The Story of South Korea's Toilet-Shaped House

Located in Suwon, South Korea—approximately 25 miles south of Seoul stands one of the world's most unusual structures: a house shaped like a toilet.

Officially named Haewoojae (a Korean name derived from temple terminology meaning "a sanctuary where one can relieve one's concerns"), the building is widely known as the "Toilet House".

Who Was "Mr. Toilet"?

The house was built in 2007 by Sim Jae-deok, the former mayor of Suwon, who earned the affectionate nickname "Mr. Toilet" Sim was a former metal products developer whose innovations were used by Samsung Electronics (headquartered in Suwon). He also notably supplied all the public restrooms for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea.

Sim later founded the World Toilet Association (WTA) to promote global public restroom hygiene, establish cleanliness standards, and combat waterborne disease epidemics caused by poor sanitation, which he estimated cost two million lives annually.

His fascination with toilets was lifelong and personal:

  • Born in an Outhouse: Sim was born in a bathroom, following a belief held by his mother that children born in restrooms lived longer lives.

  • A Full-Circle Legacy: As an associate noted, Sim began his life in a restroom and spent his final years living in a commode-shaped home.

Architectural Features & Design

Designed by architect Go Ji-woong, Haewoojae was constructed using a blend of steel, white concrete, and glass. Key features include:

  • Two primary bedrooms and two guest rooms

  • Three deluxe, modern bathrooms

  • A signature bowl-like opening in the roof that completes the toilet shape

Haewoojae Today

Sim passed away in 2009 at age 70, having lived in the house for two years. While the building was briefly offered as a short-term rental for $50,000 per night, it no longer accepts overnight guests.

Today, Haewoojae serves as a public museum and art gallery dedicated to the history of toilets, sanitation, and hygiene awareness.

Promoting Modern Water Efficiency

Sim's life work serves as an important reminder of the connection between sanitation and water conservation. Modern organizations, such as Waterless Co., Inc., carry forward a similar mission by developing waterless urinals to reduce consumption and maximize efficiency in public restrooms.

Effortless Waterless Urinal Maintenance: Just Spray and Walk Away

Designed for all non-water and flushed urinal systems, NviroClean™ from Waterless™ Co. Inc. is a fast-acting, spray-and-walk-away cleaner that breaks down urine residue and contaminants to keep urinals clean, shiny, and odor-free.

Simply spray liberally across the interior surface of the urinal and directly onto the EcoTrap®—the trap insert found on Waterless No-Flush Urinals. No wiping, scrubbing, or rinsing is required.

Regular use keeps urinals clean and hygienic, prevents sub-surface piping blockages, reduces buildup, and extends the overall life of your urinal cartridge.

Key Benefits of NviroClean™

  • No Effort Required: Just spray and walk away—no wiping or scrubbing needed. Boosts facility cleaning efficiency and staff productivity.

  • Extends Trap Life: Prevents soil buildup in the EcoTrap® insert while keeping underlying drainage piping clear.

  • Versatile & Safe: Safe for use on all waterless and flushed urinals, as well as surrounding restroom surfaces.

Note: NviroClean™ delivers complete cleaning power on its own. Do not combine with other chemical cleaners. 

Learn More About Waterless Urinal Solutions

Visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free at 800-244-6364.

BlueSeal: The Liquid Sealant Made Specifically for Waterless Urinals

BlueSeal® is the original, long-lasting biodegradable trap seal liquid engineered for Waterless No-Flush™ urinals. It helps keep fixtures odor-free, dependable, and easy to maintain.

Developed by Waterless Co. Inc.—the pioneers who introduced the No-Flush urinal in 1991—BlueSeal is specifically formulated for superior performance in the patented EcoTrap® system.

How BlueSeal® Works

Continuous Protection: During normal use, tiny amounts of BlueSeal liquid are carried away, but remaining BlueSeal instantly floats back into position to maintain the odor barrier.

 Zero Evaporation: When a fixture is inactive, BlueSeal stays in place indefinitely without evaporating away like water.

Year-Round Commercial Performance

Designed to withstand demanding commercial restroom conditions, extreme seasonal temperatures, and daily custodial maintenance:

  • Zero Evaporation up to 100°F: Maintains an active, dependable odor barrier even in high-temperature environments.  

