Waterless Urinals: The Early Challenges and Their Solutions

Because they have helped so many facilities reduce water consumption tremendously, we could say that waterless urinals have revolutionized restrooms.  However, it did not happen overnight.  

Below is a discussion of how they have evolved over the decades along with early challenges and how they were addressed.

Background

In May 2004, waterless urinals were still a novel technology, with Waterless Co., Inc. as the primary marketer.

At the Fourteenth Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates in Richardson, Texas, engineers Gary Bristow, James D. McClure, and David Fisher, presented a research paper "Waterless Urinals: Features, Benefits and Applications." Their study identified several benefits as well as key challenges with these fixtures.

Looking back after two decades, let’s examine how these initial challenges have been addressed over time:

Challenge 1: User Acceptance

Initially, building owners and managers reported that users were hesitant to use waterless urinals for the simple reason: they did not know how they work as no flush valves were present. Two pioneering American universities solved this by installing educational signage that explained the urinals' operation. They emphasized that users simply needed to use the fixture as usual and walk away – no flushing required. As other facilities adopted this approach and waterless urinals became more common, the need for explanatory signs has largely disappeared.

Challenge 2: Maintenance Concerns

Early maintenance workers were reluctant or were not knowledgeable on how to service waterless urinals, as flushing was no longer present and due to their unique design feature: a cartridge at the base that collects urine before it enters the sewer line. This cartridge also prevents sewer odors from escaping. This early challenge was resolved through two improvements:

1. Development of more user-friendly cartridge removal tools

2. Enhanced training programs for maintenance personnel

These changes simplified the cartridge replacement process. It is now a straightforward procedure that takes just a few seconds and effectively eliminates maintenance staff concerns.

Challenge 3: Installation Requirements 

When replacing conventional urinals with waterless urinals, it is necessary to remove the flush valves and cap the water supply lines. Additionally, in some remodeling cases, the waterless urinal may need to be positioned higher or lower than the conventional urinal that was previously installed.  This is because the flush mechanism – either manual or automatic – has been eliminated because it is no longer needed.

Despite these challenges, today installing waterless urinals has become common practice, and plumbers and contractors are generally familiar with quick and cost-effective methods to perform these installations. In newer buildings, it may not even be necessary to alter existing plumbing, as the waterless urinal can be placed over the same footprint as the conventional urinal with the water supply turned off.

Challenge 4: Costs 

Today, waterless urinals are comparable in price to conventional urinals and their flush mechanisms, depending on the model chosen. While costs were once a concern, the entrance of multiple manufacturers into the market has led to increased competition, often resulting in more competitive pricing.  

More significantly, the long-term savings associated with waterless urinals effectively address any cost issues. According to Bluefield Research, water costs in the U.S. have risen over 40% since 2012 and are still increasing. Since waterless urinals, as the name suggests, use no water whatsoever, building developers and managers can avoid this rising cost burden making the installation of waterless urinals a long-term cost savings.

The Takeaway

“Over time, we've successfully overcome the few challenges associated with installing waterless urinals,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc.  “As with any new technology, we've learned and improved.”

Predictions indicate that water scarcity will be a significant concern in the coming years, even within the United States. “By addressing these past challenges,” adds Reichardt, “we can now facilitate a smoother and more seamless transition to waterless urinals in the years to come."

Climate Change and Water Security

Climate change is now a widely accepted global phenomenon, even if there is debate about its causes. As our planet warms, its effects are being felt worldwide, particularly in how it impacts our water resources.

While drought is often the first concern that comes to mind when discussing climate change's effects on water, the reality is more complex. Climate change impacts water patterns in multiple ways, including the following: 

Increased Flooding

While some regions face drought and water shortages, others experience devastating floods – often in areas previously unaccustomed to such severe flooding. For example, in southern Germany's Bavaria region, flooding in 2024 claimed five lives and injured thousands. During his visit to the affected areas, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that this wasn't an isolated incident, but part of a growing pattern of climate-related disasters, particularly flooding events. 

