Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

Waterless® Co., Inc.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Press Release  

Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

 
Vista, CA. – October 3, 2023 - Imagine a day without water.  

·       How would it feel?

·       What would you do?

·       How would it change your life?

These are some of the questions the Imagine Day Without Water program is asking us to think about.

This national day of action is on October 19, 2023, each year.  It is a global initiative to raise awareness and inspire action on the water crisis that affects millions of people around the world.  

According to Water.org, 771 million people currently lack access to safe water and nearly one million people die annually due to the lack of safe water.  

“The numbers are staggering,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co. Inc. manufacturers of no-water urinals and other restroom products.   

“But they don't tell the whole story. Behind these statistics, there are human beings who suffer from the consequences of water scarcity and contaminated water.” 

He says this is why Waterless Co. is proud to support Imagine a Day Without Water and join the global movement to make water a priority for everyone.  

“We believe that waterless [urinal] technology is one way to help reduce water consumption, save money, and protect the environment. Fortunately, more no-water urinals are being installed around the world today than ever before.”  

But Reichardt adds that waterless products are not enough to solve the water crisis.

“We need collective action, political will, and social change to ensure that everyone has access to safe and sufficient water, and one more thing, learns how to use water efficiently.”

He adds that by participating and recognizing this special day and all that it means, “we will gain a deeper understanding of the value of water and the urgency of the water crisis.”

To learn more about Imagine a Day Without Water and how you can get involved, visit their website or follow us on social media. Adds Reichardt, “together, we can make a difference for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.”

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 more than thirty-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

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert@alturasolutions.com

Cities Facing the Most Severe Water Challenges In 2022

Image Courtesy Smart Water & Waste Water Magazine

USA: It now appears that those cities experiencing droughts and water shortages in the past couple of years are likely to experience water shortages in 2022.

This is according to Waterless Co., Inc, manufacturers of no-water urinals, which monitors water conditions around the globe.

According to the manufacturer, below are the six cities most likely to experience serious to acute water shortages in 2022:

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, which was close to Day Zero a couple of years back, has made progress in using water more efficiently. But with a growing population and antiquated water infrastructure, it faces serious water challenges in 2022.

Mexico City, Mexico

About half of this city’s water is shipped in from other parts of the country, which increases the cost of water considerably. Many residents can afford or are allowed access to running water about once per week.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

In 2015, Sao Paulo water utility companies declared a “state of calamity” as water reserves held just five percent of their maximum water supply. Since then, things have improved, but low precipitation and deforestation of the Amazon rainforest have left the city in severe drought conditions.

Beijing, China

This capital city gets its water from farming areas north and south of the city. But without water, Chinese farmers cannot grow crops for the country’s 1.3 billion people. Experts say China faces a daily balancing act, determining how much water should go to Beijing and how much to farmers.

Los Angeles, USA

The only American city on the list, the past few years have been some of the driest in more than 1,200 years. Improved water storage and water efficiency measures have helped Los Angeles stay water solvent, but it still faces serious water challenges.

Bangalore, India

Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the population has doubled since the 2000s and continues to grow. Some predicted the city would be unlivable by 2020 due to lack of water. It survived, but only because water is hauled in by trains and trucks daily.

“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.”

Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Ca, is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals and related products in North America. Along with waterless urinals, the company offers a full line of cleaning solutions and sealants and trap/cylinders, all designed for waterless and other brands of no-water urinals.

Six Tips on Restroom Renovations

Faucet Leak

Many facilities are now retrofitting their restrooms. Among the reasons they are doing this is to help keep restrooms cleaner and healthier, reduce water consumption, and find ways to lessen cleaning needs.  In most commercial facilities, cleaning workers spend more time cleaning restrooms than any other area of a facility.

If you are retrofitting your restrooms, here are six ways to keep restrooms cleaner, healthier, and reduce water consumption.

1.       Install more touch-free devices. Most facilities have been going touchless for years. Toilets, urinals, and faucets no longer need to be touched for the fixtures to operate. But why stop there? Soap dispensers and paper-towel dispensers should also be touch-free. Installing these systems helps eliminate cross-contamination, making handwashing much more sanitary. What’s more, many of these systems can be adjusted so they only release a measured amount of soap or paper per user-request. This minimizes costly waste.

