Should We Add "Use By" Labels to Our Restrooms

Just as food products come with "Best Before" dates or “Use By” dates, perhaps it's time to consider expiration labels for restrooms in schools and commercial facilities. Like other building components, restrooms have a definitive service life that extends beyond mere functionality.

Most restroom components—including sinks, counters, toilets, urinals, and even tiled surfaces—typically have a functional lifespan of around 20 years. The critical point isn't that these elements stop working. Instead, they may no longer meet the evolving needs of building users or address current priorities like water efficiency.

For example, a restroom "use by" date can apply to the following:

1. Changing User Demographics: Buildings often experience shifts in occupancy. Large restrooms can look disproportionate and inefficient when user numbers decline. Alternatively, smaller older restrooms may not have the capacity to handle a more densely populated facility.

2. Evolving Building Codes: Older restrooms frequently fail to meet current accessibility standards, particularly ADA requirements. What was compliant two decades ago may now be inadequate.

3. Aesthetic Obsolescence: Walking into an aging restroom can feel like stepping into an old black-and-white movie—dated and disconnected from modern design sensibilities.

4. Hygiene Concerns: Older restrooms are more likely to harbor persistent bacteria and germs in hard-to-clean areas and aging surfaces despite regular cleaning.

5. Changing User Preferences: Modern design trends emphasize touchless and minimalist experiences. Restroom users do not want to touch any surfaces in the restroom.

6. Design: Contemporary designers view restrooms as more than just functional spaces. They are now conceptualized as potential respite areas and user comfort within commercial environments.

Restroom Renovation Essentials

When renovating a building's restroom, consider these critical updates:

1. ADA Compliance: Referenced earlier, but critical. Ensure the renovated space meets current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Older restrooms frequently fall short of modern accessibility standards.

2. Water Efficiency:

   - Install high-efficiency toilets that use less water than legal minimums.

   - Consider waterless urinals to maximize water efficiency and cost savings.

3. Plumbing Infrastructure:

   - Install isolation valves to minimize water service disruption during repairs. This prevents widespread water shutoffs if just a specific area needs service or repair.

4. Touchless Technology. Again mentioned earlier.

   - Implement touchless controls for:

     - Flush valves

     - Faucets

     - Soap dispensers

     - Paper towel dispensers

5. Lighting Upgrade:

   - Replace institutional fluorescent lighting with lighting systems that create a more comfortable, warmer, and more inviting atmosphere.

6. LEED Certification:

   - If seeking LEED certification, consult with a LEED professional before renovation begins.  Regarding restrooms, installing high-efficiency toilets and waterless urinals may be all that is needed to meet LEED requirements in restrooms.

The bottom-line: Don't let your restroom exceed its "use by" date. In today's fast-evolving and competitive commercial real estate market, regular renovations prevent restrooms from becoming outdated. View it as key to keeping old tenants happy while also providing new tenants with a good first impression of your property.

-Klaus

How 2025 Plumbing Trends Will Impact Facility Management and Building Maintenance

The plumbing industry is set for a significant technological transformation in 2025, reshaping facility management, cleaning, and maintenance. Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., attributes this transformation to advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and enhanced water efficiency technologies..

 Among the key trends he says we can expect are the following:  

1. Remote Monitoring: New smartphone apps will provide real-time data on building water pressure, flow, temperature, leak detection, and enable water shutoffs. Reichardt notes, “This enables managers to be more proactive in water management 24/7, preventing costly water damage, eliminating emergency cleanups, and improving [water] efficiency.”  

2. Smart Water Management Systems: These systems identify water consumption patterns, automatically adjust to prevent water waste, maintain optimal plumbing performance, and offer actionable recommendations to enhance water efficiency, such as suggesting the installation of low-flow toilets and no-water urinals.

Reichardt explains, “These intelligent systems go beyond monitoring to actively improve facility water management, optimization, and provide strategic upgrade recommendations.”  

3. Augmented Reality (AR): Remarkably, AR simplifies repairs by allowing users to measure distances, angles, and pipe diameters precisely in plumbing systems deeply embedded in walls and under floors. It also offers step-by-step guidance for plumbing repairs, displays detailed 3D models of complex plumbing components, and creates training scenarios for skill development.

