El Niño 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Know About Weather, Water Supply, and Risk

Image by Vlada Karpovich

As forecasts point to a potential El Niño developing in late 2026, facility managers, property professionals, and business leaders are asking an important question: how will this climate pattern impact operations, water availability, and infrastructure risk?

The answer varies by region—but the need to prepare is universal.

What Is El Niño and Why It Matters

El Niño is a recurring climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. This warming disrupts global weather systems, often shifting rainfall patterns, temperatures, and storm activity.

For businesses, El Niño is more than a climate event—it can directly affect water supply, flood risk, snowpack levels, and overall operational stability.

U.S. Weather Patterns During El Niño

According to NOAA data, El Niño tends to influence winter weather across North America in consistent ways:

• Northern Plains and Great Lakes: Milder temperatures and reduced snowfall

• Gulf Coast and Southern Plains: Increased rainfall and higher flood potential

• Pacific Northwest: Warmer conditions and lower snowpack levels

• Southeast: Cooler, wetter conditions with increased severe weather risk

• Southwest and California: Greater chance of above-average rainfall, though less predictable

• Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Warmer winters with more rain and fewer snow events

These regional shifts can significantly impact water management strategies, infrastructure performance, and operational planning.

How El Niño Affects Water Supply and Infrastructure

Water availability
El Niño can create sharp contrasts—bringing excess rainfall to some regions while intensifying drought in others. Even where precipitation increases, it does not always translate into usable or stored water.

Reservoir levels
Changes in rainfall timing, storm intensity, and runoff can limit reservoir recovery, even during wetter periods.

Water quality risks
Heavy rainfall and flooding can carry pollutants into waterways, increasing treatment demands and potentially affecting supply reliability.

Groundwater impacts
Above-average rainfall may support aquifer recharge, but drought-prone regions may see declining water tables and higher pumping costs. Elevated temperatures can also reduce recharge efficiency.

How Often El Niño Occurs

El Niño typically develops every 2 to 7 years and lasts between 9 and 12 months. Each event differs in strength, making localized forecasting and preparation essential.

Why Water Efficiency Still Matters

Even in wetter years, water efficiency remains a critical business strategy. Long-term pressures continue to shape water risk:

• Aging infrastructure

• Increasing water and energy costs

• Population growth

• Climate variability

Organizations that prioritize water efficiency and resilience are better positioned to manage both cost and risk—regardless of short-term weather patterns.

Will La Niña Follow El Niño?

La Niña, the cooler phase of the same climate cycle, often follows El Niño, though not always. Its arrival can trigger a new set of weather extremes, reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive planning.

Are El Niño Events Becoming More Extreme?

Scientists are actively studying how climate change may influence El Niño intensity. While trends suggest increasing variability and more extreme weather outcomes, uncertainty remains. What is clear is that businesses face growing exposure to climate-related disruptions.

How to Prepare for El Niño 2026

Proactive planning can significantly reduce operational and financial risk. Organizations should consider:

• Reviewing emergency response and business continuity plans

• Inspecting and maintaining drainage and stormwater systems

• Evaluating water efficiency and reuse opportunities

• Assessing site-specific climate vulnerabilities

• Monitoring seasonal forecasts and NOAA updates

Early action allows organizations to respond more effectively to both excess rainfall and potential water shortages. Are you prepared?

Extreme El Niño Ahead: Building Operators Urged to Brace for Major Operational Vulnerabilities

Image by Corneliu Stefan found on Prexels

VISTA, CA – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially activated an El Niño Advisory. Current data indicates a 63% probability that accelerating tropical Pacific conditions will culminate in a historic "super" El Niño event.

Because these volatile weather systems are forecasted to persist well into 2027, property managers, commercial building owners, and environmental services teams must immediately transition from standard seasonal upkeep to proactive climate-resilience planning.