2.     Select waterless urinals. Every couple of years, studies are conducted that determine the market future and growth of waterless urinals. No-water urinals, now available from many manufacturers, have proven to be odor-free and sanitary. Plus, many administrators select them because they cost less to purchase and install than traditional urinals that require flush valves, which can be costly and require extra plumbing, which is not needed with waterless urinals. The big benefit of no-water urinals, of course, is significant water reduction. 

3.     Consider plastic partitions. Many older restrooms have metal partitions. These can be heavy, requiring them to be bolted to both walls and floors, which makes cleaning the floors a challenge. Soil build-up around the bolted connections is very common, as well as unsightly. Further, metal partitions can be easily scratched, which means they are more vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. Plastic partitions, on the other hand, weigh less, so they need only be connected to surrounding walls, making it far easier to clean the floors. In addition, many plastic partitions are designed to be graffiti- and vandalism-resistant, so stalls and the entire restroom continue to look their best.

4.     Install new floors. New flooring can make a significant difference, not only in the appearance of the restroom but also in cleaning and maintenance. For years, many camp, park, and rec restrooms have had tile-and-grout restroom floors installed—often with small tiles. Although such floors can be attractive and provide slip-resistance, keeping them clean and sanitary is all-too-often a never-ending battle as they age. When installing new restroom floors, select seamless, one-piece epoxy flooring or a similar floor surface. These floors have waterproofing capabilities, can be pitched for drainage, are durable, and are much easier to clean and to keep clean.

5.     Select automatic sanitizers on toilets and urinals. These systems are often programmable and designed for use on many existing fixtures. They release a disinfectant after each flush of a toilet or urinal, coating the fixture and surrounding surfaces. They keep the fixtures cleaner and healthier, reduce odors, and can shorten cleaning frequencies throughout the day. 

6.     Purchase toilet-seat cleaning systems. Taking toilet cleaning a step further, restroom users can also do their part to help keep toilets cleaner and healthier. With some systems, a wave of the hand over the toilet activates a mechanism that automatically and quickly cleans, disinfects, and dries the toilet after each use. The entire process occurs without contact, ensuring sanitary conditions. 

Problems with Water-Using Urinals

As buildings slowly open around the country, building owners and facility managers are discovering several problems with traditional – water-using - urinals. Invariably, these problems are significant enough that a plumber must be called in to fix them.

Lack of use during the pandemic is the root cause of many of these issues – but not always.  Others are more common problems that frequently occur with traditional urinals. 

So, what are some of these common problems? Let’s take a look.

Clogged Drain Walls

Water in a traditional urinal is released from small holes located at the top of the urinal. These holes can become clogged by calcium build-up. They can also become clogged due to other minerals in the water. This is especially true in regions of the country where the water is hard. What typically happens when these holes clog is the flow is reduced. In most cases, a plumber must be called in to clear the holes. If ignored, the situation can worsen, little if any water will be released, and bacteria can build up in the urinal, potentially causing odors.

Unpleasant Odors

If there is a drain blockage - indicated by the urinal draining more slowly than usual - this could cause water to pour onto the restroom floor and allow odors to be released. This is especially true of older urinals and older plumbing. While solutions can be poured down the drain to help eliminate the blockage, a plumber usually must come in with a router to address the issue.

Water Leaks

Water leaks from urinals can be serious. Typically, the leaking water ends up on the floor. The tile and grout floors in most public restrooms can become very slippery when this happens. These floors have smooth surfaces with little or no traction to help prevent falls. The leaks typically come from pipes connected to the flush mechanism at the top of the urinal or base, where water is drained away. We should mention one more problem: when water leaks, water bills rise. Even one small leak can result in dozens of gallons of water wasted every month.

Low Water Pressure

Guess what happens when water leaks come from several urinals and other water-using devices and fixtures? These leaks may result in not having enough water available to flush waste in urinals and toilets. It’s just one more reason leaks should always be fixed as soon as possible. Leaks can lower water pressure for the entire building.

