Prompts Have Power - at least in public restrooms

Over the years, “prompts” have proven to help change behaviors. Prompts are typically signs, for instance, in restrooms, to remind users to wash their hands. Most of us get a prompt every time we get in our cars. A light and chime come on, prompting us to fasten our seat belts.

Ten years ago, a study, “The Use of Visual Prompts to Increase the Cleanliness of Restrooms on a College Campus,” was conducted to see if prompts could change men’s behaviors in public restrooms and help keep restrooms cleaner and more sanitary. Although the study was done a decade ago, its findings are still relevant today.

Here’s how the study was run. Men’s rooms on two separate floors — floor one and floor two — in a university building were used. A men’s room on the third floor was also included, but as a control setting. A controlled setting is used in research to help eliminate uncertainties.

As to what the researchers were looking for: urine, or more specifically, urine on a tile floor. Here’s how they did it:

At the end of each day, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., two observers independently assessed the floor tiles in each of the restrooms. A corresponding square on a datasheet was crossed off for each floor tile with urine on it. The amount of urine on a tile was not quantified; as long as there was any evidence of any amount of urine on a tile, the box was crossed off. Furthermore, the difference between urine and water was ascertained by the translucent visual properties of the former. Also, water evaporated without leaving a mark, while urine resulted in a reflective stain on the floor tiles.

The study on floor one continued for 38 consecutive days. On the other two floors, it ran for 51 days. All floors had considerable amounts of urine on the floor tiles, especially near the urinals.

To address this, the researcher used the following prompts:

•        In the restroom on floor one, a sign was posted between two urinals that read, “For Pete’s Sake, Gentlemen,” and was printed in black, 50-point type. The second line of text read, “Please Stand Closer,” referring to the urinals and printed in red, 64-point type.

•        In the floor two restroom, another prompt was placed at the bottom of the urinal. This prompt depicted a black, circular “bullseye” that was 6.4 cm in height. This prompt also included textual feedback in the form of a heat-activated message that read, “Help the Cleaners. Please Aim Straight.”

•        No signs or prompts were used in the control restroom.

Drum Roll: The Results

The prompts worked. The introduction of the sign, “For Pete’s Sake, Gentlemen,” resulted in a 37.7 percent reduction in urine found on the floor tiles. The “bullseye” prompts were effective as well, just not as effective, resulting in a 24 percent reduction in urine on the restroom floor tiles.

But there’s more. The custodial workers were very happy. While they still had to clean the restroom floors each day, less urine on the floor reduced the amount of urine tracked onto nearby hallways. This made their job easier and helped keep the facility cleaner and healthier.

This study reminds us of the introduction of waterless urinals back in the early 1990s. In those days, men were baffled. How do you use this thing? Where’s the flush valve? The funny thing was, there was nothing for them to do but use the urinal and walk away. We had signs — prompts — indicating this, and the issue soon disappeared. Our conclusion: Prompts work.

Unraveling an Odor Mystery From The Ground Up

Recently, we received the following email from the head of maintenance in a Midwest school district:

Hello,

We’ve been having a heck of a time tracking down and ending sewer gas odors being released in one of our largest schools. We’ve checked just about everywhere. Some of my maintenance staff checked the basement and even crawled into the crawl space below the school. We could not find the source. With Spring Break fast approaching, we want to take care of this before the school reopens. Do you have any suggestions?

My replay is below:

First, I want to say that I am not a plumber; if the problem continues, it may be necessary to call one. But before you do that, consider the following:

Determine if the odors are more prevalent in one area of the building. The plumbing system for a large school can be extremely complicated. Pinpointing where the odors are most prevalent gives us a particularly good starting point.

Next, check to see if there is any floor settling in this problem area. If there is, and it’s a concrete floor, the odors may be coming through the cracks. Also, if there is settling, the floor or the concrete could be pressing against the pipes below. Possibly it has loosened pipe joints and fittings. Pay particular attention to pipes delivering water away from the building to the sewer. Ask your maintenance staff to check the basement and crawl space once again, explicitly looking for settling concrete that might be damaging pipes.

