Saving Water - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet 🪄

In the past, commercial restrooms changed very little, installing the same water-guzzling fixtures used for decades. Toilets were notorious for using 2 to 5 gallons per flush, and urinals were not much better. However, the landscape has changed, and we're now witnessing a promising shift in restroom technology.

It all started in 1992 when Federal regulations limited the amount of water used by restroom fixtures like toilets and urinals, significantly reducing those sky-high water volumes.

👨‍🎤But, as the song goes, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, * the future of commercial restrooms is now brimming with exciting new water-saving opportunities.

Let's embark on a journey together to explore what's on the horizon. I hope you are like me, filled with hope and anticipation for what's to come! 🚞

Smarter fixtures. Expect smart fixtures to get even smarter. The sensors on these systems have improved significantly over the years so that water stops seconds after a user pulls away from the fixture. But now, smart fixtures attached to sinks can anticipate when you are about finished using the sink. When this is detected, the sensors start reducing the amount of water flowing from the faucet, reducing water consumption and minimizing water waste.

Waste detection. Today's toilets use about a 1.5 gallons of water per flush or less, saving billions of gallons of water. But engineers want to reduce that even further. What is now being evaluated are toilets that can sense the amount of waste deposited in the toilet and determine how much water is needed to flush it away. This innovative technology holds the potential to significantly reduce the amount of water used to flush toilets. It’s a perfect example of using water more efficiently.

Greywater makes its mark. While it has been discussed for years, using greywater to flush toilets and urinals will soon become a reality in more restrooms. Greywater is water that comes from showers, sinks, and washing machines. It will be treated by mini-retreatment plants built into commercial facilities, saving thousands of gallons of water per facility every year.

Waterless urinals: These are now recognized as the big game-changer in sustainable building design, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. By eliminating the need for a water supply line, they not only conserve an impressive amount of water but also reduce the complexity and cost of urinal installation. Their increasing adoption in future commercial restrooms is a testament to the inspiring impact of these urinals.

Messaging. Effective messaging strategies can further reduce water consumption significantly. When a user uses too much water at a sink, for instance, a message will start blinking, urging the user to stop. Such messaging is expected to help us all use less water no matter how or where it is used.

By combining all these approaches, commercial restrooms have the potential to reduce their water footprint dramatically in the coming years. But this is more than about saving water; it's about making a significant environmental impact.

🎇In time, you'll see what I mean when I say: "you ain't seen nothing yet." Change is coming fast, helping us reduce water consumption and preserve our planet's most precious resource.

-Klaus

*The song, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, was written by Randy Bachman in 1974 for the Canadian rock band Backman-Turner Overdrive.

The Great BlueSeal Revisited 👋

Every few years, we want to ensure our readers have up-to-date information about one of the most important products used in many no-water urinals, including ours. That product: BlueSeal

BlueSeal is a liquid designed explicitly for waterless urinals. It was introduced in 1989 and virtually overnight, became a game-changer in the world of no-water urinals for decades. 🏈

There are several reasons for this. Among them are:

👃Odor Control: BlueSeal acts as a liquid barrier, preventing sewer gases and unpleasant odors from escaping from the urinal trap/cartridge placed at the bottom of the urinal. This keeps restrooms smelling clean and fresh.

💧Water Savings: BlueSeal helps maintain the urinal's functionality so that it works properly and efficiently without the need for water. This reduces water consumption globally.

🧤Easy Maintenance: BlueSeal can last several weeks before needing replenishment. This is one of the reasons waterless urinals require extraordinarily little maintenance compared to traditional urinals.

🌡️ It's a Survivor: BlueSeal can withstand climate extremes, from one hundred degrees of heat (F) to minus 70 degrees (F). Plus, it does not evaporate.

🌎Environmentally Friendly: Blue Seal is made from natural oils - most biodegradable – which break down over time. Biodegradable materials are considered eco-friendly because they help reduce waste and pollution.

As to how to use BlueSeal, it's a breeze. All that is necessary is about three ounces, the equivalent of about six tablespoons, 🥄 poured directly into the EcoTrap®.

As urine flows down the sides of the urinal bowl into the EcoTrap, it passes through the BlueSeal. From here, it flows into the pipes below the urinal, just like a conventional urinal.

👩🏫As mentioned earlier, BlueSeal does need replenishment depending on usage and the specific product instructions.

However, as a general rule, the urinal's performance and odor control should be your guide. Check for any decrease in effectiveness, such as a noticeable increase in odors or a reduction in the urinal's functionality.

Consider adding or replacing BlueSeal in the EcoTrap if you notice any of these signs. In most cases, replenishment is necessary about every two months and takes less than a minute.