Changes in Water Color

Sometimes, when flushing a urinal, the water looks discolored. Often this discoloration is caused by rust. The pipes leading to the urinal can become corroded over time, and this causes the water to have a dark or unusual color. The rust can stain the urinal and cause unusual odors. These rust stains can usually be removed, but it takes time and special cleaning solutions and tools to do the job. Typically, what needs to be done is replace the rusty pipes delivering water to the urinal, which can be a costly procedure.

So, why are we discussing all these issues?

First, and again due to the pandemic, more buildings are experiencing urinal-related problems. But there is another reason. Virtually every issue discussed here does not occur when no water or waterless urinals are installed. No pipes are needed to deliver water to waterless urinals, so rust stains are not an issue. There are no changes in water color because no water is used with waterless urinals. No odors and no clogs.

And one more thing. With these problems eliminated and waterless urinals installed, no longer a need to keep the plumber on speed dial - a significant cost savings.

New LEED Version Focuses on Reducing Water Consumption | Where Waterless Urinals Fit In

LEED has released its latest version of standards, V4.1, which includes several updates to the LEED certification program. However, with this version, there is considerably more emphasis on water – and using water more efficiently and wisely.

But before we go into details, let’s ensure we are all on board as to what LEED is. LEED is part of the U.S. Green Building Council. Here is how the organization is defined on their website:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. 

In its early days, LEED put considerable emphasis on energy and fuel conservation and the use of green-certified cleaning solutions. Over the years, its scope has increased considerably, expanding to how facilities are built, the materials used to make those facilities, how they are operated and maintained, and now, water and water management systems in these facilities.

We should also know that since its founding in 1993, LEED has had a significant impact on facilities and the owners and managers of these facilities. Today, over 93,000 facilities are LEED-certified or registered for LEED certification.

For a facility to earn this certification, it must receive so many points or credits. At one time, reducing water consumption in a facility by 11 percent would earn a specific number of LEED credits. But now the tables have been turned. To even be considered for LEED certification, a facility must show that it has reduced water consumption by 11 percent or more. In other words, it is now a prerequisite.

Further, because nearly 20 percent of LEED’s certification points now relate to water, before awarding LEED points, version 4.1 compares the water performance of one building to comparable high-performing buildings.

Tracking Water Consumption

Being LEED certified has always involved providing the organization with considerable amounts of data. But this data serves an essential purpose, especially regarding water. The data is the only way to track water reduction progress. Further, it helps building owners and managers know what and where improvements are needed when it comes to water reduction to meet LEED standards.

So, what steps can facilities take to earn these points and how many can they earn? Below are the corresponding point values:

•         By installing a rainwater management system, a facility can earn up to three points.

•         No or low-cost potable water preservation one point.

•         More water-efficient cooling systems, three points.

•         Innovation in new construction related to water reduction, 1 point.

•         Overall exemplary performance, 2 points.

•         Reduce indoor water use by 6 points.

A Closer Look at Indoor Water Use

 It is evident that most LEED points associated with water revolve around minimizing indoor water consumption. Therefore, how can commercial facilities like offices, schools, airports, or similar establishments reduce water consumption over the long term? Here are a few approaches they can adopt:

Install automated software systems that track water usage in the facility. In larger buildings, it's best to install multiple systems that monitor water consumption in different areas to alert managers of any issues in those areas and even regulate water usage in some parts of the building. 

Place a greater focus on water usage in restrooms, where most water is used. Installing water-efficient faucets that use aerators can dramatically reduce consumption while still meeting user satisfaction. 

Toilets are another significant contributor to water consumption. Even if they were initially designed to use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, age, and wear can cause them to use more water. In most cases, toilets should be replaced after about seven years to prevent excessive water usage. 

Waterless urinals should be installed. Installing waterless urinals can often help facilities meet LEED requirements for water reduction without making any other modifications.

Benefits of LEED Certification

Let's address one more issue. Why is LEED certification necessary? Are facilities just making their facilities more efficient, greener, and sustainable because it's the "right thing to do?" Hardly.