Similarly, check the pipe fittings to drains in the problem area. If lose, these could allow odors to be released. Along with double-checking for water leaks every year, it’s always a good idea to check that the joints are tight as well.

Have you checked the vents atop the school? All plumbing systems require air vents to be installed on the roof of the building. The vent may be covered with debris over the winter months. Plumbers tell us these vents can be blocked for assorted reasons, including wasps and other insects building a home in them.

If the problem persists, and before you call the plumber, I have one more suggestion: EverPrime. Every drainpipe has a “P” or “J” trap below the drain. Here’s what could be happening. 

This trap retains water, preventing sewer odors from being released into the building.  However, this water can evaporate, and if it is not replenished - meaning no additional water is poured or enters the trap- it allows odors to escape. We see this all the time in school because they are often closed for prolonged periods of time. Check the area that is the key source of the problem. If it is in a room or area of the school that is rarely mopped or the sinks are seldom used, this could be the problem.

Everprime will block the odors, potentially indefinitely. I suggest pouring about a gallon of water down the drains first, then adding about three ounces of EverPrime into each drain. Give it a couple of days and see if this solves the problem. If it does, the school district just saved a lot of plumbing bills, and your schools should open after the Spring break odor free.

From Grainger: Thougths About Waterless Urinals

Waterless urinals have grown in popularity in recent decades, especially as more businesses, facilities, and individuals continue to look for more ways to cut their budgets and go green. Installing waterless urinals in office buildings, industrial facilities and highly trafficked public places can offer several advantages. 

Efficiency. According to the EPA, a typical office building that replaces its fixtures with highly efficient waterless urinals can save 26,000 gallons of water per year or more. Further, they can enjoy:

Cleaner air. Conventional toilets and urinals contain water that can harbor disease-causing bacteria to be released into the air and onto surfaces when flushed.Waterless urinals, on the other hand, have no flushing action and are designed to dry out between uses, so they can't release contamination in this way.

Hand hygiene. With no handles or buttons, waterless urinals are entirely touch-free, helping reduce the opportunity for cross-contamination.

More predictable maintenance. Waterless urinals require regular maintenance—changing cartridges or topping up the sealant at specific intervals, for example. However, the lack of a flush valve and the rarity of clogs and overflow can simplify maintenance tasks.

Things to Consider Before Installing Waterless Urinals

When planning a waterless urinal installation, there are several things to keep in mind, including cleaning procedures, rebate opportunities and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Retrofitting and ADA Compliance

No-flush urinals can be installed virtually anywhere a conventional variety would be used. However, if you're retrofitting an older facility, it's also worth keeping in mind that in restrooms with two or more urinals, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires at least one to have a rim no higher than 17 inches from the ground.

Connecting a Waterless Urinal

Although waterless urinals don't use water to flush, they still require a drain connection. Waterless urinals usually fit standard 2-inch drainage lines or can be adapted to fit 1.5-inch lines. However, FacilitiesNet recommends not installing waterless urinals if the building's drain and vent system uses copper pipes.

Without the dilution of flushing water, concentrated urine can react with copper, leading to pitting and corrosion. Checking that drain lines comply with plumbing code standards and slope enough to push waste through without water flushing is also recommended. Manufacturers also typically recommend that waterless urinals not be installed on unvented (not to code) drain lines, and it's important to snake the drain line to eliminate any clogs before installation.

Cartridge Life and Cost

When choosing a waterless urinal, you may want to check for details on cartridge life, cost and compatibility. Although the maintenance procedures are similar on most waterless urinals, the cost of the replacement parts can vary. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

Before installing waterless urinals throughout a facility, it's a good idea to train cleaning personnel on proper maintenance techniques. Generally, the interior and the exterior areas of the waterless urinal can be cleaned and disinfected using a spray cleaner and cleaning cloth. Some manufacturers have developed their own cleaning products designed to be used specifically with waterless units.

Manufacturers advise against any cleaning process that uses a large amount of water, because this can disrupt the liquid seal in the cartridge and lead to clogs in the drain line.

Rebates and Local Incentives

Learn more on the Grainger Website

Sealants, Traps, and Cartridges – Oh, My

At first glance, most no-water urinals look exactly like traditional, water-using urinals. However, a closer inspection shows they have two significant differences.

