The Connection Between Heat, Water, and Water Shortages

A phenomenon known as a "heat dome" has been causing record-breaking temperatures across Mexico and is forecasted to extend into the southern and western United States during the first part of June 2024.

In Texas, many areas have already experienced temperatures that surpass 110 degrees.  One hundred-plus temperatures are also reported in the Central Valley of California, Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

However, these high temperatures are causing another problem, which may have a more significant impact over time.

The record-breaking heat has led to the evaporation of water at an alarming rate.  As this happens, it is likely to result in water shortages in many parts of the U.S.

Additionally, it can negatively impact the natural water cycle, altering precipitation patterns.  This can lead to prolonged dry spells in some areas of the country and excessive rainfall in others.

But wait, unfortunately, there's more.

Not only is evaporation happening in surface water storage areas, but it is also impacting underground water reserves. This is where most of the country, increasingly, is getting its water.  In California alone, more than 17 billion gallons of water are pumped out daily.  This is followed by Texas, which pumps about seven billion gallons of water daily. If this water is lost to evaporation, this will impact the entire country.

Localities will have to make heart-wrenching decisions as to who gets what water is available. Unfortunately, agriculture often gets the short end of the stick. Less water going to farmlands impacts food production, raises food costs, and inevitably leads to food shortages, a situation that should concern us all.

As to thinking this is a one-time event, we must think again. The planet is heating up; few can deny this today.  What many people do not realize is that this is happening at a faster rate than any scientific prediction model expected.

To address this situation takes a multi-faceted approach.  This includes the following:

Implementing conservation measures. These are measures taken temporarily as drought conditions worsen.  Consumers and businesses may be asked, if not required, to cut back on water use, not only to reduce consumption but to use the available water in other ways, for instance, farmland irrigation.

Implementing water efficiency measures. Water efficiency, a long-term approach to water management, focuses on using water more responsibly and reducing waste. This is different from water conservation, which involves temporary measures to reduce water use during droughts. For instance, an office building seeking to become more water efficient would likely replace older HVAC systems and boilers with systems that use either less water or have minimal evaporation. High-efficient toilets will be installed, and while low-flow urinals will be considered, more buildings are deciding to take the next step and install no-water or waterless urinals. These urinals cost less to select and install than flush urinals and to sweeten the pot, the return on the investment can be as quick as two years.

Developing sustainable water management programs. These programs are all about using water more responsibly and wisely. It's a big-picture approach encompassing everything we have just discussed, but it also includes reusing and recycling water, rainwater harvesting, and managing groundwater withdrawal. Currently, collecting underground water in the U.S. is essentially a free-for-all, where anyone can pump out as much water as they want.  

However, when it comes to preserving and protecting America's water supplies, the days of water free-for-alls are long over. It's depleting our water resources at a time when we need to take steps to preserve them more than ever before.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

The Importance of Water Safety During Water Safety Month

National Safety Month is observed every June to emphasize the importance of safety in various environments. Water safety, particularly in preventing Legionnaire's disease, is a critical and often underestimated threat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 900 percent increase in Legionnaire's disease cases in the past decade in the United States. *

Legionnaires' disease is spread by inhaling Legionella bacteria. However, we cannot contract the disease by drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.

Instead, what happens is the Legionella bacteria develop in stagnant water. If it becomes aerosolized, it is suspended in the air and then inhaled. This is how we contract the disease.

The CDC explains that some of the most common areas where Legionella develops are the following:

·        Showerheads and sink faucets.

·        Hot tubs and whirlpools.

·        Hot water tanks.

·        Complex plumbing systems

·        Cooling towers.

·        Fountains and humidifiers.

·        Public restrooms

The stagnant water, mixed with ambient temperatures, creates an environment highly conducive to the growth of Legionella. As to how Legionnaires' disease spreads in public restrooms, the culprit is flushing.

 A March 2021 study found that "both toilets and urinals when flushed, generate large quantities of droplets small enough to be inhaled. These droplets can pose a significant transmission risk if they contain infectious micro-organisms such as Legionella." **

Furthermore, these droplets can remain suspended at up to five feet for 20 seconds or longer.

