We posed this question to Gemini, the new artificial intelligence system from Google because finding this information using traditional online sources was proving difficult. Gemini agreed. According to Gemini:

"While there isn't a single definitive source tracking the exact number of hotels installing waterless urinals, there is evidence that their use (and installation) is increasing." 

Asked why the installation numbers are increasing, Gemini reported the following:

The growing interest in water conservation. As sustainability, environmental awareness, and water scarcity concerns rise, hotels actively seek ways to reduce water consumption. Waterless urinals offer significant water savings compared to traditional models.

Cost-effectiveness. Waterless urinals can be less costly to purchase and install than traditional ones and reduce water usage costs. This can lead to long-term financial benefits for hotels.

Guest acceptance. Studies have shown that guest acceptance of waterless urinals has grown significantly in recent years. Hotels are more likely to adopt them if they believe they won't negatively impact the guest experience.

These points have been our experience as well. More hotels in North America and worldwide are installing no-water urinals for these and other reasons.

For instance, a few years back, the Royal Hotel in Sydney, Australia, installed waterless urinals in all their common area men's restrooms. When asked why they made this decision, then general manager Dennis Callahan said:

"I thought it was a more efficient way to go as water is becoming increasingly expensive, but we also did it to help eliminate restroom odors."

Interestingly, this hotel manager installed waterless urinals to help eradicate restroom odor problems. While we do not hear about it much any longer, several years ago, building managers were concerned that waterless urinals were a fundamental cause of malodors in men's restrooms.

However, we have learned over the years that malodors are not an issue with waterless urinals when properly cleaned and maintained. Here is what we know now:

A compatible cleaning solution is necessary. Some cleaning solutions can damage the sealant or trap placed at the bottom of the no-water urinal, allowing sewer gases to escape into the restroom. A simple refill of the sealant will avoid this. Typically, all that is necessary to clean a waterless urinal is an all-purpose cleaning solution or sanitizer, green or traditional, and a microfiber cleaning cloth to clean the entire urinal, inside and out. Powder cleaners should not be used, and disinfectants are typically unnecessary. To be sure, check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended cleaner and the cleaning instructions for your waterless urinal model.

Replace the sealant or trap regularly. The sealant or trap installed at the base of the urinal will, over time, need replenishment and change-out. However, how "regularly" the trap must be replaced can vary. For instance, the trap/cylinder unit used in no-water urinals from Waterless Co., Inc. can last as long as six months, depending on the frequency of use. Trap/cylinders from other brands may only last two or three months. Once again, follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often to replace these for your brand.

Remove any debris or blockages. Sometimes, hair, paper, or other objects may obstruct the flow through the drain or trap of the no-water urinal. Cleaning professionals should check for this with every urinal cleaning to ensure the urinal works properly and there are no debris obstructions.

Ventilate the restroom. This is good advice for all restrooms, no matter what types of fixtures they have installed. Rarely in a commercial office building, for instance, do restrooms have windows. They are very dependent on mechanical air flow. Properly working, mechanical airflow can help disperse any lingering odors in a restroom and improve the air quality.

Gemini went on to provide examples of hotels adopting waterless urinals. Among them listed were the following:

•      The Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria: This high-end hotel installed waterless urinals in all men's restrooms, demonstrating their compatibility with luxury settings. 

•      The Royal Hotel in Sydney: This hotel - which, by coincidence, we mentioned earlier - highlights waterless urinals as part of their commitment to sustainability.

•      Hilton Hotels: Several Hilton properties have adopted waterless urinals as part of their sustainability initiatives.

Gemini concludes:

While not all hotels are switching, increasing adoption is evident, driven by environmental concerns, cost-effectiveness, and growing guest acceptance.

 -      Thank you,  AI. We couldn't have said it better.

Waterless Co., Inc. is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company for reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.