First, a conventional urinal has a flush valve – manually operated or automatic – at the top of the urinal. Waterless urinals do not because, as the name implies, they do not use water.

The second difference is when we glance at the bottom of the urinal bowl, a regular urinal may have a urinal screen installed. A waterless urinal has a trap or cartridge. This is a critical component of a waterless urinal; something similar is found in almost all no-water urinals.  

The trap/cartridges are designed to keep sewer odors from being released into the restroom. However, because they play such an important role in ensuring the no-water urinal is operating properly, we should know a few more things about the trap/cartridges. For instance, it is filled with a sealant.  To explain what a sealant is and the many roles it plays, let’s dig a bit deeper.

What exactly is a sealant?

The sealant is an oily, biodegradable liquid, which is lighter than urine, so it floats in the cartridge.

Why do the traps/cartridges need to be filled with a sealant?

The sealant helps seal away trap odors. About three ounces is all that is needed and can last several months.

What is the actual trap/cartridges made of?

They are made of various plastics. Some are recyclable, some are not.

Are all the traps/cartridges the same in no-water urinals?

They may vary in design, but perform, in principle, the same task. Most do require the use of a sealant. NOTE: While the different traps/cartridges are similar in functionality, it is important to only use the trap/cartridges designed for your waterless urinal.

Do they have to be changed?

Yes, they do need to be changed. Equate the trap cartridge with an air filter. Over time, soil builds up and it can clog. Therefore, it needs to be changed. As to frequency, building owners and managers need to know that some traps need to be changed – the old trap removed, and the new trap installed - more frequently than others. It all depends on the trap’s design.

Making matters worse, the ones that need to be changed the most frequently tend to be the costliest. It’s easy to compare the lifespans. While the exact lifespan of the trap can vary, the manufacturer will likely suggest how often to change the trap. Also, compare cartridge costs as there are vast differences, which of course make a budget difference over time.

How do you replace them?

It’s easy and should take less than 10 minutes. 

Here are the five simple steps:

1.    For standard cleaning procedure, put on a pair of nylon or rubber gloves per OSHA regulations.

2.    Grab the tool that the manufacturer provided for removing the trap. 

3.    Use the tool to remove the trap. It may start dripping once removed, so have a trash bag or bucket handy.

4.    Install the new trap, add some water for the sealant to float on, and fill it with the recommended amount of sealant, about three ounces.

5.    If necessary, clean the area in the urinal where the trap was sitting.

Are there some troubleshooting things we should know about sealants, traps, and cartridges?

Urinal odors:  Add 3 oz of sealant into the trap/cartridges.

Debris in the trap/cartridges: Just remove it. Debris should not damage the trap/cartridges.

Water was poured down the trap: There should be no reason to ever pour water into the trap/cartridges. However, if water has been poured in, it possibly flushed the sealant out.  Add more sealant.

The urine is not draining through the trap cartridges:  This simply means the cartridge is full and needs to be exchanged.

Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to 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

How To Use a Public Restroom Safely in 2023

During the pandemic, we learned several good restroom habits that kept us healthy.

However, public health officials are concerned that many of these protective measures are now being tossed out the window.

“Even when restroom surfaces look clean, they may be little more than a Petri dish,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. marketers of no-water urinals. “With so many surfaces, counters, knobs, and handles in public restrooms, it’s hard not to come in contact with surface contaminants.”

Making matters worse, toilet and urinal plume – the releasing of germs and bacteria into the air when toilets or urinals are flushed –continually adds germs and bacteria on to surfaces. While not a concern when no-water urinals are installed, most all toilets release plumes.

To help protect ourselves, Reichardt suggests we do the following:

Cover your Hands

Don’t be shy about gathering a paper towel when you enter a public restroom. Use it to cover your hands, so you don’t touch any restroom surfaces or fixtures.

The Quicker, the Better

Be quick. Do what needs to be done, wash your hands, and be out the door as soon as possible. The longer you linger in a restroom, the more chances you encounter pathogens.

Wear a Mask

Wearing a mask in a public restroom is optional, but still a good idea. Not only is toilet plume a problem, but when people gather in public restrooms, they are more likely to sneeze and cough, potentially spreading germs.