Shifting Weather Patterns Across North America

The upcoming 2026–2027 meteorological cycle is expected to significantly alter the polar jet stream, creating highly unpredictable regional conditions:

• The American South: Substantially higher rainfall totals coupled with an elevated threat of severe winter flash flooding.

• The Northern U.S. and Canada: Unseasonably mild winter temperatures.

• Global Impacts: An increase in both the frequency and severity of Pacific storm systems.

Five Core Threats to Commercial Properties

"Property leaders cannot afford to view this El Niño as a standard weather cycle; it is a direct threat to business continuity," warns Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "From spiking utility demands to elevated safety hazards, these shifts will strain every facet of a building's infrastructure."

Reichardt points to five main vulnerabilities that require immediate attention before winter conditions peak:

1. Overwhelmed Drainage Systems: Sudden, torrential downpours will rapidly clog neglected gutters and catch basins, threatening structural integrity and risking severe flash floods.

2. Accelerated Freeze-Thaw Damage: Erratic, bouncing temperatures will worsen freeze-thaw cycles, leading to cracked building exteriors, degraded roof structures, and parking lot potholes.

3. Unexpected HVAC Stress: Unseasonable winter warmth means commercial cooling towers and chillers must operate longer, driving up water consumption and increasing the risk of mechanical breakdowns.

4. Slip-and-Fall Hazards: Persistent outdoor moisture inevitably tracks into entryways. Mitigating high-dollar liability claims will require robust matting strategies and increased floor maintenance rotations.

5. Compromised Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Continuous outdoor humidity can lead to indoor mold blooms and bacterial growth, threatening building health standards and tenant wellness.

"Mitigation is always less expensive than emergency remediation," Reichardt emphasizes. "Taking preventative action today is the only way to safeguard occupants and protect your bottom line."

10-Step El Niño Property Protection Checklist

Deploy this proactive maintenance strategy to shield your assets and maintain seamless operations through the winter:

• 1. Roof Evaluations: Look for standing water, weak seams, and flashing vulnerable to high winds.

• 2. Clearance of Waterways: Clear out debris from all gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and perimeter drains.

• 3. Envelope Inspections: Check window seals, expansion joints, and exterior facades for cracks or gaps.

• 4. Subgrade Protection: Verify the functionality of primary and secondary sump pumps, and review basement flood response plans.

• 5. Climate Control Tuning: Service HVAC units to handle unseasonable warmth, and flush condensate lines to inhibit mold development.

• 6. Utility Forecasting: Adjust financial projections to accommodate increased power draw from winter cooling and dehumidification.

• 7. Smart Irrigation: Scale back automated watering schedules to account for natural rainfall and prevent wasteful run-off.

• 8. Emergency Supply Inventory: Keep an on-site surplus of vital electrical, plumbing, and mechanical replacement components.

• 9. Vendor Alignment: Re-confirm emergency response SLAs with plumbing contractors, HVAC technicians, and disaster restoration teams.

• 10. Tenant Communication: Inform building occupants on how to quickly flag drafts, active leaks, or unusual interior humidity.

About Waterless Co., Inc.

Waterless Co., Inc. is an industry leader in commercial water conservation and sustainable building solutions. Headquartered in Vista, CA, the organization designs and manufactures advanced waterless, non-flushing urinals and eco-friendly restroom solutions. Their technologies help facility executives optimize building performance, lower utility expenditures, and significantly reduce corporate water footprints.

Engineer Discusses Ingenious Value of Waterless Urinals

Liam Cope from his Website EngineerFix

Liam Cope is the founder of the popular engineering blog EngineerFix. Drawing on his extensive background in electrical and mechanical engineering, Cope started his platform with a straightforward mission: to help facility managers, building owners, and engineering professionals better understand how complex building systems work.

In a recent discussion on commercial restroom sustainability, Cope explored the pros, cons, and operational mechanics of waterless (no-flush) urinal fixtures. In the detailed question-and-answer below, Cope shares his expert insights on waterless urinal technology—an eco-friendly solution growing in adoption and popularity around the globe.

