Four Ways to Keep No-Water Urinals Fresh, Clean, and Odor Free
There have been questions about no-water urinals in the past such as odor issues. However, we now know that with proper maintenance, these urinals contribute to a pleasant, odor-free restroom experience. This is due to our improved understanding of no-water urinal odors and our ability to address them effectively.
Here's four ways to keep your no-water urinals fresh, clean, and odor free:
1). Add Sealing Liquid or Replace the Cartridge
Most waterless urinals have a cartridge, a.k.a a trap, at the bottom of the urinal, pictured above. Its purpose is twofold:
1. Collect urine and send it down to the sewer line.
2. Prevent sewer odors from being released into the restroom through the sealing liquid inside the cartridge.
When the trap operates correctly, it helps ensure restrooms are odor-free. However, the sealing liquid and cartridges must be replaced based on how frequently the urinal is used. With some brands, the cartridges need to be replaced every two months. However, urinals using the EcoTrap® cartridge typically only need to be replaced every six months.
Regardless of the type of no-water urinal, if you notice urinal odors, check if the sealing liquid or cartridge needs to be replaced. If so, it’s a quick and easy procedure.
2). Cleaning the Urinal
Another key reason for no-water urinal odor problems, as with flush urinals, is improper cleaning. Before exploring this further, here's 2 things you should not do:
Never pour water down a waterless urinal. It is not needed. This can cause clogs in the cartridge as the urine may mix with the water and form calcium crystals.
The interior of the urinal does not need to be scrubbed, as no water deposits are present.
Instead, the most effective way to clean a waterless urinal is to use NviroClean - specially made to clean waterless and conventional urinals - or an all-purpose cleaning solution or disinfectant.
Spray the entire urinal first, then wait a couple of minutes. This is called dwell time, a technique that allows the cleaning solution to work effectively. Then wipe the urinal clean, preferably with a microfiber cleaning cloth.
3). Clean Urinal Surroundings
As any custodial worker will attest, men do not always have the best aim. By the end of a business day, urine droplets collect on floors, partitions, walls, and behind the urinal. As it collects, it releases odors.
To address this, cleaning the surrounding area of any urinal is essential during each cleaning visit. An all-purpose cleaner is usually all that is necessary. Also, be sure to mop around the urinal regularly using a clean mop.
Further, if a mat is installed under the urinal, be sure it is changed and cleaned regularly. This applies to no-water and water-using urinals. Have a professional linen service come in on a regular basis to collect the mats and replace them with fresh ones.
4). Check for Clogs
Clogs in the piping can lead to odor problems. If you suspect a clog, use an auger to clear the pipe. If this resolves the issue, you're all set. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to call a plumber.
There you have it.
Custodial workers often say cleaning and maintaining a waterless urinal is easier than cleaning a flush urinal. Plus, it can be safer. There is less splatter, and there is no concern that the cleaning solution will release fumes when mixed with urine.
That's why, when it comes to cleaning, we suggest staying healthy - the waterless way.
Mastering Water Efficency
While the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) currently reports improved water conditions nationwide, it's important to remember that nearly every state faced serious to severe drought conditions just a few months ago.
This shift from widespread drought to improved water conditions is a beacon of hope for those of us advocating for enhanced water efficiency. It has heightened public awareness of water scarcity, shortages, and the urgent need for more efficient water use.
However, it has also led to some confusion, particularly regarding some of the different terms used to discuss water efficiency. Four of these terms are often referred to as the "4Rs." While there is some overlap among these terms, they have distinct differences. Below, we clarify these terms and highlight their key differences:
Reclaimed Water
Treated to meet specific water quality standards for beneficial but non-potable purposes like irrigation and industrial processes.
Undergoes extensive treatment to remove contaminants.
Reused Water
Primarily domestic water used more than once before final disposal.
It can include both treated and untreated water.
May involve direct or indirect reuse applications.
Generally, it has less stringent treatment requirements compared to reclaimed water.
Reconditioned Water
Treated to restore its original quality.
Reconditioned water is potable and can be safely released into waterways without harming marine life or into underground aquifers.