Complex Water Cycle Disruption

Global temperature rise is dramatically altering Earth's natural water cycle. Here's how this disruption unfolds:

First, higher temperatures accelerate evaporation, pulling more moisture from soil, lakes, and rivers. This increased evaporation causes water shortages in many regions.

When this excess atmospheric moisture eventually falls as rain, it often comes as intense downpours rather than gentle rainfall. These heavy rains pose a particular problem when they hit areas suffering from drought: the parched, hardened soil can't absorb water quickly enough. Instead of soaking into the ground, the water runs off the surface, triggering flash floods that damage infrastructure and threaten both human and animal life.

After these flooding events, affected regions typically return to dry conditions. This creates a harmful pattern: long periods of drought punctuated by devastating floods, rather than the more balanced distribution of rainfall that characterized these regions in the past. 

Impact on Ecosystems and Water Sources

Changing precipitation patterns and water availability are transforming ecosystems worldwide. These changes ripple through the environment, affecting:

- Plant life

- Wildlife

- Marine ecosystems

- Water quality and availability

In response, many regions, particularly in the United States, are increasingly relying on underground aquifers. However, these ancient water sources, which have taken thousands of years to collect water, face a critical sustainability challenge: once depleted, they may require centuries to replenish. 

Meeting Future Water Security Challenges

Historical patterns of drought and flooding have shifted significantly with a changing climate.  While such events were once considered temporary – happening just once or lasting one to three years – climate change has introduced unprecedented uncertainty. We can no longer reliably predict:

- The duration of droughts and water shortages

- The frequency of flooding events, such as those discussed in Germany earlier

- Which regions might face new water-related challenges. 

Ensuring Water Security

To ensure water security in 2025 and beyond, two key strategies are essential:

Adaptive Water Management

Countries must develop flexible approaches to water management that can respond to rapidly changing climate conditions. This requires anticipating and preparing for various scenarios rather than relying on historical patterns. 

Enhanced Water Efficiency

Water efficiency must become a priority through:

- Responsible resource management

- Adoption of water-saving technologies

- Implementation of water-elimination technologies where possible; the use of no-water urinals is a perfect example.

By combining adaptive management with improved efficiency, we can better protect our water resources, reduce waste, and maintain water security in an increasingly unpredictable climate future.

-Klaus

Will Water Be the Great Unifier in Our Country

The US has become significantly fractured over the past twenty years. Many of us believe that the country will never be united – like it was after Pearl Harbor or after 9/11.

But as we face the future, there is one challenge we must all address, and by working together – united- we can ensure everyone in this country has access to clean and safe water for today and for future generations.

According to the most recent US Geological Survey (USGS) dataset, the United States uses approximately 322 billion gallons of water daily.

However, the future presents a daunting challenge. The demand for freshwater is set to surge while supplies dwindle. This impending crisis is fueled by factors such as population growth, climate change, warmer temperatures, and more aquifers running dry. 

How can we unite to meet our water needs today and in the future?

At Waterless Co., Inc., a leading advocate for water efficiency, we propose the following:

1.       Foster Innovation: Let's ignite the spirit of innovation in the plumbing industry to develop more water-saving/no-water technologies. This isn't just a necessity; it's a business growth opportunity. The birth and evolution of the waterless urinal industry is a testament to what innovation can achieve.

2.       Promote Leadership: The industry needs strong leadership to enhance water savings and efficiency. While competition among manufacturers drives innovation, we also need leaders to guide us in addressing our growing water challenges.

3.       Educate the Public: It's crucial to engage the public in the discourse of water sustainability and efficiency. The best way to achieve this is through ongoing education. Many people today are unaware of our looming water challenges, including water scarcity in our own country. It's time to empower everyone with this knowledge.

4.       Encourage Lawmakers to Take a Stand: Just as we must educate the public, we must inform our lawmakers to take bipartisan action to address this country’s evolving water crisis. With the right policies and regulations, we can significantly reduce water waste and ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.