So, what can be done about this?

As to preventing the spread of Legionella in public restrooms, Reichardt suggests the following:

• Increase ventilation.

• Regular flushing tests should be conducted to measure contamination levels.

• Select no-water urinals; there is no flushing with waterless urinals.

• Increase restroom cleaning frequencies and always wear a mask.

One thing proving unnecessary is installing toilet seat lids. Studies now indicate droplets escape through the gaps under the lid, providing only minimal protection.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

*2000 t0 2018.

** "Aerosol Generation in Public Restrooms," by Jesse H. Schreck et al., published online by AIP Publishing, March 22, 2021.

🤔 Tuesday's Think Waterless: The Great Urinal Debate

As the final school bell rings and students dash out for summer freedom, the unsung heroes of the school, the maintenance personnel, gear up for their own season of adventure. 

It's the time of year when the hallowed halls of academia echo with the sounds of hammers and drills instead of pencils and chairs. And what is the hottest topic in the break room? 

🗣️ 🗣️The Great Urinal Debate. 🗣️🗣️

💦You see, traditional urinals use a lot of water. So, every summer, maintenance personnel consider replacing them. But most years, they just put off any decision-making for another year. 🥺

But times are changing, and so must our urinals. With water conservation becoming as trendy as avocado toast, schools are looking at waterless wonders that promise to protect water resources and, more importantly, contribute to the global effort of saving our planet's most precious resource.

Introducing the waterless urinal – the unsung hero of the bathroom, diving in to rescue millions of gallons of water in schools all over North America. 

Forget AI. 

🚹Waterless urinals are the true marvels of modern technology, potentially saving up to 35,000 gallons of water per urinal per year. That's enough water to fill two standard swimming pools. 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️

But wait, there's more! Not only do they save water, but they also have fewer valve repairs and vandalism – and here’s the big one - they save cold, hard cash. 💰

Switching to waterless urinals could save a school facility a significant amount, around $10,000 to $15,000 per year, in water-related costs. That's a lot of savings that could be used in other major areas of the school.

So, as the summer sun beats down on the empty playgrounds, let's hope our trusty maintenance crews finally make the big decision and decide to #gowaterless.

And as soon as they do, let's salute them. They've taken a big step for all of us, protecting our planet and saving our schools mega-bucks in the process. 🎆💵 🎇

#gowaterless #waterlesscoinc #watersavings

Steps to Take to Prepare for Summer Heat Waves

Heatwave frequencies in the United States are increasing.

A little-reported fact is that heat wave frequencies in the United States are increasing. In the 1960s, we averaged about two major heat waves per year. Today, we are experiencing more than six.

Further, these heat waves are lasting longer. In the 1960s, heat waves lasted about 22 days. Now, they average 72 days.

And one more heat stat. The number of people in emergency rooms due to heat exposure has increased from 151 out of 100,000 emergency room visits a few years ago to more than 180 today.

So, what steps should employers take to protect workers from extreme heat if staff members work outdoors regularly? Among the steps are the following:

Create Heat Parameters. Designate a person responsible for monitoring temperatures when staffers work outside. If temperatures reach a certain level, outdoor work must stop to prevent heat illness.

Acclimate workers. Workers are at the greatest risk for heat illnesses if they have not acclimatized to extreme heat. Allow for acclimation. It can take as long as two weeks.

Educate workers. Workers should recognize symptoms of heat stress, such as muscle cramps, unusually heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, and heat strokes. Heat strokes are serious and may cause confusion, disorientation, and slurred speech.

Modify work schedules. In the Southwest, outdoor workers often begin their day at 6 AM and end at 2 PM. Modifying work schedules may be necessary wherever and wherever there are heatwaves.

Provide support. Always provide shade structures, water stations, and cooling stations.

Concerns about PPE. While outdoor workers should always wear necessary PPE gear, PPE can increase the dangers of extreme heat. Along with providing cooling stations, cooling vests can limit these dangers.