Liam, can you give us a quick overview of waterless urinals?

Waterless urinals look remarkably similar to conventional flush models, but they operate entirely without water. Instead of utilizing a manual or automatic flush valve, they rely on gravity to move liquid waste into the drain system. To maintain indoor air quality and hygiene, a specialized trap or cartridge system is built into the fixture to prevent sewer odors from escaping into the restroom.

What is the main financial and environmental benefit of waterless urinals?

The single biggest advantage is significant water conservation and improved water efficiency, which directly translate to lower commercial utility costs.

In a high-traffic commercial facility, replacing a standard 1.0 gallon-per-flush (gpf) urinal with a waterless model can save between 20,000 and 50,000 gallons of water per year per fixture. If you are replacing older, inefficient 3.5-gpf units, those savings can increase to 100,000 gallons annually for a single fixture.

How exactly does a waterless urinal work?

Most modern waterless urinals use a removable cartridge or trap insert filled with a specialized, lightweight sealant liquid.

Because this sealant is less dense than urine, liquid waste passes through the sealant layer and flows directly into the drain line. The sealant then settles back on top, creating a floating barrier. This layer acts like a one-way valve, sealing off the pipe and preventing sewer gases and odors from backing up into the restroom.

What kind of return on investment (ROI) can facility managers expect?

Even after accounting for the routine cost of replacement cartridges and liquid sealant, waterless urinals deliver impressive financial returns.

Depending on local water rates, they can save anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $2,000 per unit each year, especially when replacing automated flush valves that are prone to phantom flushing. In many commercial retrofits, the utility savings allow the initial installation cost to pay for itself within just a few months.

What is the most critical waterless urinal maintenance task?

The primary maintenance task is periodically replacing the trap or cartridge. For most standard commercial facilities, this is required after 10,000 to 15,000 uses, or about four times a year, though the exact schedule varies based on restroom traffic, usage patterns, and climate. The liquid sealant is replaced more frequently.

The building’s engineers or custodial staff can manage this task. It is a straightforward process, and manufacturers provide the specific tools and instructions needed to make the swap quick, clean, and thorough.

What is the correct way to clean a waterless urinal?

Proper cleaning chemistry is vital. Custodians should avoid harsh, highly alkaline chemicals or flushing the fixture with large buckets of water. Doing so can prematurely break down or wash away the liquid sealant barrier. In fact, using standard water-based or aggressive alkaline cleaners is the leading cause of odor complaints because it destroys the protective seal and allows sewer gases to escape.

Instead, custodians should use non-abrasive, pH-neutral, or slightly acidic cleaners specifically formulated for waterless plumbing fixtures. The cleaning process is simple:

1.    Spray the urinal bowl with the specialized cleaner or sanitizer.

2.    Let it sit for a few minutes to emulsify surface soils.

3.    Wipe the fixture clean with a microfiber cloth.

Can building engineers manage the installation themselves?

Yes, provided they adhere to plumbing code standards and thoroughly understand the specific plumbing and installation requirements.

When retrofitting a restroom with waterless urinals, maintaining a proper pipe slope is essential for gravity-fed drainage. The drain line must also be correctly vented to protect the trap seal and ensure consistent, efficient flow. If your in-house team has any uncertainty about pipe pitch or venting rules, bringing in a licensed commercial plumber can help prevent costly drainage delays down the road.

Click here to learn more from Engineer Fix about everyday engineering topics and issues.

Can Cold Showers Help Reduce Sick Days?

Image found on Pexels

Cold showers are gaining attention as a simple habit that may improve health, boost energy, and even reduce sick days. But do they actually work?

A large study conducted in the Netherlands set out to answer that question. Researchers recruited approximately 3,000 participants and asked them to follow their normal shower routine for 30 days, with one key change: each person ended their shower with 30, 60, or 90 seconds of cold water.

