How Tech Giants are Protecting Water Resources

In our recent LinkedIn/Web post, "AI's Secret Ingredient: Water," we highlighted a critical issue: the substantial water usage by AI data centers.

Despite some AI companies neglecting water sustainability, others are actively addressing the issue, recognizing its urgency for technological progress and the well-being of our planet.

Amazon Web Services is leading the way by funding six water replenishment projects in regions currently facing water scarcity due to climate change, population growth, or existing water stress.

These projects are primarily located in Brazil, China, Chile, and 15 US sites. Ongoing for a few years, Amazon expects its water replenishment programs to return two billion gallons of water annually to local communities by 2024.

Water replenishment involves replenishing groundwater sources like aquifers, which many areas of the world rely on for daily water consumption. AI data centers use huge amounts of water for cooling. Replenishment ensures water is recovered for reuse.

Amazon's Chief Sustainability Officer, Kara Hurst, stated, "We're committed to responsible water stewardship in all our operations. Addressing water scarcity is crucial for the well-being of our employees, customers, communities, and business." Amazon aims to be "water positive" by 2030, meaning it will return more freshwater than it withdraws.

Amazon isn't alone in these efforts. Microsoft and other tech giants are recognizing the need for water replenishment and are also working towards water positivity by 2030.

Understanding the vital role of groundwater replenishment is crucial. Groundwater depletion has accelerated worldwide, especially since the early 2000s. When these water sources run dry, there are many negative repercussions. For instance, they can threaten crop production, accelerating food scarcity, a global challenge that requires our immediate attention.

Further, in some areas of the world where groundwater has declined significantly, flood risks have increased after rainfall events. In addition, dozens of coastal cities worldwide—including Tokyo, Mumbai, and Tampa Bay, Florida—have experienced what is called 'land surface sink.' This is a phenomenon where the land surface drops, threatening roads and buildings built on top of it, due to excessive groundwater extraction.

An extreme example of land surface sink is the town of El Dorado, Arkansas. Its groundwater levels dropped by two hundred feet from 1940 through 2000 as local industries pumped more and more water from surrounding aquifers.

While the challenges are there, we at Waterless Co., Inc. remain steadfast in our belief that these challenges can be addressed. More tech companies will join Amazon and Microsoft in replenishing water resources.

Additionally, we are witnessing a growing number of organizations stepping up to the plate when it comes to water efficiency—using water responsibly and implementing water-saving and water-eliminating technologies. These collective efforts give us hope for a more water sustainable future.

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. 

Keeping Your Customer's Facility Healthy This Winter

Here’s what cleaning professionals need to know. Winter months are around the corner, and they are often cold and dry—the perfect scenario for causing floor drains to dry up. This can result in the release of toxic sewer gases in your customer's facility.

To address this, custodial workers often pour water or bleach down drains. However, this is a temporary fix, and bleach can be harmful to the environment.

A more professional, effective, and certainly inexpensive option is  to use EverPrime from Waterless Co

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

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

Mixing three ounces of EverPrime in a gallon of water does the job.

For more information about the features and benefits of EverPrime, visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free 800-244-6364 today.

AI's Secret Ingredient: Water

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have witnessed remarkable breakthroughs and success in numerous areas. While still controversial, the potential of AI to positively impact our country and countries worldwide is undeniable.

While it has made significant strides in various fields, AI's environmental impact often goes unnoticed. While the carbon footprint of AI models has received some attention, its water footprint has largely been overlooked.

AI models are typically housed in energy-intensive data centers, which require vast amounts of water for cooling and electricity generation.

This water consumption can strain already limited freshwater resources, especially in regions of the world facing water scarcity - including right here in the U.S.

As the world's population grows and climate change intensifies, freshwater availability is becoming increasingly scarce. This pressing issue demands immediate attention.

That's why it is crucial to recognize AI's hidden water costs and explore strategies to reduce the water consumption associated with these data centers.

By doing so, we can pave the way for a future where AI contributes positively to our society without compromising our planet's precious water resources.