Recycled Water
This is wastewater, stormwater runoff, or greywater that undergoes a multi-step purification process to remove contaminants and impurities.
Often recycled water is used for specific applications such as cooling power plants, in manufacturing, toilet flushing, concrete mixing and processing, and building construction.
A 5th R?
Increasingly, a 5th “R” is being used. This R refers to “redundant.” When used to discuss water efficiency, it refers to using water unnecessarily or where it is no longer needed. A perfect example is in urinals.
As we can see, all the "Rs" have similarities and differences, but they share a common purpose: conserving freshwater resources and using water more efficiently. This shared goal unites us in our efforts to meet today's water needs and ensure a sustainable water future.
-Klaus
Urgent Action Needed to Ensure the World’s Supply of Fresh Water
Study Prepared by the UN Commission on the Economics of Water
Vista, CA – December 3, 2024 - Half the world’s population is currently grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published in October 2024.
The report warns that this alarming figure is only set to escalate as the climate crisis intensifies.
The report also highlighted the following:
More than 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people – 44 percent of the world’s population – lack safe sanitation.
Tragically, every day, 1,000 innocent children lose their lives due to the lack of access to safe water. This heart-wrenching statistic underscores the urgent need for action.
Demand for fresh water is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent in just six years.
Without action, by 2050, water problems will shave about 8 percent off global gross domestic product (GDP), with poorer countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, facing a 15 percent loss.
Over half of the world’s food production comes from areas experiencing unstable water availability trends - including areas of the United States.
It also pointed out that two types of water serve the world:
Green Water. Found in soil, this water is used by agriculture, plants, and soil microorganisms. When used by vegetation, it is released back into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.
Blue Water. This water comes from rainfall or the melting of snow.
While the study focused on many other dark realities related to water, it also provided some answers and solutions, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a leading marketer of no-water urinals.
According to Reichardt, the report concluded that we must reshape world economies so that water is used more efficiently, eliminating waste.
He also suggests that we should "begin with the end in mind when it comes to water, focusing on the desired outcome and then work backward to achieve it."
About Waterless
Waterless Co., Inc. has been a pioneer in water efficiency since 1991, when it introduced waterless urinals to North America. Headquartered in Vista, CA, the company has established itself as a key player in promoting water efficiency. Their product range includes a variety of no-flush urinals, liquid plumbing solutions, and cost-saving accessories, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in water-saving technologies.
Contact Information
Waterless Co. Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364
For Thanksgiving 2024: A Poem from Waterless Co, Inc
Water, pure and bright 🍃🌧☔💦
Cleansing our souls, quenching our thirst
Flowing through our streams and rivers.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆
A gift from heaven, the icy peaks and the ocean's depth
Water shapes our world
Bringing about a symphony of nature.
In every drop, a universe unfolds.
Let us always be grateful
Precious water, it gives us life 🌊
-Klaus
CEO Waterless Co., Inc
How Microsoft Is Addressing Water Challenges
This is part of our continuing series, Overlooked No More, where we highlight companies and organizations taking significant steps to reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.
Many of the companies previously featured focus primarily on their own water use and finding ways to use less. However, our focus company this month, Microsoft, is extending its efforts far beyond its own operations. The company collaborates with countries and organizations worldwide to reduce water consumption, enhance water efficiency, and replenish water supplies.
Before exploring some of their efforts, the following two terms need to be clarified:
Water Efficiency. This refers to strategies that reduce or eliminate water consumption for the long term. Xeriscape landscaping, installing low-flow toilets, and no-water urinals are perfect examples.
Water Replenishment. According to Microsoft, replenishment activities typically address water quantity, availability, or quality by reducing water use and recharging local aquifers.
So, what's Microsoft been up to?
Among their major water efficiency projects currently are the following:
**The Colorado River** The goal here is to focus on water efficiency by using technologies that quickly uncover and repair leaks and introducing steps for farmers to reduce water consumption.
**Chile** This country frequently faces multi-year droughts that severely impact its water availability. To address this, Microsoft uses advanced leak detection technologies, helping farmers use water more efficiently, and develops projects that help the land absorb and retain more water, such as reforestation and soil conservation.