Cold Showers and Sick Days

At the end of the study, researchers analyzed workplace attendance data and found a compelling result. Participants who added cold water to their routine reported nearly 30 percent fewer sick days compared to those who continued taking only warm showers.

Interestingly, the length of the cold exposure—whether 30, 60, or 90 seconds—did not significantly affect the outcome. All groups experienced similar reductions in absenteeism.

These findings suggest that even a short burst of cold water may deliver measurable benefits.

Why Cold Showers May Boost Health and Energy

The cold water used in the study was around 50°F, much lower than the typical U.S. shower temperature of approximately 106°F. Despite the temperature difference, many participants adapted quickly and reported positive effects.

According to lead researcher Dr. Geert A. Buijze, cold showers may stimulate the body’s fight-or-flight response. This reaction triggers the release of hormones, increases heart rate, and elevates metabolism—all of which can contribute to improved alertness and energy levels.

Participant feedback reinforces this idea. Nearly two-thirds of individuals in the study said they continued taking cold showers after the trial ended because they felt more energized and refreshed.

Energy Savings and Environmental Benefits

In addition to potential health benefits, cold showers can significantly reduce household energy use. Heating water is one of the largest energy expenses in most homes.

Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., estimates that a person taking cooler showers could spend about $50 per year on energy, compared to more than $200 annually for someone who consistently takes hot showers.

Reducing hot water use not only lowers utility bills but also decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating. For sustainability professionals and environmentally conscious consumers, this makes cold showers a small but impactful behavior change.

A Simple Habit with Multiple Benefits

While cold showers are not a replacement for medical care, the evidence suggests they may help improve daily energy levels, reduce sick days, and lower energy costs. With no equipment required and minimal time investment, ending your shower with cold water is an easy habit to test.

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How to Protect Outdoor Workers During Extreme Heat Waves

Heat Image Found on Unsplash

Extreme weather events are no longer occasional disruptions—they are the new operational reality. Since the 1960s, the frequency and intensity of severe heat waves have escalated dramatically. What used to be brief spells of high temperatures now routinely stretch into prolonged, multi-week crises, drastically increasing dangerous heat exposure for outdoor workforces.

For employers, this shift demands a proactive approach. Implementing a comprehensive heat illness prevention program is no longer just a regulatory recommendation; it is a critical requirement for workplace safety and operational continuity.

Six Critical Heat Safety Strategies for Employers

To effectively mitigate the risks of high-temperature environments, businesses must transition from reactive measures to structured, multi-faceted safety protocols.

1. Implement Continuous Temperature Monitoring and Thresholds

Do not rely on guesswork. Designate a safety officer to actively track real-time weather data, heat indexes, and wet-bulb globe temperatures (WBGT). Establish hard environmental thresholds where outdoor labor must be modified, paused, or moved indoors to prevent severe medical emergencies like heat stroke.

2. Establish Worker Acclimatization Programs

Sudden exposure to intense heat is a leading cause of occupational heat illness. Protect new, temporary, or returning employees by implementing a gradual heat tolerance schedule. Slowly scaling up their workload over a 7-to-14-day period allows the body to physiologically adapt to hot environments, significantly reducing the risk of sudden heat stress.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Heat Stress Training

Education saves lives. Ensure your entire workforce can identify the progressive warning signs of heat-related illnesses.

• Early Symptoms: Muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headaches, and dizziness.

• Severe Signs: Confusion, slurred speech, and fainting (which indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention).

4. Shift to Flexible, Heat-Aware Scheduling

In vulnerable regions like the American Southwest, traditional 9-to-5 schedules can be hazardous. Optimize your project timelines by shifting strenuous outdoor tasks to the coolest parts of the day—such as early morning or late evening—and wrapping up high-exposure activities before mid-afternoon peaks.