  • Freeze-Resistant to -70°F: Protects fixtures in freezing temperatures, helping facilities reduce seasonal winterization labor and maintenance costs.  

  • Cleaner Compatible: Formulated to resist degradation from standard commercial cleaning chemicals when used in the EcoTrap system.  

  • Eco-Friendly & Safe: 100% biodegradable, septic-safe, near-neutral pH (6.5–7.5), low-VOC (<10 g/L), and contains no California Proposition 65 listed ingredients (per SDS).  

  • Light Berry Fragrance: Neutralizes drain odors at the source rather than masking them with heavy artificial scents.

Fixture Compatibility & Installation Notes

Direct Waste-Line Connection

Waterless No-Flush urinals connect directly to a standard 2-inch (50 mm) waste line, or to a 1½-inch (38 mm) waste line when used with a reducer bushing. Because the system eliminates flush valves, water supply lines, sensors, and other moving parts, it helps reduce plumbing complexity and ongoing maintenance needs.

  • Universal Liquid Seal Application: BlueSeal supports waterless urinal maintenance programs across various fixture brands. It is designed for EcoTrap-style systems and cartridge-style waterless urinals to reinforce the liquid barrier. 

  • Intended Use: For waterless urinals only. Do not use in flush urinals, sinks, or floor drains. 

BlueSeal comes ready to use right out of the bottle. For EcoTrap-equipped urinals, use the PortionAid® dispenser for exact dosing:

1.    Attach Dispenser: Thread the PortionAid device onto the top of the BlueSeal bottle.

2.    Measure: Squeeze the bottle until the PortionAid fills to the 3 oz mark.

3.    Pour: Pour the 3 oz portion directly into the openings of the EcoTrap.

4.    Repeat: Repeat the process until three 3-ounce portions (9 oz total for initial fill/replenishment) are added.

5.    Maintain: Follow standard custodial protocols to clean the urinal bowl, similar to conventional fixture care.

Using the PortionAid system ensures precise dosing, minimizes spills, and prevents product waste.

High-Yield Value for Facility Management

  • 1 Gallon Bottle (128 oz): Provides approximately forty-two individual 3 oz refills.  

  • Long-Lasting Economy: A single gallon supports months of scheduled maintenance for an individual urinal or supplies a multi-fixture restroom facility between reorders.  

Combine low-maintenance operation, extreme temperature resistance, and proven odor control with the industry's original liquid seal formula.

To Purchase BlueSeal, Contact Us & Ordering Information

Ready to streamline your restroom maintenance? Contact our customer support team for bulk pricing or order directly online.

  • Toll-Free: 1-800-244-6364  

  • Buy Online: Available on Amazon and through authorized plumbing supply distributors around the country.  

EcoTrap® Drain Insert: Long-Lasting Odor Control for Waterless Urinals

EcoTrap from Waterless Co., Inc.

EcoTrap® is a durable drain insert made for Waterless Co. Inc No-Flush™ urinals. It helps keep sewer gases and unpleasant odors out of restrooms while allowing urine to move efficiently through the fixture and into the drain line.  

Used with Waterless Co. Inc’s BlueSeal® odor-control liquid, EcoTrap creates a dependable barrier that supports a cleaner, more comfortable restroom environment—without requiring flush water.  

How EcoTrap® Controls Odors

The system uses a straightforward design. Urine passes through the EcoTrap insert and drains normally, while the BlueSeal liquid forms a protective layer inside the insert.  

That liquid seal helps prevent sewer vapors from traveling back through the urinal bowl and into the restroom.  By pairing a physical drain insert with a liquid odor barrier, EcoTrap helps facilities maintain waterless urinals with consistent odor control and minimal routine attention.  

Extended Service Life

A major benefit of EcoTrap is its replacement interval. Depending on traffic and restroom conditions, one insert can accommodate roughly 10,000 to 15,000 uses and remain in service for as long as six months.  

Compared with waterless urinal systems that rely on shorter-life trap cartridges or cylinders, this can mean fewer service visits and fewer replacement components over time. For facility teams, the longer lifespan may help lower maintenance labor, reduce supply consumption, and make restroom upkeep more predictable.  

Simple Replacement Process

EcoTrap is engineered specifically for Waterless Co. No-Flush™ urinal models. The recyclable plastic insert is pressed directly into the bowl’s drain opening during installation.  