**Shanghai** This city of twenty-five million people has several water-related difficulties. Substantial amounts of water in Shanghai are polluted due to agricultural runoff and insufficient wastewater treatment. Additionally, there is a leadership vacuum in water management. To address this, Microsoft seeks ways to strengthen water stewardship, restore wetland areas to minimize runoff and improve water quality.
**Phoenix** Cooling systems can use vast volumes of water, especially in hot and dry areas such as Phoenix, AZ. Furthermore, these mechanicals often use more water as they age. Microsoft has developed a revolving loan program for the city's hospitals to address this. Loans are provided to hospitals to retrofit their HVAC systems. As the money is paid back, those funds are re-loaned to other hospitals, reducing water consumption and dramatically improving water efficiency.
Beyond water efficiency and replenishment, Microsoft's other water goals include the following:
Finding Water Alternatives: Exploring and implementing alternatives to water, particularly for data centers.
Monitoring and Measurement: Encourage water consumption tracking and replenishment efforts. Data allows communities to understand their water usage better and evaluate the effectiveness of their water reduction strategies.
Our series, Overlooked No More, aims to encourage you and your organization to support similar initiatives and implement strategies that help reduce water consumption and use it more efficiently. If we can help you in this endeavor, please contact us. In the interim, hopefully, we have provided you with some inspiration.
-Klaus
Urgent Action Needed to Ensure the World’s Supply of Fresh Water
Study Prepared by the UN Commission on the Economics of Water
Half the world’s population is currently grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published in October 2024.
The report warns that this alarming figure is only set to escalate as the climate crisis intensifies.
The report also highlighted the following:
More than 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion people – 44 percent of the world’s population – lack safe sanitation.
Tragically, every day, 1,000 innocent children lose their lives due to the lack of access to safe water. This heart-wrenching statistic underscores the urgent need for action.
Demand for fresh water is expected to outstrip supply by 40 percent in just six years.
Without action, by 2050, water problems will shave about 8 percent off global gross domestic product (GDP), with poorer countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, facing a 15 percent loss.
Over half of the world’s food production comes from areas experiencing unstable water availability trends - including areas of the United States.
The report also pointed out that two types of water serve the world:
Green Water. Found in soil, this water is used by agriculture, plants, and soil microorganisms. When used by vegetation, it is released back into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration.
Blue Water. This water comes from rainfall or the melting of snow.
While the study focused on many other dark realities related to water, it also provided some answers and solutions, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a leading marketer of no-water urinals.
According to Reichardt, the report concluded that we must reshape world economies so that water is allocated more equitably and used more efficiently, eliminating waste.
He also suggests that we should "begin with the end in mind when it comes to water, focusing on the desired outcome and then working backward to achieve it."
November 19, 2024, is World Toilet Day | Here’s One of Many Reasons We Should Honor It
In rural Tanzania, a significant number of schools have no toilets and face severe sanitation challenges.
Forty percent lack access to clean water, and over 60% have no designated area for sanitary pad disposal.
These conditions frequently compel girls to miss school for extended periods. To address this issue, a World Bank program will upgrade toilet facilities and improve sanitation in up to 1500 schools spread across 17 administrative regions of Tanzania.
Watch this two-minute video to learn more.
Top Eight Reasons Facilities Consider LEED Certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. Every five years, the LEED program is reevaluated and updated by the US Green Building Council, the non-profit organization that manages the LEED certification program.
These updates, crucial to staying abreast of the latest environmental trends and regulations, are typically driven by changes in our environment and culture, and a growing need to conserve natural resources, particularly water.
They set a higher standard for facilities seeking LEED certification, encouraging organizations to take more significant steps towards sustainability and resource protection.
The latest LEED version, "v5," will be introduced in 2025. Because of this, many companies, building owners, developers, and managers are expected to give the latest version a close look. This is especially true of organizations planning construction projects, renovating existing buildings in 2025, or believing the time has come to become LEED-certified.
But what are the compelling reasons for an organization to pursue LEED certification? The benefits are numerous and significant. Among them are the following:
1. Government incentives. Some cities and states offer rebates and tax benefits to LEED-certified facilities, especially if steps have been taken to reduce water consumption.