5. Provide Accessible Hydration and Cooling Stations

Hydration and rest must be frictionless. Employers should supply a continuous, readily accessible abundance of cold water. Additionally, establish shaded rest areas or air-conditioned cooling stations where workers can take mandatory recovery breaks out of direct sunlight.

6. Integrate Cooling PPE Solutions

While standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for site safety, it often traps body heat and worsens thermal discomfort. To counteract this, equip outdoor staff with specialized cooling vests and moisture-wicking gear, and mandate regular cooling station rotations to let their bodies reset.

The Broader Impact: Climate, Water, and Workplace Risk

The dangers of rising temperatures extend far beyond immediate physical strain. Even marginal shifts in regional climates can trigger cascading environmental challenges, including severe droughts, local water shortages, and heightened wildfire risks. These interconnected climate factors directly impact job site safety, air quality, and resource availability, making robust corporate sustainability and safety planning more urgent than ever.

By prioritizing these safety protocols, companies protect their most valuable asset—their people. Investing in smart, hot-weather safety measures doesn't just ensure regulatory compliance; it safeguards employee health, boosts morale, and maintains productivity in an era of unpredictable weather.

About the Author

Klaus Reichardt is the CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a pioneer in water conservation and the leading provider of waterless urinal technology across North America.

Water Efficiency: A Term Waterless Co. Inc. Has Always Understood

The term water efficiency appears frequently on our Waterless Blog, but many readers are not entirely sure what it means. Is it the same as water conservation, water savings, or water sustainability? Not exactly.

Water efficiency is a relatively modern term, first introduced in the United States in the late 1980s. It was used most often by water professionals and government agencies discussing water-related issues.

The term is closely related to the broader idea of water conservation, but it places greater emphasis on using water more effectively for the long term. This means steps, methods, and water-using products are adopted that use far less water than their older counterparts — or no water at all.

However, two important milestones helped give the term more credibility and prevalence:

• In 1991, the American Water Works Association adopted a policy statement on "Water Efficiency and Conservation," helping cement the term in official documents.

• In 1992, the Energy Policy Act created the first national standards requiring water efficiency in certain products, giving the term real institutional weight.

These developments helped make water efficiency a recognized term, and it has remained part of the water-sustainability conversation ever since.

How the term evolved

Historically, people talked mostly about water conservation — meaning reducing waste or using less water overall. Over time, "water efficiency" became the preferred term for getting the same task done with less water, especially in engineered systems like toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and irrigation equipment.

Why the term emerged

"Water efficiency" gained traction because it fit a more technical, performance-based approach than conservation alone. It shifted the focus from simply saving water through behavior change to designing products, fixtures, and systems that accomplish the same function with minimal — or no — water use.

Practical meaning of water efficiency today

In modern usage, the term usually means minimizing the amount of water needed to accomplish a task or result. That framing is common in sustainability, plumbing standards, green building, and utility programs.

In one sentence water efficiency means

The history of "water efficiency" is essentially the history of water-saving ideas becoming more technical, measurable, and product-focused — especially from the early 1990s onward. Interestingly, Waterless Co., Inc. was founded in 1991, which tells us that when it comes to water efficiency, we were in the right place at the right time.

-Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc, marketers of waterless urinals and other restroom products.

Is a Water Renaissance Coming to Southern California?

Image by Timothy Tate found on Prexels

Summary of a June 2026 Sierra article by Juliet Grable on Southern California’s water future.

Southern California imports over half of its water from the Colorado River, the Eastern Sierra, and the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, but climate change and aging infrastructure are making those supplies less reliable.

·        Colorado River: Flows are well below historic norms after record-low snowpack.

·        Mono Lake: Water levels have fallen to dangerous lows.

·        Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta: Water quality is declining, with toxic algae and ecological damage.

The Delta Conveyance Project: A Controversial Government Answer

To address shortages, Governor Gavin Newsom and state water agencies have proposed the Delta Conveyance Project, a tunnel that would move Sacramento River water around the delta to Southern California.