Stay Off Your Phone

A Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease study found that mobile phones are a hotbed for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One key reason: they are used while people are using the toilet. 1

Don’t Ditch the Paper Towel

Instead of tossing used paper towels, use them when you exit the restroom.

“Finally, see something, say something,” adds Reichardt. “If the restroom needs cleaning attention, tell someone in charge. What you are doing is helping to keep others healthy.”

###

 

1.    Mobile phones represent a pathway for microbial transmission: A scoping review

 

About Waterless

Waterless Co. Inc. has established a well-respected reputation as being an innovative manufacturer of no-water urinal systems.  Based in Vista, Ca, the nearly 33-year-old company is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals in North America.  The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

 

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

How Stuff Works Discusses Waterless Urinals

The following is based on an article in How Stuff Works by Matt Sailor. The author uses quotes throughout the article from Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. 

Waterless urinals are growing in popularity because they help building owners and managers reduce water consumption, become more sustainability focused, and lower operating costs.

But how they work is often viewed as a mystery. Let’s put that mystery aside. Here is how they work:

  • Waterless urinals are typically designed like traditional urinals.

  • The urine flows down the urinal into a small cylinder – or trap – placed at the bottom of the urinal bowl.

  • This trap serves many purposes, including blocking sewer odors from being released into the restroom. But for now, we want to focus on the trap temporarily holding the urine.

  • Inside the trap is a sealant that is lighter than water. This is what prevents sewer odors from being released.

  • As the urine accumulates in the trap and more men use the urinals, the urine flows into the drainage line below the urinal, just like a traditional urinal.

  • The process allows the urine to drain naturally. No water is needed in the process – which is why they call them waterless urinals.

The history of waterless urinals dates to the late-1800s. They were first installed in major European cities in park areas and in sidewalk restrooms. However, it was not until 1991 that they were introduced in the United States. Waterless Co., Inc. introduced them, making Waterless Co. Inc. the first marketer of waterless urinals in North America.

How much water they save depends on what type of traditional urinal they are replacing. They often replace older urinals that consume as much as 3 gallons of water per flush (gpf). In such cases, the water savings are very significant.

However, today, they are also replacing newer urinals that use about 1 gpf or less.  Usually this happens because these facilities want to go a step further in reducing water consumption. But there is also a cost factor. Waterless urinals require less plumbing, reducing the time and money required to install them.

Now the big question: how much water can Waterless Urinals save?

We must answer: it all depends. In most cases, they can save as much as 20,000 to 35,000 gallons of water per urinal per year. If one office building has 50 waterless urinals installed, that amounts to 1 million to 1.75 million gallons of water per year.  

These estimates are based on a building with 50 or more men using the urinal at least three times per day.

What About Home Waterless Urinals?

Waterless urinals are also growing in popularity in homes and can save water and money there as well. One waterless urinal installed in a home can save about 3,250 gallons of water per year.

How much money this can save a homeowner varies. It depends on how much consumers are charged for water. However, some savings estimates range from about $250 per urinal to as much as $500 per urinal per year.

Finally, we must add that waterless urinals, like flushed urinals, do cost money to maintain and operate. However, operating costs are about 1/3 of operating a flushed urinal, especially because water and sewer rates keep increasing.

With a urinal from Waterless Co., the trap mentioned earlier can last three to six months, depending on use. These traps cost about $9 to replace. With no-water urinals from other manufacturers, the trap lasts only two to three months and, interestingly, can cost $25 or more.

This means due diligence is necessary when selecting waterless urinals. A little research gets increased water savings and greater cost savings as well.

Like to learn more? Contact us at info@waterless.com

The Case of the Zombie Forests

Something unusual — but expected — is happening to the conifer forests that blanket large parts of California’s Sierra Nevada. Conifer trees are large, evergreen trees such as spruce, sugar pine, and Douglas fir — all of which typically produce cones.

What’s happening, and why these areas are now being referred to as zombie forests, is that while the older, well-established trees remain strong, few young trees have been able to take root and grow. The climate is now too warm and too dry for them to survive.  This is true even though these areas are currently receiving large amounts of precipitation.