Today, commercial buildings are finding it very difficult to get tenants. If a facility is LEED certified, that is a big feather in this facility's cap, helping secure tenants.

Reducing water consumption promotes sustainability. According to the World Economic Forum, 60 percent of organizations globally have developed sustainability standards because they believe sustainability will be crucial to their market differentiation and financial performance in the coming years.

Finally, reducing water consumption saves money. Remember, we pay for water twice: once it's delivered and once again when it is taken away. The less water used and then returned to treatment facilities can be a considerable savings for large facilities.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, pioneers in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

How We Keep French Fries Looking Their Best – (hint, it starts with water)

Possibly, you are unaware of this, but back in 1967, the United States Department of Agriculture prepared quality standards for frozen french fries. Most of the fries we purchase in grocery stores, as well as most of those used in restaurants, start out frozen.

These standards were developed to help Americans select french fries that are high quality based on how they look and even how they taste. But this was not the first set of standards for French fries. The first one was created in 1946. They were updated in 1966. And then again, a year later. 

While the Department does not say there is a correlation, it is believed that the third set of standards was developed due to the virtually overnight success of McDonald's. By the late 1960s, McDonald's franchises were cropping up by the hundreds around the country, and the Department of Agriculture believed another review was necessary.

So, what do these latest standards cover? Here are some of the critical factors. We should add these only apply to fries marketed in the U.S.:

Grade A. To be classified as Grade A, fries must all have a good flavor, color, uniform size and be practically defect-free. Good is defined as not tasting rancid or bitter and free of off-flavors or odors. There are two types of Grade A standards. One applies to strip-style fries, like the ones we get at McDonald's, and the other to non-strip fries, such as cut potatoes that are then fried. 

Grade B. Fries in this classification must have a reasonably good flavor and color, be reasonably uniform in size and symmetry, be reasonably free of defects, and have a reasonably good texture. As you can see, the keyword here is reasonably, which means the fries are somewhat lacking in flavor and may have objectional odors and flavors.  

Note that few scientific measurement systems determine Grade A or Grade B fries. It's virtually all subjective.  The standards also examine the following:

Variety: Refers to the types of potatoes used to make frozen french fries. The most common varieties are Russet Burbank, Idaho Russet, and Yellow Finn.

Size: The minimum and maximum size of the fries as determined by length, width, and thickness.

Color: The fries' minimum and maximum color intensity. Quality fries should be somewhat yellow, orange, or red. 

Defects: This refers to those blemishes we mentioned earlier. The most common defects are black specks, bruises, and cuts.

Texture: There are also minimum and maximum firmness requirements as to the texture, which is often determined by the moisture content of the fries.

Water and Fries

Here is where water comes into the picture. Water is crucial to produce french fries.

According to the Global Development Research organization, one serving of french fries requires six gallons of water. On July 13, the annual National French Fries Day in the U.S., Fox News reported that Americans eat more than 4.5 billion pounds of french fries annually. Calculating the exact amount of water needed for this is nearly impossible. However, we do know that the cultivation of potatoes and subsequent processing into french fries is one of the most water-intensive industries in the country.

This poses a new and severe challenge for potato growers who depend on underground water sources, called aquifers, for irrigation. These sources are depleting rapidly due to overuse, drought, and inefficient water use. Without water, farmers cannot grow potatoes.  

Recently in Minnesota, a prominent corporate farmer violated their water permits and pumped more than 500 gallons of water per minute from underground aquifers. Some rural people woke up one day and found they had no water as a result. This is no longer sustainable in Minnesota or anywhere else in the country.

When it comes to water, here’s how we must look at things. Robert Glennon, in his book Water Follies, says: "We have to think of our water supply as a giant milkshake in a glass…with a limitless number of straws in the glass, all sucking up the milkshake – i.e., our water – at the same time." When you look at it that way, you realize there's only one thing we can do: be more water efficient and use water wisely.

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. 

Here's What Barb Has to Say About Waterless Urinals

We asked Barb, the new AI system developed by Google, to answer some questions about waterless urinals. Below are the questions and how Barb answered them.