Reichardt notes, “AR enables facility managers and maintenance staff to manage complex plumbing challenges with greater confidence and competence, helping them quickly and effectively diagnose and resolve most plumbing issues.”  

4. Robotic Pipe Inspection: Robotic devices can produce high-resolution images and collect data on a facility’s overall plumbing condition. Reichardt points out that many plumbing issues, such as tiny cracks and corrosion developing in pipes, cannot be seen with the naked eye. “These robotics can detect them, allowing plumbers and maintenance personnel to prioritize plumbing tasks.”  

These new plumbing technologies will benefit property managers in several ways, according to Reichardt. “They will help them cut costs, ensure tenant satisfaction, and use water more efficiently, reducing overall consumption. They take the guesswork out of plumbing, allowing managers to make more confident decisions about their plumbing systems."

Curious About Waterless Wonders

At a recent conference in Germany, Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of California-based Waterless Co., Inc., answered questions about waterless urinals, their pros, cons, and solutions before a group of German builders, building owners, and managers.  

Below are some of those questions and his answers. While sometimes specific to Germany and Europe, these answers apply universally, making them relevant wherever Waterless urinals are considered or installed. 

Do certain facilities benefit more from installing waterless urinals than others?

While all facilities can benefit from waterless urinals, some, like convention centers, may benefit the most. These large venues, used by millions of people annually, consume vast amounts of water. Installing waterless urinals can significantly cut water usage and operating costs. That's why many sports venues, which are also used by millions of people, have already installed them and are now enjoying water and cost savings.  

Are there facilities where waterless urinals cannot be installed?

For the most part, not any longer. Some areas of the world may still have plumbing codes that deter the installation of no-water urinals, but in North America and most of Europe, these codes have mostly been removed or are no longer applicable. However, some exceptions may exist, such as historical buildings with strict preservation rules, which might prevent the installation of waterless urinals.  

Along these lines, have you ever told a building owner or manager they should not install waterless urinals in an existing facility?

Actually, I have. Before installing waterless urinals, building owners and managers must ask themselves three questions:

1.    How many men would be using the urinals?

2.    How many times a day?

3.    How many days per week?

Installing waterless urinals may not be cost-effective for a small location with just a few building users. However, waterless urinals should be considered during renovations or new construction, assuring a sound investment, no matter how many people use or work in the facility.

Is sustainability a key factor in installing waterless urinals?

Yes, that is a factor, but at the end of the day, cost savings has become the key reason for adopting waterless urinals. Water and sewer costs can vary by location in Europe and throughout North America. Still, overall, water is becoming very expensive around the globe especially in Germany and other parts of Europe. According to the NCESC Geographic FAQ, which provides information for people and organizations considering relocation, water in Europe 'can cost up to four times more than in the U.S.'

Additionally, wastewater removal from facilities can be 'considerably higher in Europe than in the U.S.' For instance, in Germany, the average cost of water and wastewater removal for a medium-sized business can be significantly higher than in the U.S.  

Are waterless urinals less or more expensive to clean and maintain than traditional ones?

The costs to clean and maintain traditional and waterless urinals are the same – but with one exception.  We still find that some manufacturers require specific cylinders (these are placed at the bottom of most waterless urinals) that cost more and have shorter life spans than other waterless urinals.  As with the selection of virtually all products, some due diligence is necessary to select the most cost-effective waterless urinals. 

What's the funniest or strangest question you've ever been asked about waterless urinals?

Well, since you asked, I was talking to a group of building owners and managers in a meeting just like this when suddenly, someone asked with genuine curiosity, "Should we install these in the ladies' restroom?"  I just had to keep a straight face and say urinals are designed specifically for men in men's restrooms. Then I added, "They're definitely not something I foresee ladies lining up to use." It was a light-hearted moment that brought some humor to the discussion.

-Klaus

Addressing a New Set of Water-Related Challenges

Having been involved with water-related issues for over thirty years, I have witnessed a significant evolution in the terms used to discuss water-related issues.

Years ago, when it came to reducing water consumption, the term most frequently heard was water conservation. That was true until about ten years ago when a new term became popular: water efficiency.