Fortunately, there is hope for a more sustainable future and it's called water-efficiency. At Waterless Co., Inc., we define water efficiency as:

"The responsible use of water resources through water-saving and water-eliminating technologies. It involves reducing our water footprint in business, industry, and home consumption. Focusing on water efficiency ensures we make the most of every drop, minimize waste, and protect this vital resource."

We can do this. We can, and we are finding ways to be more efficient with water. Let's stay committed to this cause and inspire others to join us in this crucial mission.

www.waterless.com

Your Questions answered about everprime

We've recently shared several articles about our product, EverPrime, on LinkedIn and our website. EverPrime is a biodegradable liquid that keeps the P-trap (also known as the U-trap or J-trap) under drains filled, preventing potentially toxic sewer odors from being released into restrooms and other facility areas.

Since then, we've received many questions about P-traps, plumbing maintenance, and EverPrime. Below, we share some of those questions and their answers with you. 

What happens when drains dry up?

A 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, helping prevent sewer gasses from being released into the room or area. However, P-traps can dry up when facilities such as schools or office buildings are closed for long periods or when restrooms or faucets get little or no use.  That’s when sewer odors are released.

What creates the sewer gas?

Sewer gas is formed from decomposing human and animal waste. It contains ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be toxic if inhaled in high concentrations. Many people suffer eye irritation, nausea, or difficulty breathing if they inhale these gasses, and people have died as a result of sewer gas being released into an enclosed area.

Can you just pour some water down the drain if you smell the sewer odors?

Yes, you can, but here's the problem. By the time you smell it, it may be too late. When it comes to sewer odors, it is best to take proactive steps, preventing them from happening in the first place, instead of reactive measures, which deal with the problem after it presents itself.

Who is at risk?

We all are at risk if the situation is dangerous enough. And children may be at even higher risk because they breathe faster than adults.

Are there "levels" of sewer gas concentration?

Excellent question, and yes, there are. Here is what we know.

·       Concentrations of 0.0005 parts per million (ppm) can be detected and smells like burning chemicals or rotten eggs

·       At 0.01, it can cause nausea and eye discomfort.

·       From 0.02 ppm to as high as 20 ppm, can produce headaches, increase heart rates, impact cognitive abilities, and cause muscle coordination.

What steps can we take to prevent this from happening?

Adding water to the drain every day will help. If in a room that is mopped daily that should allow enough water to run down the drain to keep the P-trap from drying up. However, when no water goes down the pipes for days, weeks, or longer, that’s when the sewer odor problems surface. In such cases, a very inexpensive but effective product that can keep the P-trap filled for months is called EverPrime®.  

EverPrime is biodegradable and as we said, very cost-effective.  Only about three ounces of the product need be poured into each drain. Further, EverPrime is not impacted by climate conditions and it lasts for months.

Stay informed and keep your facility smelling fresh with EverPrime!

Avoid Sewer Gas Odors this Winter: Keep Your Facility Fresh and Healthy! 🏢

Winter's cold and dry air can dry out U-traps, allowing potentially harmful sewer gasses to escape into a facility.

👎The old solution: In the past, custodians would pour water or bleach down drains to prevent this, but this is a temporary solution. Bleach also harms the environment.

👍There's a better way! EverPrime from Waterless Co. is a professional, effective, and affordable solution.

What makes EverPrime different? 🤔

🎯It's biodegradable and eco-friendly: Safe for the environment.

🎯It's temperature resistant: Works in extreme heat or cold, unlike water.

🎯It doesn't evaporate: Provides long-lasting protection against sewer gas.

🎯And it's easy to use: Just mix three ounces of EverPrime with a gallon of water and pour it down the drain.

Want to learn more⁉️

Visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free: 800-244-6364 and keep your facility smelling fresh all winter long!

What Users Have to Say About Everprime

EverPrime is a revolutionary product designed to prevent drain odors from escaping into restrooms. It works by maintaining the water seal in your facility’s drains, even when buildings are unoccupied for extended periods.

This is crucial because dry drain seals can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and gases that, when released into the air, can make building occupants sick.