Where Are Most Waterless Urinals Installed?

 Waterless urinals are installed where water conservation is essential, such as:

•         Schools: Schools are a major consumer of water, and waterless urinals can help to reduce water usage by up to 50%. (Note: This is Barb’s estimate).

•         Office buildings: Office buildings are also significant water users, and waterless urinals can help to save water and money.

•         Hospitals: Hospitals use enormous amounts of water, and waterless urinals can help reduce water usage and costs.

•         Stadiums: Stadiums and other sports facilities use a lot of water for irrigation and other purposes, and waterless urinals can help to reduce water usage and costs.

•         Parks and recreation areas: Parks and recreation areas often have waterless urinals in their restrooms to conserve water.

•         Military bases: Military bases are required to conserve water, and waterless urinals are popular.

•         Commercial buildings: Many commercial buildings use waterless urinals to save water.

•         Residential homes: Waterless urinals are becoming more common in residential homes, especially in areas where water conservation is important.

How Much Water Can Waterless Urinals Save

Here are some of the specific water savings that can be achieved with waterless urinals:

•         In schools, waterless urinals can save up to 50,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In office buildings, waterless urinals can save up to 30,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In hospitals, waterless urinals can save up to 20,000 gallons per year per urinal.

•         In stadiums, waterless urinals can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year per urinal.

Note: Again, these are Barb’s estimates. Actual water savings will vary depending on the installation and usage patterns. However, waterless urinals can make a significant contribution to water conservation.

How Many Waterless Urinals are Installed in Homes?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as no central database tracks the number of waterless urinals installed in homes.

However, Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co., an industry leader in waterless urinals, estimates that about 2 percent of U.S. homes currently have home urinals installed. This would amount to about 1.5 million homes.

However, the number of waterless urinals installed in homes is increasing as more homeowners become aware of the water savings and other benefits they offer.

If you are considering installing a waterless urinal in your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

•         Ensure you have the space: Waterless urinals require a minimum of space, but you still need to make sure you have enough room for one.

•         Select a gravity-fed urinal. These are the most common type of waterless urinals. They allow urine to flow into a cylinder or trap that sits atop the drain area of the urinal, forming a bond.

•         Get professional installation: A professional plumber should install waterless urinals to ensure proper installation and operation.

What is Driving the Sales of Waterless Urinals?

Here are some of the factors that are driving the growth of waterless urinal:

•         Increasing awareness of water conservation.

•         Lower upfront costs compared to conventional urinals.

•         Government incentives: Some governments offer rebates or other incentives to install waterless urinals.

Do Waterless Urinals Require Less Maintenance than Conventional Urinals?

Yes, waterless urinals require less maintenance than traditional urinals. This is because they do not have a flush valve, a common source of problems with conventional urinals.

There are, however, some specific maintenance requirements for waterless urinals. These are:

•         Checking the sealing liquid level: The sealing liquid prevents sewer odors from being released into the restroom. The level of the sealing liquid should be checked and refilled as needed, typically about twice a month.

•         Replacing the cartridge: The cartridge is a disposable component that helps to trap odors. An EcoTrap, used in many waterless urinals, typically lasts longer than other traps and is less costly.

•         Cleaning the urinal: Like traditional urinals, Waterless urinals should be cleaned regularly, daily in a commercial setting.

What are the Key Benefits of Waterless Urinals?

Here are some of the key benefits of waterless urinals:

•         Save water: Waterless urinals can save up to 50% of water compared to traditional urinals. (This figure can vary)

•         Reduce maintenance: Waterless urinals require less maintenance than traditional urinals.

•         Improve odor control: Waterless urinals help prevent sewer odors from being released into the restroom.

•         More hygienic: Waterless urinals are more hygienic than traditional urinals.

•         Eco-friendly: Waterless urinals are a more environmentally friendly option than traditional urinals.

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. 

Growth Projected in Waterless Urinal Market

A new report from Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered in Wilmington, Delaware, predicts that the waterless urinal market will expand by six percent in the next eight years.