“Along with taking precautions for those working outside during heat waves, we must also use water responsibly and efficiently indoors,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and president of Waterless Co., Inc., marketers of no-water urinals.

“Even small increases in temperatures can impact water supplies, trigger water shortages, drought conditions, and severe fires, as we witnessed last summer.”

www.waterless.com

Think Waterless | Think Hope

The "Just Say No" campaign launched in the 1980s encouraged teenagers to stop taking drugs. When it began, it was considered one of the best anti-drug messaging programs ever created.

However, since then, most studies have concluded that the program failed.
For instance:

The Department of Justice concluded that the campaign led to short-term reductions in tobacco but not the use of drugs.

In 2001, Dr. David Satcher, the Surgeon General of the United States, said it resulted in more people taking drugs.

The campaign had a "boomerang effect." Instead of encouraging teens to stop taking drugs, they rebelled and took more.
 
Asked why these programs failed and why similar programs encouraging people to use water more responsibly and efficiently have failed, Klaus Reichardt, C.E.O. and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc., says the problem was they often "use scare tactics."

“They evoked an emotional reaction that soon dissipated. Teens heard the messages but eventually just ignored them."
 
It happens with adults as well. Scare tactics often make adults feel guilty, according to Reichardt.

”Soon, they tune out on the campaign or, just like the teens, do the opposite of what they are being encouraged to do.”
 
Instead of using scare tactics to change behavior, Reichardt recommends the following:

Stay Positive. Positive messaging makes people feel good about what they are being encouraged to do.

Stay Hopeful. People feel empowered to change their behaviors when they feel there is hope, including reducing water consumption.

Encourage Action. Let people know what they can do to make changes in their lives.
 
"For generations, we have tried to change behaviors by scaring people to change," adds Reichardt. "I see it all the time with water efficiency and conservation, but invariably, there is a backlash.
 
Today, when it comes to water, we must change strategies quickly. Instead of saying ‘just say no,’ let’s start saying, ‘here’s what you can do.’”


Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

The Black Sunday Dust Storm of April 14, 1935

From the National Weather Service:

The wall of blowing sand and dust first blasted into the eastern Oklahoma panhandle and far northwestern Oklahoma around 4 PM on April 14, 1935.

It raced to the south and southeast across the main body of Oklahoma that evening, accompanied by heavy blowing dust, winds of 40 MPH or more, and rapidly falling temperatures.

But the worst conditions were in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, where the rolling mass raced more toward the south-southwest - accompanied by a massive wall of blowing dust that resembled a land-based tsunami.

According to the reports, three little words rule life in the dust bowl – “if it rains.”

Read more here:
https://lnkd.in/g7cQiuXz

Survey: How important do you believe reducing water consumption is in the United States?

In early April 2024, we conducted a survey on LinkedIn asking LinkedIn members the following question:

How important do you believe reducing water consumption is in the United States?

The possible answers were the following:

Very important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important.

We have conducted this same survey before. However, this survey reflects a notable shift in public opinion regarding water consumption in the United States.

Typically, most respondents indicate it is only "somewhat important."

This time, the majority, 62%, deemed it "very important."

This suggests an increased collective awareness of water-related issues and concerns.

The other responses were the following:

Somewhat important, 24 percent
Not very important, 10 percent
Neutral on the issue, three
percent.

This change could be influenced by several factors, including heightened media coverage of environmental concerns, firsthand experiences with water scarcity, or educational initiatives promoting sustainable living.

The data also indicates that water efficiency is becoming a more significant concern for Americans, which may lead to more proactive measures and policies to ensure the more sustainable use of water resources.

The results also remind us of a term we frequently use here at Waterless: aridification. This means that even though we may have some years with ample rainfall, the trend, as reflected in this survey, is that large parts of the country are getting dryer, dryer than ever before.

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 water efficiency. For more information, visit www.waterless.com.

THINK WATERLESS | Common Causes for Water Leaks

During the peak of the winter season, a sprinkler pipe in a U.S. hospital burst due to the below-freezing temperatures outside. The pipe was on the hospital's second floor, deep within the walls between the floors. As a result, the burst was not immediately noticed.