The project carries a steep price tag of at least $20 billion and a lengthy 15- to 20-year timeline. Critics—including local Native American tribes, fishing organizations, and environmental advocates—argue that the tunnel simply doubles down on an outdated, unsustainable approach to water management.

The Sustainable Alternative: The Water Renaissance Plan

In contrast, the Water Renaissance Plan emphasizes local supply through stormwater capture, wastewater recycling, water efficiency, and conservation instead of major new diversion infrastructure.

Advocates claim these localized strategies could yield 1.8 to 2 million acre-feet of water by 2045 at a fraction of the tunnel's long-term cost.

Key Recommendations of the Water Renaissance Plan:

·        Wastewater Recycling: The largest untapped local source, with potential to meet up to 75% of regional demand.

·        Green Infrastructure: Use bioswales, rain gardens, and cisterns to capture stormwater and recharge aquifers.

·        Native Plant Landscaping: Replace lawns to cut water use and reduce runoff.

·        Delta Restoration: Repair levees and wetlands instead of building new diversions.

The Funding Challenge: Local Water vs. Mega-Projects

According to advocates, the ultimate hurdle is financial allocation. If the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California commits up to $40 billion to the Delta Tunnel project, funding for local, decentralized water projects will likely dry up. The coalition is actively pushing for a state general obligation water bond dedicated specifically to local supplies, supplemented by a mix of federal, state, and municipal funding.

Reasons for Optimism in SoCal

Examples across the region suggest the approach is feasible:

·        Orange County runs the world’s largest wastewater recycling facility.

·        San Diego expects its Pure Water program to provide nearly half its drinking water by 2035.

·        Los Angeles County aims to raise locally sourced water from 40% to 80% by 2045.

·        Statewide more emphasis on water efficiency such as installing low-flow toilets and waterless urinals.

Ultimately, Southern California faces a pivotal choice: repeat the rigid engineering ambitions of a century ago with another multi-billion-dollar mega-project, or invest in smarter, decentralized, and climate-resilient local solutions.

Water Efficiency and Positive Messaging: How Optimism Drives Conservation

Hope Image by Pravin Pravin found on Prexels

In August 2022, a viral Instagram video attracted thousands of views by claiming that Earth has an unlimited supply of water. The clip showed a man swimming in a pristine lake while asserting that humanity will never face water shortages.

Debunking the “Endless Water” Claim

The video promoted the concept of “primary water,” suggesting that new freshwater is continuously generated deep within the Earth through geological processes. Based on this theory, the creator argued that concerns about water scarcity are unnecessary.

However, independent fact-checkers challenged this claim, and the platform later flagged the content as partially inaccurate.

Understanding Real Water Constraints

While Earth’s total water volume remains relatively constant, accessible freshwater is finite. The issue is not that the planet is running out of water, but that clean, usable water is not always available where and when it is needed.

Several factors contribute to water scarcity:

• Demand exceeding natural recharge rates

• Extended drought conditions

• Pollution of surface and groundwater sources

• Outdated or insufficient water infrastructure

As USA Today reporter Kate S. Petersen noted, scarcity is fundamentally an issue of access and management—not absolute supply.

Approaches to Water Efficiency and Conservation Messaging

Efforts to promote water efficiency typically fall into two categories.

Fact-Based Education
Some organizations emphasize clear, science-backed information. This approach focuses on explaining challenges while also highlighting achievable solutions, helping audiences make informed decisions.

Fear-Driven Campaigns
Other initiatives rely on urgency and emotional appeal, often highlighting severe hardship—such as communities without reliable drinking water—to prompt action.

The question is which method actually leads to lasting behavior change.

What Research Suggests About Behavior Change

Evidence increasingly shows that fear alone is not a reliable motivator for sustained action. Campaigns rooted in alarm can capture attention, but they often fail to maintain engagement over time.