So, we are clear: water conservation focuses on short-term reductions in water consumption, such as during a drought.  That's not the case with water efficiency.

Water efficiency refers to long-term water reductions, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-lasting solutions. Typically, this means installing products, devices, and technologies that use less, or no water compared to traditional products.

Waterless urinals are a perfect example. They eliminate the need for water, making them a long-term solution to reducing water consumption.

However, today, a new word is evolving. This one reflects changes in climate conditions in different regions around the globe. That word: aridification.

Aridification is the gradual process whereby a region becomes increasingly dry and hot, diverging significantly from its historical climate norms.  At its very worst, aridification can lead to fires and severe fire conditions, as has happened in Southern California.

Dealing with the Challenges of Aridification

Fortunately, there are steps we can take now to address aridification. Among them are the following:

Embracing Water-Efficient Technologies

During the oil crisis of 1973, many countries around the world, along with builders and designers, were forced to examine their buildings' energy use and efficiency. They realized that these facilities were built to depend on fossil fuels to heat them in the winter and cool them in the summer. After the oil crisis, buildings were constructed so that they used less energy and used it more efficiently.

Due to aridification, we must do the same with water when constructing and renovating buildings. Further, with every restroom fixture and water-using device installed in a facility, we must ensure that the most water-efficient systems are selected and installed.

Expanding Water Reuse Programs

This is the practice of reclaiming water from various sources, treating it, and reusing it for beneficial purposes. This could be for vegetation and human consumption.

Some areas of the world have extensive recycling and reuse programs, but far too many have few or none. Making matters worse, it is often in these areas that aridification is most acute. To ensure water security around the globe and deal with the many challenges aridification poses, water reuse programs are necessary, and for those countries that already have them, they must be expanded.

Desalination's Possibilities

Saudi Arabia pioneered the use of desalination technology in 1938. However, historically, desalination plants have faced significant challenges starting with their excessive costs to build and operate. Plus, there are environmental concerns. They often require substantial energy, typically derived from fossil fuels like petroleum, to operate and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Today, desalination costs are decreasing. Moreover, mobile desalination systems are available that can be placed where and when needed, offering significant cost savings. This makes desalination technology more viable globally.

We started our discussion about how the terms used to discuss water-related issues have been changing. However, one thing that has not changed in all these years is that we can address our water challenges, including those caused by aridification. Technology is on our side. We just must put it to use.

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

Waterless Urinals in America: Evolution, Solutions, Benefits

Cartridge used in a Waterless Urinal

Waterless urinals have transformed American restrooms by helping facilities reduce both costs and water usage. Introduced to North America in 1991 by Waterless Co., Inc., these fixtures faced several initial challenges that have since been overcome.

In 2004, engineers at a building systems symposium in Texas documented both the benefits and challenges of this new technology. Here's how the main challenges were addressed:

1. Making Users Comfortable

At first, people were hesitant to use waterless urinals simply because they couldn't find the flush handle. The solution was straightforward: universities pioneered the use of explanatory signs showing that users could simply walk away after use. As waterless urinals became commonplace, these signs became unnecessary.

2. Simplifying Maintenance

The key feature of waterless urinals is a base cartridge that collects urine and blocks sewer odors (see image above). Initially, maintenance staff struggled with servicing these units. Two developments solved this problem:

- Better tools for cartridge removal

- Improved staff training programs

Now, replacing cartridges and cleaning waterless urinals is a quick, simple process.

3. Streamlining Installation

Converting from conventional to waterless urinals requires capping water supply lines and removing flush valves. Sometimes the urinal needs repositioning since it no longer needs flush mechanisms. Today, plumbers and contractors are well-versed in these installations. In new buildings, waterless urinals can often use the same location as conventional ones, with the water supply simply turned off.

4. Managing Costs

While initial costs were once a concern, waterless urinals now cost about the same as conventional units. The real financial benefit comes from long-term savings on water costs, which have risen over 40% since 2012 according to Bluefield Research. Since waterless urinals use no water at all, they offer significant ongoing savings.

Looking ahead, water scarcity is expected to become a major issue in the United States. According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., Inc., resolving these early challenges has paved the way for wider adoption of waterless urinals as a water-conservation solution.

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

How to Make 2025 the Year for Water Efficiency

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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