When the insert has reached the end of its service life, maintenance staff can use the included X-Traptor™ removal tool to lift it out for replacement. This straightforward process helps reduce the time required for routine urinal maintenance.  

Key EcoTrap® Benefits

  • Helps block sewer odors and vapors from entering restrooms

  • Allows urine to drain freely through the urinal

  • Works with BlueSeal® liquid to maintain an odor-control barrier

  • Handles approximately 10,000–15,000 uses, depending on conditions

  • Can last up to six months before replacement is needed

  • May reduce replacement frequency, labor requirements, and maintenance costs

  • Made from recyclable plastic

  • Includes an X-Traptor™ tool for convenient removal

  • Designed for Waterless Co. No-Flush™ waterless urinals  

EcoTrap® gives facilities a practical option for managing waterless urinal odors while extending the time between replacements. Its combination of long service life, simple maintenance, and BlueSeal-supported odor protection can help facility managers maintain reliable, clean and healthy, no-flush restroom urinals.  

For product information or assistance, call 1-800-244-6364 or visit Waterless.com.

What Travelers Need to Know about Restrooms Around the Globe

Amsterdam by Li Yew.

Travel can bring plenty of cultural surprises, and restroom etiquette is often one of them. Although many travelers remember to pack tissues or toilet paper for places where supplies, bidets, or plumbing styles may differ, locating a clean and convenient public restroom can be just as important.

Public sanitation looks different from one country to the next. Learning a little about local restroom customs can help travelers stay comfortable, respectful, and compliant with local laws.

Public Restroom Customs Around the World

Amsterdam: Open-Air Urinals

Amsterdam has used open-air urinals for more than a century as a practical response to public urination, particularly in busy nightlife areas such as the Red Light District. These fixtures remain a familiar sight in parts of the city and provide a quick option for people on the go.

Paris: Automated Self-Cleaning Restrooms

Paris is known for its enclosed public toilet pods with automated cleaning systems. After each use, the unit sanitizes itself before becoming available to the next visitor. Users generally have a limited amount of time inside—often up to 20 minutes—before the door automatically unlocks.

London: A Long Public-Sanitation History

London began introducing public toilet facilities in the mid-19th century. Its early facilities commonly provided separate areas for men and women within the same structure, helping establish a model for public sanitation in growing urban centers.

India and China: Modernization Alongside Older Facilities

Major cities in India and China, including Delhi and Beijing, offer many newer and better-maintained restroom options. However, older facilities can still be found in rural areas and smaller communities. In some locations, porous tile, brick, and other aging materials can trap odors after years of frequent use, making sanitation upgrades especially important.

Middle East: Cleanliness-Focused Etiquette

In parts of the Middle East, cultural and religious practices place strong emphasis on personal hygiene and restroom cleanliness. Some men may choose or be encouraged to sit while urinating in private or shared restrooms to reduce splashing and help keep the space clean for others.

United States: Few Public Options and Strict Laws

Open-air public urinals are uncommon in the United States, where public restroom access can be limited in many cities. Public urination is generally prohibited nationwide, and consequences may include fines, citations, or more serious penalties for repeat offenses. Travelers should plan ahead and use designated facilities whenever possible.

Sustainable Restroom Technology

Across the world, waterless urinals are becoming a practical solution for businesses, public venues, and facilities seeking to reduce water consumption and maintenance demands. By operating without flush water, these systems can support improved sanitation while conserving substantial amounts of water each year.

For more information about water-saving restroom products and modern urinal solutions, contact a restroom-efficiency specialist at Waterless Co., Inc.

Sonora No-Flush Urinal From Waterless Co., Inc.

The Sonora™ No-Flush™ Urinal helps commercial facilities reduce water use, simplify restroom maintenance, and create a cleaner experience for visitors, all without a full restroom redesign. Marketed by Waterless Co., Inc., the Sonora is built for restrooms that need durable, low-maintenance fixtures, easier retrofits, and reliable odor control.

Simple Installation for Faster Retrofits

The Sonora connects to the drain line with a gasket and flange, the same way a traditional flush urinal does. No adaptors are needed, and the unit typically fits the footprint of the urinal it replaces. With compatible rough-in dimensions, installation typically takes about an hour, which keeps retrofits fast and minimizes disruption for plumbers and building operations.