With EverPrime, you can:

• Improve indoor air quality: Keep your buildings fresh and free from unpleasant odors.

• Protect the health of your tenants: Reduce the risk of illness caused by harmful bacteria and gases.

• Save time and money: Avoid costly repairs and maintenance related to drain issues.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Check out these verified reviews from Amazon and other sources to see why EverPrime is a must-have for property managers:

Works as advertised.

Verified Purchase

Posted by Robert on October 12, 2020

It's easy to use. Follow the instructions, and the odors are gone. I had an overflow drain in the laundry that would dry out and cause an unwanted sewer smell. I purchased Everprime, and there is no more smell.

Verified Purchase

Posted by JL on October 2, 2020

I'm a property manager. I got tired of tenants complaining about sewer gas smells in restrooms when the traps dry out. So far, Everprime is not drying up, and complaints have stopped. Yea!

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024

I use it in the drains in [our] Florida house. It works great, and after a couple of months of dormancy, the house doesn't stink.

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2017

It clogged my bathroom sink after a few days. Nothing unclogs it, not even Drano.

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States January 15, 2020

Response from Waterless Co Spokesperson: EverPrime is not a drain opening liquid. It is simply an odor blocker, coming to the rescue when the liquid trap in the pipe below the drain evaporates.

Our advice: Use an angular to open the drain and see if that opens the drain. If that does not solve the problem, a plumber may be necessary but try doing this first.

Great product

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2019

Perfect accessory for home urinal

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2019

Easy to use; great stuff but a little pricey.

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021

Response from Waterless Co Spokesperson: All that is needed is 3 ounces of EverPrime per drain as needed. The product works for months making it very cost effective.

Great functionality. Easy to use. Safe and effective. Good packaging

Verified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021

Note: These are actual reviews. We just corrected them for spelling and grammar where necessary.

It’s Not the Jewels that Made “Material Girl.” It was the Water.

Iconic Video Required Thousands of Gallons of Water to Make

Released in 1985, Madonna's "Material Girl" is often hailed as one of the most iconic music videos ever created.

The four-minute video, made in just two days, presents Madonna as a spoiled heiress surrounded by nineteen tuxedoed suitors, all offering her extravagant gifts.

It's viewed as a glamorous reimagining of an earlier dance number made by Marilyn Monroe.

However, little is known about the video's environmental impact – such as how much water was used to make all the clothing worn in the video.

This includes all the clothing and tuxedos worn by the male dancers along with her own fashions, which included several pairs of gloves and numerous outfit changes over the two-day filming period.

It is because of this that Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a company known for its innovative no-water urinals, conducted a survey on LinkedIn, asking his followers and connections the following question:

How Much Water Do You Believe Was Used to Make the Fashions in the Madonna Video Material Girl?

The responses were as follows:

• 10,000 gallons: 13%

• 50,000 gallons: 33%

• 650,000 gallons: 33%

• Over 700,000 gallons: 21%

"The majority (over 50%) believed the water usage was a staggering 650,000 gallons or more," says Reichardt.

"And they’re probably right. Just a single t-shirt worn by one of the [male] dancers required a shocking seven hundred gallons of water to produce … so you can see how it took hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to make that video." (See Sidebar Below: How Much Water is in Your Closet)

Reichardt emphasizes that he is not singling out the fashion industry or any other industry for using huge volumes of water.

"Instead, when it comes to water, my goal is to empower all industries and all consumers to take responsibility for their water use. Our mantra should be reduce waste, use less, and always use water more efficiently."

Sidebar: How Much Water is in Your Closet

The amount of water it takes to produce the different types of clothing in your closet can vary significantly, but together, the amount can be staggering, especially for those items made of cotton. In general, it takes:

• Ninety-nine gallons of water to make a pair of socks.

• Seven hundred gallons to make one cotton t-shirt.

• Eight hundred ninety gallons to make one sweatshirt or hoodie.

• One thousand nine hundred gallons to make your favorite pair of jeans.