A climate mismatch has evolved, and scientists say that based on photographs and survey data, they’ve been expecting this for nearly a century. The situation has been gradually evolving since about the mid-1930s, long before talk of climate change. However, the growth of zombie forests has accelerated in the past two decades, primarily due to climate change.

Today, it is estimated that about 11 percent of the conifer forests are mismatched to their current climate conditions, with another 8 percent “severely” mismatched.

The big concern is what happens should there be a significant disturbance, such as a wildfire, logging disruptions, or mudslides, as is currently happening.

Historically, trees would grow back. Eventually, the forest would return.

But now, instead of trees, we can expect much smaller, shrub-like vegetation that can adapt to warmer and dryer climates.

If we take a broader look at this situation, we see that a mismatch of climate conditions is happening to not only these trees but virtually all living things. Polar bears, for instance, which have inhabited the same areas in the arctic for centuries, are now moving to higher ground to find food. The same movement to new locations is true with other forms of wildlife as well as marine life. The climate these animals initially thrived in is no longer the same, forcing them to literally find greener pastures.

However, even the older conifers that have managed to survive this climate mismatch may need help in the future. With warmer weather comes insects and diseases these trees have never encountered before. How well the trees survive these invasions are still being determined, but some are expected not to make it.

So, what’s the big picture here? Why are zombie forests in California important to all of us?

The first concern is that we may lose one of the main contributions trees make to our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.

A typical mature tree can take in up to about 22 kilograms of CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen as well as food, allowing other trees and vegetation in the forests to grow.

Trees also improve water quality in forested areas, slowing rainwater as it falls to the earth so that it can be more thoroughly absorbed. Without this buffer, the rainwater would cause runoff, soil erosion, floods, and pollution in rivers, lakes, and streams.

This would also negatively impact the water we drink. As U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “While most Americans live in urban areas, most of us depend on rural lands, particularly forest lands, for clean water and a healthy climate.”

One of the first things we can do is to start by installing the most water efficient plumbing fixtures possible, such as waterless urinals.  Further, whenever a waterless urinal is installed, it reminds restroom users that we must use water responsibly and efficiently.

Zombie forests are created by a planet that is becoming warmer and dryer.  Let’s view zombie forests and the installation of waterless urinals as one more heads-up that we need to protect our most precious resource now and for the future.

Aridification: Why Should You Care?

As this is being written, parts of California are still getting substantial rainfall. A blizzard is even forecasted for Southern California.

This is a historical event. The last time Southern California experienced blizzard conditions was in 1989.

California has experienced very unusual weather over the past two years. The last few months of December 2022 were extraordinary because the state received so much rainfall in such a fleeting period. And now a blizzard in an area of the country where the average year-round temperature is in the 60s and 70s?  Unthinkable.

What climate experts are saying is that this is another example of climate change impacting Southern California. Wild swings of very dry weather, lasting for years, and now several months of very wet weather.

The reality is that California should enjoy it while it lasts. Long-term predictions are that the state and much of the Southwest and other areas of the country will return to what has been evolving for several years, and that is aridification.

So, we are all on the same page, aridification can be defined as a process in which a region, state, or entire country becomes increasingly dry. It's happening around the globe. 

And because it's happening around the globe, we all must become more familiar with it, even if we don't live in areas currently experiencing aridification.

Here's why We Need to Understand Aridification:

Crops. Invariably, the first signs of aridification are that crops that grow in a region are no longer receiving sufficient irrigation to grow.  

Economics. Farming communities soon begin to suffer economically when they cannot grow crops. They soon need help feeding their livestock as well as themselves.

Inflation. Food is a core commodity. When the supply of food is reduced, costs go up. This will apply not only to fruits and vegetables but meats and chicken. A domino situation sets in. With supplies going down and costs up, scores of other industries are impacted. This raises the prices of all types of goods and services.

Movement. Aridification has been causing people living in farming communities to move to cities. Very often, their skills are not easily transferable to urban living.

Water. With water supplies in shorter demand, water costs go up. Localities must look further for new supplies as old watering holes dry up. They must charge for this.