Water is a precious resource that requires mindful usage. Every time we boil water in a kettle, drink water from a bottle, take a bath or shower, or flush a toilet or a water-hungry conventional urinal, we face a critical choice: we can either waste water as if our supply is infinite, or we can use it responsibly to preserve resources for future generations.

The wisdom of the Iroquois people offers powerful guidance in this regard. Their Great Law reminds us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, explicitly urging us to evaluate how our decisions will impact the next seven generations. This principle calls us to be stewards of our environment, thinking beyond our immediate needs.

Let’s make 2025 the year we embrace this responsible approach. Each of us – united - can make a difference by being more conscious of our water consumption, always looking for new ways to use water more efficiently and making choices that protect this vital resource for our children, grandchildren, and the generations that will follow.

-Klaus

Four Ways to Keep No-Water Urinals Fresh, Clean, and Odor Free

There have been questions about no-water urinals in the past such as odor issues.  However, we now know that with proper maintenance, these urinals contribute to a pleasant, odor-free restroom experience. This is due to our improved understanding of no-water urinal odors and our ability to address them effectively.

Here's four ways to keep your no-water urinals fresh, clean, and odor free:

1). Add Sealing Liquid or Replace the Cartridge

Most waterless urinals have a cartridge, a.k.a a trap, at the bottom of the urinal, pictured above. Its purpose is twofold:

1. Collect urine and send it down to the sewer line.

2. Prevent sewer odors from being released into the restroom through the sealing liquid inside the cartridge.

When the trap operates correctly, it helps ensure restrooms are odor-free. However, the sealing liquid and cartridges must be replaced based on how frequently the urinal is used. With some brands, the cartridges need to be replaced every two months. However, urinals using the EcoTrap® cartridge typically only need to be replaced every six months.

Regardless of the type of no-water urinal, if you notice urinal odors, check if the sealing liquid or cartridge needs to be replaced. If so, it’s a quick and easy procedure.

2). Cleaning the Urinal

Another key reason for no-water urinal odor problems, as with flush urinals, is improper cleaning. Before exploring this further, here's 2 things you should not do:

  • Never pour water down a waterless urinal. It is not needed. This can cause clogs in the cartridge as the urine may mix with the water and form calcium crystals.

  • The interior of the urinal does not need to be scrubbed, as no water deposits are present.

Instead, the most effective way to clean a waterless urinal is to use NviroClean - specially made to clean waterless and conventional urinals - or an all-purpose cleaning solution or disinfectant.

Spray the entire urinal first, then wait a couple of minutes. This is called dwell time, a technique that allows the cleaning solution to work effectively. Then wipe the urinal clean, preferably with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

3). Clean Urinal Surroundings

As any custodial worker will attest, men do not always have the best aim.  By the end of a business day, urine droplets collect on floors, partitions, walls, and behind the urinal.  As it collects, it releases odors.

To address this, cleaning the surrounding area of any urinal is essential during each cleaning visit.  An all-purpose cleaner is usually all that is necessary.  Also, be sure to mop around the urinal regularly using a clean mop.

Further, if a mat is installed under the urinal, be sure it is changed and cleaned regularly. This applies to no-water and water-using urinals. Have a professional linen service come in on a regular basis to collect the mats and replace them with fresh ones.

4). Check for Clogs 

Clogs in the piping can lead to odor problems. If you suspect a clog, use an auger to clear the pipe. If this resolves the issue, you're all set. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to call a plumber.

There you have it. 

Custodial workers often say cleaning and maintaining a waterless urinal is easier than cleaning a flush urinal. Plus, it can be safer. There is less splatter, and there is no concern that the cleaning solution will release fumes when mixed with urine.

That's why, when it comes to cleaning, we suggest staying healthy - the waterless way.

Mastering Water Efficency

While the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) currently reports improved water conditions nationwide, it's important to remember that nearly every state faced serious to severe drought conditions just a few months ago.

This shift from widespread drought to improved water conditions is a beacon of hope for those of us advocating for enhanced water efficiency. It has heightened public awareness of water scarcity, shortages, and the urgent need for more efficient water use.