This pattern is not unique to environmental communication.

A Lesson from “Just Say No”

The “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign of the 1980s provides a useful comparison. Although widely recognized, later evaluations found limited long-term impact.

• A 1994 U.S. Department of Justice study found only short-term reductions in tobacco use, with little effect on alcohol or marijuana

• In 2001, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher characterized similar programs as ineffective

• Researchers observed a “boomerang effect,” where overly forceful messaging triggered resistance among some audiences

These findings highlight the limits of fear-based strategies.

Why Positive Messaging Is More Effective

According to Klaus Reichardt CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., campaigns centered on fear and guilt often fail to produce lasting behavioral change. While they may generate an initial emotional response, they can also lead to disengagement or resistance.

More effective communication strategies focus on empowerment and possibility.

Show What Works
Highlighting successful water conservation efforts—whether technological innovations or community initiatives—helps demonstrate that progress is achievable.

Emphasize Agency and Hope
People are more likely to act when they believe their choices can make a difference. Hope fosters participation, while fear can create paralysis.

Offer Clear Actions
Effective messaging provides specific, practical steps. Examples include reducing household water use, adopting efficient technologies, or supporting local conservation programs.

Building a Culture of Water Stewardship

Water scarcity is a real and growing challenge, but how it is communicated plays a critical role in shaping public response. Messaging that combines realism with optimism can motivate more durable changes in behavior.

Encouraging individuals and organizations to see themselves as part of the solution—rather than simply highlighting the severity of the problem—may be one of the most effective ways to advance sustainable water use.

By Robert Kravitz, a frequent author for the professional management industry.

How to Maintain Park and Camp Floor Drains

Here is what you need to know and do.

• The Winterizing Ritual: To prevent freezing water from cracking and rupturing pipes, camps must shut off the water supply, open all taps, flush toilets, and drain water heaters before closing for the season.

• The Reopening Routine: When reopening, reverse the process by turning water back on, checking for leaks, and ensuring vent stacks are clear of leaves and debris.

• The Overlooked Threat (Sewer Odors): A major post-winter issue is sewer gases entering buildings. This happens when the water in U-traps (the curved pipe under drains) evaporates over months of disuse, breaking the barrier that blocks gases.

• Health Risks: Sewer gas is a health hazard, containing bacteria and compounds that can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues, particularly in children and seniors.

• What NOT to Do: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like bleach down the drain (which creates toxic fumes) or trying to mask the scent with air fresheners.

• The Solution: Pouring water down the drain provides temporary relief, but using a biodegradable liquid trap primer (like EverPrime®) during fall winterization slows evaporation and prevents dried-out traps all winter long.

How to Build a Commercial Water Management Plan for Long-Term Savings

True corporate responsibility when it comes to water goes far beyond putting up "please save water" signs in the restroom. Achieving lasting operational resilience requires a strategic commitment to smart technology, data-driven practices, and a culture that prioritizes resource efficiency.

When organizations invest heavily in modern water management, they unlock massive utility cost savings, mitigate operational risks, and build a powerful brand reputation that resonates with modern consumers, investors, and community stakeholders.

1. Start with a Professional Facility Water Audit

You cannot manage what you do not measure. The foundation of any successful commercial water management strategy is a comprehensive professional audit. A technical audit establishes an accurate usage baseline, exposes hidden leaks, and highlights the high-return areas where upgrades will make the biggest financial impact.

While small facilities might attempt a basic DIY inspection, larger and more complex commercial properties require the expertise of certified water auditors. A thorough professional audit typically includes:

• Scope Definition: Identifying and mapping every water-using system on the property, including commercial HVAC units, cooling towers, commercial restrooms, and facility landscaping.

• Data Aggregation: Reviewing at least 24 months of historical utility bills alongside localized sub-meter data to uncover seasonal consumption patterns and historical spikes.