Vandal-Resistant Closed-Bottom Design

Sonora’s closed-bottom design helps prevent vandalism, so it holds up in high-traffic public restrooms such as schools, stadiums, and airports.

Full 2-Inch Interior Drain Line for Easy Cleaning and Access

A full 2-inch interior drain line gives maintenance crews easy line cleaning and access whenever it's needed, helping keep the fixture running smoothly for the long term.

EcoTrap® Odor Control for Clean, Fresh-Smelling Restrooms

The Sonora uses Waterless Co.'s EcoTrap® system to block sewer odors from escaping into the restroom, helping maintain a cleaner, fresher space for visitors, employees, and customers.

Key Features at a Glance

No flushing required

Gasket-and-flange installation, no adaptors needed

Fits the footprint of most removed flush urinals

Closed-bottom, vandal-resistant design

Full 2-inch interior drain line for easy access and cleaning

EcoTrap® system for reliable odor control

Ready to upgrade your restrooms? Visit waterless.com or call toll-free at 800-244-6364 to learn more about the Sonora No-Flush Urinal.

Tapped Out: How U.S. Water and Sewer Rates Rose From 2016 to 2026

AI Generated

Why the Increases:

1. Aging Water Infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's most recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment estimates the country needs $625 billion in improvements to drinking water systems over the next 20 years — a 32 percent increase over the prior survey. Factor in wastewater and stormwater needs from EPA's 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, and the total national infrastructure gap exceeds $1.2 trillion. Utilities are raising rates now to start funding those repairs.

2. Shrinking Federal Support

The federal government once covered most of the cost of water collection and delivery. Programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have added some funding in recent years, but nowhere near enough to close the gap — leaving states, municipalities, and ratepayers to cover more of the cost themselves.

3. Utility Bills Are Absorbing Costs Once Covered by Property Taxes

To avoid politically unpopular property tax hikes, many local governments are shifting water system costs onto utility bills instead — a quieter, but no less real, increase for building owners and tenants.

4. Population Growth in Water-Stressed Regions

Some of the fastest-growing parts of the country, including much of the Sun Belt and the West, are also the regions facing the greatest water supply challenges. Growth is putting additional strain on already limited resources.

5. Fewer Clean Water Sources

Pollution, contamination, and environmental degradation continue to shrink the pool of rivers, lakes, and aquifers utilities can safely draw from — tightening supply even as demand holds steady or grows.

6. Shifting Climate Patterns

Changes in precipitation and snowmelt are straining the water systems that communities depend on for health, agriculture, and energy production, pushing utilities to invest heavily in resilience and alternative supply.

7. Basic Supply and Demand

As reliable water supplies tighten under the pressures above, prices rise to match. It's the same economic principle that governs any limited resource — water is no exception.

Why Water Rates Keep Going Up

Image found on Pixaby

The cost of water keeps going up, as most facility managers know. In fact, in many cases the cost of water is rising sharply, with even steeper increases anticipated ahead.

In the Chicago area, for instance, suburbs supplied through the city's Lake Michigan water system saw a 4 percent wholesale rate hike take effect at the start of 2026, and several nearby municipalities — from La Grange Park to Oak Lawn's south suburban customers — passed multi-year rate increases along to residents and businesses this year to keep pace.

So why is the cost of water escalating so fast? After all, historically it has been one of our least expensive natural resources in the United States. The truth is that water has been underpriced for decades. Utility companies are now adjusting charges so they better reflect the actual cost of collecting, storing, and delivering water to consumers.

But there's more to it than that. Drawing on analysis from engineers at firms like Affiliated Engineers, here are seven other reasons the cost of water keeps climbing in the United States:

Old infrastructure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's most recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment puts the 20-year investment need at $625 billion just to keep drinking water systems functioning — a 32 percent jump from the previous survey. Add in wastewater and stormwater needs identified in EPA's 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, and the combined national infrastructure gap tops $1.2 trillion over the next two decades. Utility bills are climbing now to start closing that gap.

Loss of federal funds. For decades, the federal government covered the lion's share of the cost to collect and deliver water. Programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have added funding in recent years, but it still falls well short of the need, leaving states and local utilities to pick up more of the tab through rate increases.

Accounting changes. To avoid raising taxes, many communities are shifting the cost of supplying and maintaining water systems from property taxes onto utility bills instead.

Demographics. Some of the fastest-growing regions of the country are also the ones facing the greatest water challenges, including much of the Sun Belt and many Western states.