However, it has also led to some confusion, particularly regarding some of the different terms used to discuss water efficiency. Four of these terms are often referred to as the "4Rs." While there is some overlap among these terms, they have distinct differences. Below, we clarify these terms and highlight their key differences:

Reclaimed Water

  • Treated to meet specific water quality standards for beneficial but non-potable purposes like irrigation and industrial processes.

  • Undergoes extensive treatment to remove contaminants.

Reused Water

  • Primarily domestic water used more than once before final disposal.

  • It can include both treated and untreated water.

  • May involve direct or indirect reuse applications.

  • Generally, it has less stringent treatment requirements compared to reclaimed water.

Reconditioned Water

  • Treated to restore its original quality.

  • Reconditioned water is potable and can be safely released into waterways without harming marine life or into underground aquifers.

Recycled Water

  • This is wastewater, stormwater runoff, or greywater that undergoes a multi-step purification process to remove contaminants and impurities.

  • Often recycled water is used for specific applications such as cooling power plants, in manufacturing, toilet flushing, concrete mixing and processing, and building construction.

A 5th R?

Increasingly, a 5th “R” is being used. This R refers to “redundant.” When used to discuss water efficiency, it refers to using water unnecessarily or where it is no longer needed. A perfect example is in urinals.

As we can see, all the "Rs" have similarities and differences, but they share a common purpose: conserving freshwater resources and using water more efficiently. This shared goal unites us in our efforts to meet today's water needs and ensure a sustainable water future.

-Klaus

Urgent Action Needed to Ensure the World’s Supply of Fresh Water

Study Prepared by the UN Commission on the Economics of Water

Vista, CA – December 3, 2024 - Half the world’s population is currently grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published in October 2024.

The report warns that this alarming figure is only set to escalate as the climate crisis intensifies.
The report also highlighted the following:

  • More than 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people – 44 percent of the world’s population – lack safe sanitation.

  • Tragically, every day, 1,000 innocent children lose their lives due to the lack of access to safe water. This heart-wrenching statistic underscores the urgent need for action.

  • Demand for fresh water is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent in just six years.

  • Without action, by 2050, water problems will shave about 8 percent off global gross domestic product (GDP), with poorer countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, facing a 15 percent loss.

  • Over half of the world’s food production comes from areas experiencing unstable water availability trends - including areas of the United States.

It also pointed out that two types of water serve the world:  

Green Water. Found in soil, this water is used by agriculture, plants, and soil microorganisms. When used by vegetation, it is released back into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.

Blue Water. This water comes from rainfall or the melting of snow.

While the study focused on many other dark realities related to water, it also provided some answers and solutions, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a leading marketer of no-water urinals.

According to Reichardt, the report concluded that we must reshape world economies so that water is used more efficiently, eliminating waste.

He also suggests that we should "begin with the end in mind when it comes to water, focusing on the desired outcome and then work backward to achieve it."

 

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc. has been a pioneer in water efficiency since 1991, when it introduced waterless urinals to North America. Headquartered in Vista, CA, the company has established itself as a key player in promoting water efficiency. Their product range includes a variety of no-flush urinals, liquid plumbing solutions, and cost-saving accessories, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in water-saving technologies.

Contact Information

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

For Thanksgiving 2024: A Poem from Waterless Co, Inc

Water, pure and bright 🍃🌧☔💦

Cleansing our souls, quenching our thirst

Flowing through our streams and rivers.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

A gift from heaven, the icy peaks and the ocean's depth

Water shapes our world

Bringing about a symphony of nature.

In every drop, a universe unfolds.

Let us always be grateful

Precious water, it gives us life 🌊

-Klaus
CEO Waterless Co., Inc

How Microsoft Is Addressing Water Challenges

This is part of our continuing series, Overlooked No More, where we highlight companies and organizations taking significant steps to reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.

Many of the companies previously featured focus primarily on their own water use and finding ways to use less. However, our focus company this month, Microsoft, is extending its efforts far beyond its own operations. The company collaborates with countries and organizations worldwide to reduce water consumption, enhance water efficiency, and replenish water supplies.