However, within minutes, an alarming 100 gallons of water per minute were surging out of the burst pipe. It was a staggering 45 minutes before the hospital staff realized the issue and called in the engineers.

By then, the damage was extensive. The hospital floors were submerged in greywater, a type of water that is unsuitable for human consumption.

As dire as the situation was, it could have been far more catastrophic. The burst pipe was in a section of the hospital that was rarely used. Thankfully, a maintenance worker was in the area and noticed the water pouring from the ceiling.

Other Causes of Water Leaks

This is an extreme example of a widespread problem. Leaking pipes concealed deep within a facility's walls can occur for various reasons. Among the reasons for this are the following:

•         Corrosion has set in, especially in older facilities.

•         Extreme temperatures, as was the case in the hospital just discussed.

•         Tree roots put pressure on the pipes, causing them to break.

•         Clogs, causing water to back up and increasing pressure on the pipe.

•         Poor installation.

•         High water pressure on the pipe, causing them to burst.

•         Seals, valves, washers, and other connection components becoming worn out or malfunctioning.

•         Pipes that have not carried water for prolonged periods; the lack of use can cause valves and connections to degrade.

There can be other reasons pipes burst. One of the most common is during renovation. Installing new drywall can pierce a pipe hidden in the wall. Sometimes, this causes just a dribble. But when it comes to water leaks, a dribble can soon become a flood.

Earthquakes are famous for causing pipes to burst or leak. Many times, just the settling of the building or land around the building can also produce leaks.

Addressing Water Leaks

There is no easy way to minimize the chances of a water leak forming in a building. However, advances in water leak technologies can help significantly. Such equipment includes water alarms, thermal imaging, infrared cameras, acoustic and ultrasonic leak detectors, and even satellites to detect water leaks in a building and areas around the building.

These systems are often very interactive. They continuously monitor plumbing systems and are designed to send text messages and alerts to maintenance personnel, allowing them to address a leak or pipe burst as quickly as possible. 

Other technologies are more straightforward but just as important. Some monitor water consumption on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. If water consumption jumps – often due to a leak – once again, maintenance personnel are notified so they can begin looking into the problem.

Preventing Water Leaks

A way to prevent water leaks in the first place is to find ways not to use water at all. As facilities around the country eliminate or minimize outdoor vegetation, piping systems can be removed, reducing the chances of a leak.

Building owners and managers are also continuously exploring ways to reduce water usage within their facilities.

One of the most common starting points is replacing conventional urinals with no-water urinals. In the U.S., millions of miles of plumbing are installed to provide water to conventional urinals, which can lead to millions of reasons for water leaks.

By eliminating outdoor pipes that are no longer needed and conventional urinals, the chances of water leaks and the problems they cause can be drastically reduced and contribute significantly to water efficiency efforts.

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

THINK WATERLESS | World Water Day – What We Need to Do Now

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, was established in 1993 with a crucial mission to spotlight the pressing water challenges our planet confronts. Regrettably, the situation has only worsened over the past two decades, with a burgeoning global population and a rising number of water bodies succumbing to the effects of climate change and water pollution.

Each year, World Water Day adopts a theme that encapsulates the most pressing water-related issues. The theme for 2024, “Water for Peace,” Is particularly significant. It underscores the pivotal role water plays in fostering global stability and prosperity, highlighting its relevance in our increasingly interconnected world.

On World Water Day 2024, the White House focused its efforts on global water conservation. It unveiled a series of initiatives designed to safeguard clean water sources and rejuvenate freshwater ecosystems. These measures, according to reports, are to encourage community well-being and environmental stewardship. They are also reportedly part of a larger movement to connect water as a catalyst for peace and collaboration, recognizing their pivotal role in promoting health, prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

While it is too late to celebrate World Water Day 2024, we can still find ways to reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently now and in the future.