Remember to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for precise guidance.

Feel free to ask us if you have further questions about BlueSeal or are ready to switch to Waterless urinals!

😊 We're here to help you make the most of these two innovative products – BlueSeal and Waterless urinals.

#thinkwaterless #gowaterless #blueseal #waterlessurinals

With Floor Drains, Looks Can Be Deceiving

😃This floor drain looks great, clean and sparkling.

But looks can be deceiving. 😯

Under the drain, water in the P-trap may have evaporated.

The P-trap is a very practical device installed under almost all drains. 💧As water goes down the drain, a small amount collects in the P-trap. This helps prevent sewer gasses from being released into the room or area.

🏢But the P-trap can dry up when facilities such as empty office buildings or schools are closed for long periods. When this happens, sewer gas is released into the room.

This can be a serious problem so before we go further, if you get queasy easily, stop right here.  You don’t want to read this. 🥴

But if you’ve got a strong stomach, read on.

The sewer gas is formed from human and animal waste that is decomposing. The gas contains ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be toxic if inhaled.

While most people just suffer eye irritation, nausea, or difficulty breathing, people have died because of inhaling sewer gas in an enclosed area.

But this is easily preventable.

Running water or adding water in the drain at least once per week will help. If a room is mopped daily, this may allow enough water to run down the drain to keep the P-trap from drying up. 🧹

But if you want to be sure sewer gasses are never released into your school or facility, your best option is to fill the P-trap with Everprime.

Start by pouring one gallon of water into the drain. Then add a few ounces of Everprime.

Mixing EverPrime with water creates a liquid seal in the P-trap that lasts for months, eliminating odors and keeping your facility clean and healthy without concern. ☺

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gcQA2eV7

Home Innovation Research Labs – An Organization Worth Supporting

Waterless Co., Inc.'s support for the Home Innovation Research Labs (HIREL) highlights our commitment to advancing water efficiency in both commercial facilities and the single-family home construction industry.

Their research into cost-effective building methods and the promotion of sustainable practices such as water efficiency reflects a forward-thinking approach to environmental performance and quality home construction.

One of their programs, which we are specifically proud to support, is their Water Efficiency Certification Program for 2020.

Referred to as the Water Rating Index or WRI, newly constructed single-family homes can earn this certification if they demonstrate compliance with water efficiency standards and criteria developed by HIREL.

Unlike other certification programs that consider water efficiency as just one part of their total property evaluation, WRI stands out as one of the few that focuses solely on water efficiency.

Here's how it works.

Once a newly constructed single-family home is built, a WRI Verifier evaluates the home's water efficiency. Once assessed, the house receives a score between 0 and 100, with 0 being the best score. A score of 70 or lower is a passing grade for certification. The average score is 64.

The score is based on the property's total indoor and outdoor water use. It compares it to other homes of the same size and basic configuration, which are not built to be water efficient.

According to the Home Innovation Research Labs website, builders who build homes that have earned WRI certification report many benefits, including:

Predictability: Builders and developers can easily communicate and predict a property's overall expected water consumption under typical conditions to investors, local officials, and prospective buyers or renters with a certified WRI score.

Funding: Increasingly, investors who fund building construction projects, both commercial and residential, are focused on sustainability factors. They view a more sustainable home as a better-built home.

Relative Efficiency: Based on the WRI score, Investors and lenders can measure the relative water efficiency of properties they underwrite, aligning with their own environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Compliance: The passing score of 70 or lower can be used for compliance with certification paths under the 2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS). This means the home may be able to earn other valuable certifications.

WRI certification is a comprehensive tool that informs investors, consumers, and, most specifically, purchasers about the home's water usage, related water costs, and the amount of water they are saving compared to a comparable home that is not WRI-certified.

This transparency empowers them to make informed purchasing decisions and feel more confident in choosing a water-efficient home.

WRI-certified homes are at least 30 percent more water efficient than conventional homes. This can also increase the home's value because it tells purchasers more time, effort, and advanced technology was employed to build the house, which often transcends to other aspects in the ways the home was constructed.

Our enthusiasm for the Water Efficiency Certification Program and HIREL stems from the fact that these initiatives benefit everyone and encourage other builders to construct more water-efficient homes.

This, in turn, contributes to our collective goal of becoming more water efficient, a mission that Waterless Co. has been committed to since its inception.

-Klaus

Klaus Reichardt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc | Thought Leader and Influencer | Helping Facilities Use Water More Efficiently, Reduce Water Consumption, and Lower Operating CostsCEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc | Thought Leader and Influencer | Helping Facilities Use Water More Efficiently, Reduce Water Consumption, and Lower Operating Costs