Before exploring some of their efforts, the following two terms need to be clarified:

Water Efficiency. This refers to strategies that reduce or eliminate water consumption for the long term. Xeriscape landscaping, installing low-flow toilets, and no-water urinals are perfect examples.

Water Replenishment. According to Microsoft, replenishment activities typically address water quantity, availability, or quality by reducing water use and recharging local aquifers.

So, what's Microsoft been up to?

Among their major water efficiency projects currently are the following:

**The Colorado River** The goal here is to focus on water efficiency by using technologies that quickly uncover and repair leaks and introducing steps for farmers to reduce water consumption.

**Chile** This country frequently faces multi-year droughts that severely impact its water availability. To address this, Microsoft uses advanced leak detection technologies, helping farmers use water more efficiently, and develops projects that help the land absorb and retain more water, such as reforestation and soil conservation.

**Shanghai** This city of twenty-five million people has several water-related difficulties. Substantial amounts of water in Shanghai are polluted due to agricultural runoff and insufficient wastewater treatment. Additionally, there is a leadership vacuum in water management. To address this, Microsoft seeks ways to strengthen water stewardship, restore wetland areas to minimize runoff and improve water quality.

**Phoenix** Cooling systems can use vast volumes of water, especially in hot and dry areas such as Phoenix, AZ. Furthermore, these mechanicals often use more water as they age. Microsoft has developed a revolving loan program for the city's hospitals to address this. Loans are provided to hospitals to retrofit their HVAC systems. As the money is paid back, those funds are re-loaned to other hospitals, reducing water consumption and dramatically improving water efficiency.

Beyond water efficiency and replenishment, Microsoft's other water goals include the following:

  • Finding Water Alternatives: Exploring and implementing alternatives to water, particularly for data centers.

  • Monitoring and Measurement: Encourage water consumption tracking and replenishment efforts. Data allows communities to understand their water usage better and evaluate the effectiveness of their water reduction strategies.

Our series, Overlooked No More, aims to encourage you and your organization to support similar initiatives and implement strategies that help reduce water consumption and use it more efficiently. If we can help you in this endeavor, please contact us. In the interim, hopefully, we have provided you with some inspiration.

-Klaus

Urgent Action Needed to Ensure the World’s Supply of Fresh Water

Study Prepared by the UN Commission on the Economics of Water

Half the world’s population is currently grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published in October 2024.  

The report warns that this alarming figure is only set to escalate as the climate crisis intensifies.

The report also highlighted the following:

  • More than 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people – 44 percent of the world’s population – lack safe sanitation.

  • Tragically, every day, 1,000 innocent children lose their lives due to the lack of access to safe water. This heart-wrenching statistic underscores the urgent need for action.

  • Demand for fresh water is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent in just six years.

  • Without action, by 2050, water problems will shave about 8 percent off global gross domestic product (GDP), with poorer countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, facing a 15 percent loss.

  • Over half of the world’s food production comes from areas experiencing unstable water availability trends - including areas of the United States.

The report also pointed out that two types of water serve the world:  

Green Water. Found in soil, this water is used by agriculture, plants, and soil microorganisms. When used by vegetation, it is released back into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.  

Blue Water. This water comes from rainfall or the melting of snow.  

While the study focused on many other dark realities related to water, it also provided some answers and solutions, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a leading marketer of no-water urinals.  

According to Reichardt, the report concluded that we must reshape world economies so that water is allocated more equitably and used more efficiently, eliminating waste.

He also suggests that we should "begin with the end in mind when it comes to water, focusing on the desired outcome and then working backward to achieve it."

 

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc. has been a pioneer in water efficiency since 1991, when it introduced waterless urinals to North America. Headquartered in Vista, CA, the company has established itself as a key player in promoting water efficiency. Their product range includes a variety of no-flush urinals, liquid plumbing solutions, and cost-saving accessories, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in water-saving technologies.

 

Contact Information

 Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

 
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