Sources: Florida State University; Sustainabilitymag.com

Note: Water efficiency refers to the intelligent and responsible use of water resources. The goals are to minimize waste and maximize the beneficial use of water. It involves using less or no water to accomplish the same task or produce the same result.

###

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc., Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991. Based in Vista, Ca, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other cost-saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way

Vista, CA 92081 USA

800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert@alturasolutions.com

The Top Ten Environmental Benefits of Waterless Urinals

1.    Water efficiency: The enduring advantage of waterless urinals lies in their significant reduction in water usage over the long term. Traditional urinals can use 1-3 gallons per flush, while waterless urinals use no water at all, providing a reliable and sustainable solution.

2.    Immediate energy savings: The reduced water use of waterless urinals translates to immediate energy savings, as less energy is required for water treatment, pumping, delivery, and heating.

3.    Reduced wastewater: By eliminating flushing, waterless urinals decrease the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated.

4.    Lower carbon footprint: Reducing water and energy use translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with these processes.

5.    Reduced chemical use: The reduced need for water treatment due to waterless urinals means fewer chemicals are introduced into the water system, contributing to a healthier environment.

6.    Preservation of water bodies: Reducing water consumption helps maintain water levels in natural sources like rivers and aquifers.

7.    Landfill waste reduction: Plastic urinal screens are often placed at the bottom of conventional urinals. Eventually, these plastic screens end up in landfills, where they can take 500 to 1,000 years to decompose.

8.    Resource preservation: Eliminating the billions of gallons used to flush urinals helps ensure water is available for scores of other industries, from the fashion industry to EV manufacturing.

9.    Awareness promotion: The presence of waterless urinals helps raise awareness about water consumption and efficiency issues.

10.                   Simple good PR. Consumers value businesses and organizations that take steps to promote sustainability and protect the environment and human health. The installation of waterless urinals in your facility not only benefits the environment but also enhances your public image, making you and your organization a leader in sustainable practices.

 www.waterless.com

How Much Water Was Used to Make Madonna’s Material Girl Video?

Madonna's 1984 hit, "Material Girl," catapulted her to stardom. The iconic music video, filled with opulent fashion, is a testament to her glamorous image.

However, not discussed is how much water was used to make this video.

What do you think?

Here’s a link to our survey on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/33686am8

Update On Water Terminology 🎙️

NEWS: What Exactly is Water Efficiency? 🤔

 The distinction between 'water efficiency' and 'water conservation' often gets blurred.

To clear up this confusion, Waterless Co., Inc., the company behind no-water urinals, aims to define 'water efficiency' and 👨‍🏫explain its practical implementation.

As to a definition, Klaus Reichardt, President and CEO of Waterless Co, suggests the following:

💦Water efficiency refers to the intelligent and responsible use of water resources. The goals are to minimize waste and maximize the beneficial use of water. It involves using less or no water to accomplish the same task or produce the same result.

In addition to this definition, Reichardt provides the following more detailed explanation:

✴️The core concept: Water efficiency is about reducing or eliminating water waste or loss.

✴️Conservation vs. Efficiency: Water conservation focuses on reducing water use in the short term, while water efficiency aims to reduce or eliminate water consumption in the long term.

✴️Sectors: Water efficiency is not confined to a specific industry or area. It's a concept that applies to all sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to private and commercial facilities, schools, and household use.

✴️Technologies: The future of water efficiency looks promising. Most water-using appliances are far more water-efficient today than a decade ago. This is especially true of restroom fixtures, some of which function satisfactorily with no water at all.

✴️Practices: Certain practices ensure water efficiency, including ongoing leak detection and repair, water recycling, and improved water management techniques. For example, artificial intelligence systems available for commercial use can predict and manage water consumption and improve water efficiency.

✴️Benefits: Water efficiency helps conserve water resources, reduces energy use (associated with water pumping and heating), and lowers water and wastewater treatment costs.

"Water efficiency isn't just about saving water," emphasizes Reichardt. "It's also about saving money. By reducing water consumption, businesses and households can significantly cut their water bills. And as the cost of water continues to rise globally, these savings will only grow."

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