The report estimates that the market is currently valued at $128 million. "It is expected to grow steadily … reaching a value of $205 million by the end of 2031."

The report cites the following factors as the main drivers of this growth:

•        Global population growth has increased the demand for public restroom facilities. No-water urinals will be more widely adopted in these facilities due to global conservation efforts, increased focus on sustainability, and government initiatives.

•        As for government initiatives, the report said more countries have gone beyond incentives and are now requiring the installation of no-water urinals to reduce water consumption and waste.

•        The report indicates another growth factor because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "has emphasized the potential for significant water savings by replacing traditional urinals with no-water alternatives."

Waterless or no-water urinals direct urine into a trap or cylinder at the bottom of the urinal. The trap prevents odors from escaping into the restroom. Because no water is needed, substantial water and cost savings are one of the key benefits.

The report identifies Asia Pacific countries, such as India and China, as the regions where the growth of the waterless urinal market is expected to be the most noteworthy.

The Middle East and Africa will also contribute to the growth of this market due to a "rising focus on public sanitation and hygiene."

"Waterless Co., Inc.'s President and CEO, Klaus Reichardt, says that similar research studies are published every few years, invariably reporting similar findings.

"What's new here is that one of the reasons for selecting waterless urinals is their sanitation and hygiene benefits.

This is a consequence of the pandemic. No-water urinals have always been considered more sanitary than conventional urinals. But after the pandemic, sanitation and hygiene has become a much bigger concern."

Navigating the I0T of Restrooms: A User's Guide

Public restrooms in the U.S. are undergoing rapid transformations. Some innovations will be immediately visible, but others - especially the most significant ones - will remain hidden.

One of the most noticeable changes is the use of indicator lights. Have you ever seen a digital display that shows how many parking spaces are available in a parking lot? You can expect to see something similar in large facilities with many restrooms and fixtures, such as in airports, sports venues, and theaters.

The purpose is to inform users of the expected waiting time for using the restroom. With this information, they might decide to use another restroom in the complex.

Along with this, expect red and green lights on the cubicle doors in these restrooms. A red light indicates a cubicle is occupied. Conversely, if a stall is free, a green light is on.

Less visible will be the IoT - the Internet of things - which is taking over public restrooms. These do not provide information to users but rather send data to the maintenance and housekeeping departments of larger facilities. Further, their goal is to help reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently.

Essentially, IoT is a communication system. For example, if a toilet or urinal is overflowing or malfunctioning, IoT notifies maintenance personnel in real-time - when it happens. No more waiting for a user to report a problem in the restroom or for the maintenance personnel to discover one hours later.

Additionally, IoT systems already installed or coming soon can do the following: 

·       Detect if consumables - toilet paper, soap, paper towel - are running low or predict when they might run low. Usage is recorded. The technology knows when supplies are likely to run low and communicates this with maintenance staff.

 ·       IoT water monitors are being installed for a variety of reasons. One reason is to monitor water usage for each fixture and tell managers where more water-efficient fixtures should be installed.

 ·       Water monitors are also being used for prevention, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting. The system knows – in advance – where plumbing repairs may be needed. With this advanced knowledge, maintenance professionals can make repairs before a serious problem arises.

 ·       Sensor and range controls are also key features of an advanced restroom IoT system. Have you ever used a toilet or urinal that auto-flushes before you’re done?  Or use one that does not flush after you’re done? Join the club. This happens all the time. IoT controls can detect this problem and notify maintenance staff that an adjustment is needed.  

 ·       As to range issues, here is a perfect example. Have you ever placed your hands under the faucet, and no water is released? What most users then do is move their hands in various places under the tap to see if that triggers the release. IoT can detect this problem, alert maintenance staff, and often, the system can fix it.

 ·       Flow meters will also be part of an advanced restroom IoT system. By measuring and recording the water flow through the pipes, it can detect if something unusual or abnormal is happening, such as a leak or a toilet flapper is stuck. Once again, these situations are detected in real-time, helping to catch and repair problems before too much water is wasted.