• Actionable Roadmaps: Pinpointing specific infrastructure repairs or equipment upgrades, calculated against their projected return on investment (ROI).

Pro Tip: Water audits are not a one-time checklist. Because commercial equipment degrades and facility needs evolve, you should schedule professional water audits every 2 to 3 years to stay ahead of hidden failures in aging boilers, cooling towers, and distribution lines.

2. Prioritize Upgrades with the "Four-Bucket Strategy"

A comprehensive audit often generates a massive list of potential repairs. To prevent analysis paralysis, facility managers can use the Four-Bucket Strategy to categorize projects, allocate budgets, and prioritize execution:

• Bucket 1: Immediate Repairs (0–3 Months): Critical fixes that prevent property damage and immediate financial loss, such as severe pipe leaks or malfunctioning valves.

• Bucket 2: Low-Hanging Fruit (3–6 Months): Low-cost, high-ROI solutions that can be completed quickly, such as installing low-flow faucet aerators or recalibrating automated sensors.

• Bucket 3: Mid-Term Capital Projects (1–3 Years): Moderately sized upgrades often scheduled alongside planned renovations, such as retrofitting high-efficiency restroom fixtures during a floor remodel.

• Bucket 4: Long-Term Lifecycles (7–10 Years): Big-ticket infrastructure replacements planned around the natural end of an appliance's useful life, such as upgrading industrial chillers or main boilers to avoid catastrophic unplanned downtime.

3. Leverage Smart Water Technology for Maximum ROI

Modern plumbing and building automation technologies allow commercial properties to slash water consumption without compromising guest comfort or system performance.

High-Efficiency Commercial Restrooms

Because commercial restrooms are typically a building's largest source of water consumption, they offer the fastest path to ROI.

• Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets: Modern commercial toilets use as little as 1.3 gallons per flush (GPF), drastically cutting down on volumetric wastewater charges.

• Waterless Urinals: Eliminating water use entirely from men's restrooms eliminates flush-valve maintenance and slashes utility costs.

• Sensor-Activated Fixtures: Touchless faucets, flushometers, and showers eliminate run-on waste by operating strictly when a user is present.

Advanced Building Automation

• Water Recycling & Greywater Systems: Capturing and treating wastewater from sinks and showers allows facilities to safely reuse water for industrial processes or landscape irrigation.

• Commercial Submetering: Installing digital submeters provides real-time visibility into specific zones, allowing facility teams to spot anomalies instantly and address leaks before they cause major damage.

• Smart Irrigation: Utilizing real-time weather forecasts and soil moisture sensors ensures that commercial landscaping is only watered when absolutely necessary.

• Automated Leak Detection: Intelligent shut-off systems monitor flow rates continuously, alerting maintenance teams to abnormalities and automatically shutting off main valves during major pipe bursts to minimize structural damage.

4. The Business Value of Responsible Water Infrastructure

The incentives for adopting a rigorous water management plan extend far beyond lower utility bills.

• Reduced Energy Footprint: Less water consumption directly translates to lower energy bills, as facilities require less electricity and gas to heat, pump, and treat water.

• LEED v5 Certification: Optimizing your water systems directly supports corporate ESG goals and helps earn crucial points toward building certifications, particularly under the strict Water Efficiency credits of the LEED v5 framework.

• Brand Loyalty: Demonstrating transparent resource stewardship satisfies the growing expectations of modern investors, tenants, employees, and customers who actively favor sustainable businesses.

By transitioning from a reactive maintenance mindset to a strategic, tech-driven water management model, commercial enterprises can transform a growing operational liability into a sustainable source of long-term competitive advantage.

About the Author

Klaus Reichardt is the CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a pioneer in the restroom fixture industry since 1991. A dedicated advocate for water efficiency, Reichardt is a frequent author and speaker on water resource management and sustainable building technologies. He can be reached through his company website, www.waterless.com.