Reduced access to clean water. The number of rivers, streams, lakes, and other sources utilities can draw from keeps shrinking due to pollution, contamination, and related pressures.

Climate change. Shifting precipitation and snowmelt patterns are straining the water resources communities rely on to meet human health, food, and energy needs — and utilities are investing heavily in resilience to adapt.

Supply and demand. Basic economics is at play, too. As reliable supplies tighten in the face of the pressures above, costs go up. Water is no exception.

This leaves facility managers with two choices:

1.    Pay ever-increasing costs for water and try to pass those costs on to building tenants.

2.    Find effective ways to conserve water, such as low-flow and no-flow restroom fixtures.

For both the short and long term, the only real way for managers to get ahead of rising water costs is to reduce water consumption. Waterless urinals are one proven way to do it.

El Reno Data Center Water Leak Sparks Fresh Concerns Over AI and Crypto Infrastructure

Image found on Pixaby

A 3-million-gallon water leak at an Athlon BT data center in El Reno, OK, raises serious concerns over municipal water use, AI infrastructure, and drought risks.

A private water line failure at an Athlon BT facility in El Reno, Oklahoma, resulted in the loss of over 3 million gallons of municipal water before local authorities discovered the breach in late August 2026. The incident has intensified scrutiny around the environmental footprint and utility consumption of large-scale data facilities.  

Infrastructure Failures and Municipal Violations

The massive leak originated from a private line connected to an on-site fire hydrant at the complex, which runs high-density air- and water-cooling systems for artificial intelligence processing and Bitcoin mining. Following a site investigation, city inspectors cited the facility for multiple regulatory and safety infractions:

  • Infrastructure Failure: Catastrophic breach in private line integrity causing massive volume loss.

  •  Permitting & Occupancy: Operating without complete municipal approvals and documentation.  

  • Environmental & Drainage: Inadequate runoff controls and improper wastewater routing.  

  • Safety Classifications: Missing critical hazard ratings for high-density computing operations.  

Escalating Resource Management Concerns  

The loss of millions of gallons of treated water sparked immediate backlash from El Reno residents, raising alarms over regional grid stress and municipal water security during nationwide dry spells.  

“While this is just one incident at one data center, it amplifies concerns about the critical need for efficient water management,” said Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. “That is particularly urgent today as severe drought conditions continue to expand across the country.”

The Six Cities Facing Severe Water Challenges Right Now

Image by Yoda Adimin

Cape Town, South Africa

  •  After narrowly escaping "Day Zero," Cape Town has become a benchmark for municipal water efficiency. However, persistent multi-year drought risks, severe weather events across southern Africa, and ongoing population growth continue to test its modernized infrastructure.  

Mexico City, Mexico

  •  Mexico City's water situation has reached critical levels. In 2024, the Cutzamala reservoir system hit historical lows of around 27percent capacity due to prolonged droughts and El Niño conditions. Hundreds of neighborhoods now face regular rationing, and groundwater extraction continues to deplete underground aquifers faster than they can recharge.  

São Paulo, Brazil

  •  Severe conditions have returned following several consecutive years of below-average rainfall. The city's key Cantareira reservoir system has faced renewed pressure due to surrounding deforestation in the Amazon and aging infrastructure that loses roughly 29 percent of its treated water to leaks before reaching taps.  

Beijing, China

  •  Over-extraction, rapid urbanization, and agricultural demand remain severe strains. While massive engineering projects like the South-to-North Water Diversion continue to supply the capital, surface water pollution and the imbalance between feeding China's vast population and powering major urban centers keep water security on a tightrope.  

Los Angeles, California

  •  Following historic multi-year droughts and critical cutbacks along the Colorado River Basin, Los Angeles and the broader Southwest continue to manage tight allocations. Groundwater overdraft and reduced snowpack levels keep long-term water solvency a central focus of California's state environmental policy.  

Bengaluru (Bangalore), India

  •  Rapid expansion in India's technology hub led to severe water crises in 2024 and ongoing stress in subsequent dry seasons. The city relies heavily on water tankers and daily hauling, as local lakes remain polluted and groundwater tables are drastically depleted.  

“The United Nations predicts this decade will be our most difficult in history when it comes to water,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. “Our only option is to reduce consumption and use water more efficiently.”

 

 
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