Here are some of Waterless Co., Inc.’s recommendations:

1.    Look at how you use water in your daily life and determine where you can reduce your consumption. This may be the first time you have ever done this. Most people find they are not using water efficiently and find many ways to reduce consumption.

2.    If you have a family, now is the time to start educating everyone about the need to use water wisely and efficiently. Start with this mantra: Never Waste Water!

3.    Fix leaks in your home. If a home has three leaking faucets in a year, that will amount to 4,320 drips per day, a third of a gallon per day, and a whopping 104 gallons in one year.

4.    Be sure to select water-efficient appliances. Previously, appliances were rated based on how much energy they consumed, and that was a key parameter when selecting an appliance. This encouraged manufacturers to reduce their appliances' energy needs. Today, the energy consumption of most major appliances has been cut in half. We need to do the same for water.

5.    If you believe securing our water future is important, get the message out on all social media platforms. Some of the hashtags you can use are the following:

o   #savewater

o   #water

o   #saveearth

o   #savetheplanet

o   #protectwater

o   #WorldWaterDay

It’s up to all of us to do this…now.

Where Did All the Plumbers Go?

It's a startling revelation, but by 2027, a mere three years from now, the United States is projected to face a staggering shortage of plumbers—more than 550,000 – according to a Bloomberg News report in March 2024. 

This situation is not new. It has been quietly brewing for years but is just now making national headlines.

Interestingly, according to Bloomberg, plumbers in the U.S. are known to earn a "decent salary," albeit with significant variations across the country. In the South, the average annual income for plumbers hovers around $43,000, while in Northern California, it skyrockets to nearly $100,000, and sometimes even more.

So, if salary is not the issue, what is? The issue is that more plumbers are retiring from the trade than entering it. Some trade schools are opening nationwide to address this situation, but that may be of little help.

At the Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Apprenticeship School in Lanham, Maryland, just 125 students signed up for the academic year. Even though the union pays for their apprenticeship, about half of those students are expected to drop out during the five-year program.

At Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, the university had set aside 18 dormitory rooms for plumbing students. By the time classes began, only three rooms were needed.

Along with the plumbing shortage brewing on the hot kettle, many of us do not know that the days of learning how to be a plumber, for instance, when a father teaches his son, are long gone. The craft of being a plumber has become much more involved, and most areas of the country now require plumbers to be certified, which means going to school.

So, what does this mean for the rest of us?

If you guessed that plumbing charges will escalate significantly, you hit the nail on the head. This means it may prove difficult for some families to have plumbing repairs performed. Plus, it will drive up the costs of maintaining commercial buildings, which are already struggling to get back on their feet.

But that's not all. The publication also reports that the shortage will cause the following:

•         Delay flood recovery efforts because too few plumbers will be able to answer the call.

•         Postponement of commercial building upgrades at a time when property owners are trying to make their facilities more enticing for renters.

•         Impact housing developments. The number of housing starts plays a vital role in the country's economy.

•         Slow the government's infrastructure spending because too few plumbers can complete the job.

What can commercial property owners and managers do to address this situation of higher costs and fewer plumbers? Because most of the water consumed in a commercial building is in the restroom, we need to start there.

Some steps to take include the following:

•         Select more durable, long-lasting fixtures. Don't correlate high fixture costs with extended longevity—in some cases, it can be just the opposite. When selecting fixtures, always ask about the durability of the product. Manufacturers often have these statics.  Fixtures should last ten or more years.

•         As to faucets and some other fixtures, select models made from ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. These can last for decades.

•         Pay special attention to the selection of auto-flush devices. This is often the most mechanical part of the fixture. Again, select auto-flush devices with proven records of durability, and add to that fewer repair needs.

•         No-water urinals are the best option for urinals. They have no mechanicals and need few repairs. As long as the urinal is cleaned regularly and properly maintained, not much can go wrong.

Fortunately, today's restroom fixtures are designed to last quite a long time. To ensure this, select high-quality fixtures that are installed correctly and then properly cleaned and maintained. This should help keep plumbing costs down as the plumber shortage becomes more serious.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer 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.