Conflict. This is a big concern in many parts of the world. This includes conflict between cities, states, and countries. The Middle East has only one percent of the world's freshwater, but it must be shared among five percent of the world’s population. So far, tensions here have been resolved. But will they in the future?

Non-potable. This refers to any water that has not been treated or evaluated to be sure it is safe for human consumption. Aridification is making it harder for millions of people to get safe drinking water.

Poverty. View water as a foundational. If water is in short supply or there is no potable water in a region, poverty is invariably the result. Aridification contributes to world poverty, which is expected to become more of a concern in years to come.

Depletion. Many states in the U.S. no longer depend on rainfall events for their water. Instead, they are draining underground water supplies. The problem is these supplies are drying out and are not being replenished. Where, responsible public officials are asking, will people living in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of Texas get their water five or ten years from now? 

Our only option is to use water efficiently or, if possible, not at all. That's what waterless urinals are designed to do. Reduce water consumption dramatically and permanently, so it can be used for drinking water, growing crops, and protecting communities and economies.

The Dust Bowl – Facts About the Greatest Manmade Environmental Catastrophe in American History

We often hear about the impact climate change is having on water, causing some areas of the country to experience prolonged periods of drought while others are experiencing far more moisture than in the past.

But climate change had no role in causing the Dust Bowl. Rather, it was the result of several conditions, incidents, and unfortunate happenings.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Dust Bowl.

What was the Dust Bowl?

The Dust Bowl brought economic, ecological, and human misery to millions of Americans. It occurred simultaneously with the Great Depression, which added to the economic suffering.

The Dust Bowl was caused by extended drought, unusually hot weather, strong winds, and poor agricultural practices.

Soil erosion along with high winds and choking dust clouds called black blizzards — because they eliminated daytime sunlight — swept through the Midwest, from Nebraska to Texas.

When did it occur?

The Dust Bowl started in 1931 and tapered off by 1939.

How many black blizzards occurred?

In 1932, there were 14 black blizzards. By 1933, there were 40.

What were the poor agricultural practices?

After World War I and throughout the 1920s, mechanized farming equipment was introduced to allow farmers to grow more crops over more land.  This helped increase profits. Previously unplowed land — as much as five million acres — was plowed to produce record crops.

These record crops reached a crescendo during the 1931 season, but due to the Depression, there were few buyers. Farmers let their crops die in the fields, and the over-plowed land was left bare. In time, the fertile topsoil blew away in the winds. Drought made the situation even worse. Eventually, many farmers lost their farms to foreclosures. Their land and any remaining crops were left to turn to dust.

Did the government step in to help?

Yes; in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted programs to help farmers avoid foreclosures to help keep their farms afloat. The administration also set up programs to teach farmers new farming practices to protect their land and begin farming again. However, it was a major undertaking. By 1935, 35 million acres of farmland were ruined, and the topsoil covering more than 100 million acres of land had blown away.

Did the Dust Bowl cause illness?

Yes, both humans and animals suffered. The dust storms caused dust pneumonia, which occurs when excessive and prolonged inhalation of dirt and dust results in inflammation of the lungs. Acute respiratory infection is followed by painful and severe symptoms. Fever developed, and many people died of dust pneumonia.

Could the Dust Bowl happen again?

According to the Yale School of the Environment, much has changed in the U.S. heartland, “with improved irrigation and agricultural practices. [But] with rising temperatures and worsening droughts caused by global warming, another Dust Bowl in the U.S. is possible.”

Another concern is that underground water from aquifers is drying up in large parts of the Midwest.

“There comes a point where if you’re not replenishing aquifers, then all you need is the next minor drought to come along, and … you run the risk of another Dust Bowl-like event,” says Tim Cowan, a senior research fellow at the University of Southern Queensland who studies the effects of climate change on precipitation and heat waves.

Does water efficiency play a role in preventing another Dust Bowl?

Yes, it does. Water efficiency means utilizing new and existing technologies such as waterless urinals, which use far less water than traditional products, including no water at all. Water efficiency can and will play a significant role in preventing another Dust Bowl because it helps reduce the amount of water drawn from aquifers, helping them replenish, so we can better manage through another drought when it comes along.