IoT in Restrooms has Features, Benefits, and One Big Drawback

As we can see, IoT has many amazing features but has one significant drawback: it can be very costly. Most of the cost comes from installing the technology, not the technology itself.

For instance, meters must be installed on all pipes and fixtures to monitor water use and then must be wired to a central computer system. This is only cost effective for very large facilities.

So, what about smaller facilities?  Smaller locations must rely on a different kind of technology: human intelligence.

One of the first steps to take is to check the age of the fixtures in the restroom. Older toilets and water-using urinals tend to have worn-out internal parts. This causes them to consume more water per flush than when new.  Instead of fixing or replacing these parts, it is often recommended to install new fixtures.

While today’s new urinals use less water than older units, foresight suggests taking the next step and installing waterless urinals, which use no water at all. This way, you are saving water now and in the future.  What is more, these urinals are maintenance free.

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. 

Why All the Water Rate Increases?

With all that’s happening in the world today, an article in the New York Times on July 14, 2023, did not receive as much attention as it deserved. The article pointed out that “average water and sewer bills [in the U.S.] have increased about 50 percent over the last decade … and are expected to increase further.” *

The article is based on numerous studies including an August 20, 2021, study by Bluefield Research. According to their study, the reasons for the jump in water prices over the past decade are due to several factors, some of which we have heard about before and new ones that have recently evolved. Among these are the following:

 Aging water infrastructure. This has been an issue for more than 30 years. What’s different now is that utility companies around the country can no longer ignore it. The bandages placed on water infrastructure in the past no longer do the job. Entire infrastructure systems must now be rebuilt.

 Inflation. The inflationary pressures of the past two years that have impacted consumers and businesses around the country have also impacted water utility companies. Utility companies are paying more for all types of products and services they need to operate, and these costs are now being passed on to their customers.

 Politics. While the Bluefield study did not go into details, it did report that “public [water] utility rates are influenced significantly at a political level.” Another study, “Re-Theorizing Politics in Water Governance,” indicates that several government bureaucracies are involved with water, water treatment, water delivery, and even what was termed “who gets what” when it comes to water delivery, all of which can result in water rate increases.

 The pandemic. This relates to politics. Government officials pressured many water utility companies not to increase water rates during the pandemic. Most obliged, and rate increases that were necessary at that time were postponed. With the pandemic over, many of these utilities have been forced to raise rates significantly to cover delayed increases.

Financial challenges. Several economic challenges beyond infrastructure expenditures are impacting water utility companies in the U.S. However, the study added that “each [utility company] faces unique challenges that impact water rates … there is no formula or pattern, from utility to utility” that impacts all.

Supply chain disruptions. While many manufacturers in the country were waiting for weeks and months for supplies from overseas vendors, utility companies were waiting for supplies as well. In some cases, when these supplies were finally delivered, they were more costly than initially planned. Further, while waiting for supplies, some utility companies had to find ways to “make do” and use items they had intended to replace, negatively impacting their operating costs.

Climate change. As if there were an elephant in the room — an obvious problem that no one wanted to discuss — the changing climate has increased water rates. “Climate change continues to have an impact on water infrastructure,” says Charlie Suse, an analyst with Bluefield. Plus, “we expect drought conditions to continue to impact rates in many cities.”

It’s a supply and demand issue now. Less water means higher prices.

The Takeaway

The New York Times article and Bluefield Research appear to have come to the same conclusion: water rates are going up and will continue to do so.

Does this mean we should take shorter showers to keep water rate increases in check? No, we have long past that advice.

What needs to be done is to use water efficiently — a long-term reduction in water consumption — and eliminate water waste. According to the Times article, “bathrooms are a good place to start. They may account for more than half the water families use indoors.”

This same is often true in commercial facilities. Installing more water-efficient fixtures, including restroom fixtures that use no water at all, and “smart” meters that notify consumers when they are using water excessively or beyond average consumption, can help reduce water consumption by millions if not billions of gallons of water per year.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, pioneers in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

*“Water Bills Are Rising. Here’s What to Do About It,” by Ann Carrns, published in the New York Times, July 14, 2023.