2. Lower interest rates on construction loans. Banks may offer lower interest rates on construction and renovation loans for properties seeking LEED certification. Banks view these as safer investments.
3. Address new rules and regulations. Both in the U.S. and especially in Western Europe, new rules and regulations are being put into place that put greater emphasis on sustainability, water efficiency, and environmental concerns. LEED-certified facilities typically can meet these new regulations and are often one step ahead of them.
4. Culture of sustainability. Numerous organizations are adopting a "culture of sustainability." This is when all aspects of their business operations - from the vendors they work with to the products or services they offer – are taking steps to reduce consumption and protect natural resources.
5. Happier employees. LEED-certified buildings have improved indoor air quality, typically because of the way they are cleaned and maintained. Further, there is much more emphasis on natural light and more open spaces. This contributes to happier employees and happier employees tend to be more productive and loyal to their employers.
6. Long-term savings. While there was once a belief that LEED-certified buildings would be more expensive to build and operate, the reality is quite the opposite. These more efficient buildings typically have lower operating costs and energy and water bills, providing a sound financial investment overall.
7. Real estate profitability. It is no secret that office buildings are struggling to attract tenants. However, LEED-certified facilities still maintain an edge over non-certified buildings. Potential tenants remain convinced that a LEED-certified facility tends to be better and more efficiently operated.
8. Resilience. Compared to past versions, LEED v5 places much more emphasis on facility resilience. This is because changes in our climate are having a more significant impact on existing buildings. The two hurricanes in Florida are often used as an example. LEED v5 buildings are built to be more resilient and protective environments for building users.
Throughout, we’ve mentioned concerns about water and protecting this natural resource. This is because water scarcity is a growing global crisis. Further, droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting communities globally.
However, for businesses, the truth is inescapable: water is their lifeblood.
If taps run dry, production lines freeze, employees go home, and revenue evaporates. While companies acknowledge mounting water crises, they're not just embracing water efficiency as a noble goal, they're recognizing it as the very oxygen they need for survival.
-Klaus
Only Two States Not in Drought Conditions: What You Need to Know Now
Storyline: Almost the entire United States faced drought conditions during the last week of October 2024.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a staggering 87% of the United States was engulfed in at least moderate drought conditions, marking a historic moment in the monitor's records. Only Alaska and Kentucky were spared from this widespread crisis.
Details: The past four months have been consistently warmer than usual over a wide swath of the country, said Rich Tinker, a drought specialist with the National Weather Service. But in June, while a quarter of the country was dry, now 87 percent is.
Even after Hurricane Helene dropped vast amounts of destructive rain across the Southeast, the region is experiencing drought. When all the water comes at once, it's more difficult for soil to soak it up or for water storage to contain it. Since the storm and warmer temperatures, the result has been higher evaporation rates and drier soils.
Conserve Every Drop. The drought in New York City, the driest October since record-keeping began in 1869, prompted the city to issue a drought watch for its 9.8 million residents. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water efficiency. New Yorkers were urged to 'conserve every drop' of water possible, highlighting the crucial role of individual efforts in addressing this crisis.
Climate Change. While scientists don't yet know the exact role climate change played in the current drought, it is notable for its widespread nature, said Benjamin Cook, a climate scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
"Often we get regional droughts concentrated in the Southwest or Texas, but to have nearly the entire country dry or experiencing drought conditions is pretty rare," Dr. Cook said.
Brighter Future? The potential onset of La Niña conditions this fall or winter could significantly impact the drought. While it could worsen conditions across the country's southern half, the Northeast is in a state of uncertainty.
Dr. Cook suggests that the coming months could either continue the trend of warm and dry weather or bring a much-needed deluge of rain and snow.
"With precipitation on the uptick and temperatures, it does look like we're going to be in a good trajectory," Mr. Tinker said. "But it's been pretty dry and warm for quite a while, so we won't pop out immediately."
Source: In a Record, All but Two U.S. States Are in Drought; The New York Times, November 4, 2024
