Artificial intelligence (AI) models have witnessed remarkable breakthroughs and success in numerous areas. While still controversial, the potential of AI to positively impact our country and countries worldwide is undeniable.
While it has made significant strides in various fields, AI's environmental impact often goes unnoticed. While the carbon footprint of AI models has received some attention, its water footprint has largely been overlooked.
AI models are typically housed in energy-intensive data centers, which require vast amounts of water for cooling and electricity generation.
This water consumption can strain already limited freshwater resources, especially in regions of the world facing water scarcity - including right here in the U.S.
As the world's population grows and climate change intensifies, freshwater availability is becoming increasingly scarce. This pressing issue demands immediate attention.
That's why it is crucial to recognize AI's hidden water costs and explore strategies to reduce the water consumption associated with these data centers.
By doing so, we can pave the way for a future where AI contributes positively to our society without compromising our planet's precious water resources.
Fortunately, there is hope for a more sustainable future and it's called water-efficiency. At Waterless Co., Inc., we define water efficiency as:
"The responsible use of water resources through water-saving and water-eliminating technologies. It involves reducing our water footprint in business, industry, and home consumption. Focusing on water efficiency ensures we make the most of every drop, minimize waste, and protect this vital resource."
We can do this. We can, and we are finding ways to be more efficient with water. Let's stay committed to this cause and inspire others to join us in this crucial mission.
www.waterless.com
Your Questions answered about everprime
We've recently shared several articles about our product, EverPrime, on LinkedIn and our website. EverPrime is a biodegradable liquid that keeps the P-trap (also known as the U-trap or J-trap) under drains filled, preventing potentially toxic sewer odors from being released into restrooms and other facility areas.
Since then, we've received many questions about P-traps, plumbing maintenance, and EverPrime. Below, we share some of those questions and their answers with you.
What happens when drains dry up?
A P-trap is a very practical device installed under almost all drains. As water goes down the drain, a small amount collects in the P-trap, helping prevent sewer gasses from being released into the room or area. However, P-traps can dry up when facilities such as schools or office buildings are closed for long periods or when restrooms or faucets get little or no use. That’s when sewer odors are released.
What creates the sewer gas?
Sewer gas is formed from decomposing human and animal waste. It contains ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be toxic if inhaled in high concentrations. Many people suffer eye irritation, nausea, or difficulty breathing if they inhale these gasses, and people have died as a result of sewer gas being released into an enclosed area.
Can you just pour some water down the drain if you smell the sewer odors?
Yes, you can, but here's the problem. By the time you smell it, it may be too late. When it comes to sewer odors, it is best to take proactive steps, preventing them from happening in the first place, instead of reactive measures, which deal with the problem after it presents itself.
Who is at risk?
We all are at risk if the situation is dangerous enough. And children may be at even higher risk because they breathe faster than adults.
Are there "levels" of sewer gas concentration?
Excellent question, and yes, there are. Here is what we know.
· Concentrations of 0.0005 parts per million (ppm) can be detected and smells like burning chemicals or rotten eggs
· At 0.01, it can cause nausea and eye discomfort.
· From 0.02 ppm to as high as 20 ppm, can produce headaches, increase heart rates, impact cognitive abilities, and cause muscle coordination.
What steps can we take to prevent this from happening?
Adding water to the drain every day will help. If in a room that is mopped daily that should allow enough water to run down the drain to keep the P-trap from drying up. However, when no water goes down the pipes for days, weeks, or longer, that’s when the sewer odor problems surface. In such cases, a very inexpensive but effective product that can keep the P-trap filled for months is called EverPrime®.
EverPrime is biodegradable and as we said, very cost-effective. Only about three ounces of the product need be poured into each drain. Further, EverPrime is not impacted by climate conditions and it lasts for months.
Stay informed and keep your facility smelling fresh with EverPrime!
Avoid Sewer Gas Odors this Winter: Keep Your Facility Fresh and Healthy! 🏢
Winter's cold and dry air can dry out U-traps, allowing potentially harmful sewer gasses to escape into a facility.
👎The old solution: In the past, custodians would pour water or bleach down drains to prevent this, but this is a temporary solution. Bleach also harms the environment.
👍There's a better way! EverPrime from Waterless Co. is a professional, effective, and affordable solution.
What makes EverPrime different? 🤔
🎯It's biodegradable and eco-friendly: Safe for the environment.
🎯It's temperature resistant: Works in extreme heat or cold, unlike water.
🎯It doesn't evaporate: Provides long-lasting protection against sewer gas.
🎯And it's easy to use: Just mix three ounces of EverPrime with a gallon of water and pour it down the drain.
Want to learn more⁉️
Visit www.waterless.com or call toll-free: 800-244-6364 and keep your facility smelling fresh all winter long!
What Users Have to Say About Everprime
EverPrime is a revolutionary product designed to prevent drain odors from escaping into restrooms. It works by maintaining the water seal in your facility’s drains, even when buildings are unoccupied for extended periods.
This is crucial because dry drain seals can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and gases that, when released into the air, can make building occupants sick.
With EverPrime, you can:
Improve indoor air quality: Keep your buildings fresh and free from unpleasant odors.
Protect the health of your tenants: Reduce the risk of illness caused by harmful bacteria and gases.
Save time and money: Avoid costly repairs and maintenance related to drain issues.
But don’t just take our word for it.
Check out these verified reviews from Amazon and other sources to see why EverPrime is a must-have for property managers:
Works as advertised.
Verified Purchase
Posted by Robert on October 12, 2020
It's easy to use. Follow the instructions, and the odors are gone. I had an overflow drain in the laundry that would dry out and cause an unwanted sewer smell. I purchased Everprime, and there is no more smell.
Verified Purchase
Posted by JL on October 2, 2020
I'm a property manager. I got tired of tenants complaining about sewer gas smells in restrooms when the traps dry out. So far, Everprime is not drying up, and complaints have stopped. Yea!
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
I use it in the drains in [our] Florida house. It works great, and after a couple of months of dormancy, the house doesn't stink.
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2017
It clogged my bathroom sink after a few days. Nothing unclogs it, not even Drano.
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States January 15, 2020
Response from Waterless Co Spokesperson: EverPrime is not a drain opening liquid. It is simply an odor blocker, coming to the rescue when the liquid trap in the pipe below the drain evaporates.
Our advice: Use an angular to open the drain and see if that opens the drain. If that does not solve the problem, a plumber may be necessary but try doing this first.
Great product
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2019
Perfect accessory for home urinal
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2019
Easy to use; great stuff but a little pricey.
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021
Response from Waterless Co Spokesperson: All that is needed is 3 ounces of EverPrime per drain as needed. The product works for months making it very cost effective.
Great functionality. Easy to use. Safe and effective. Good packaging
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
Note: These are actual reviews. We just corrected them for spelling and grammar where necessary.
It’s Not the Jewels that Made “Material Girl.” It was the Water.
Iconic Video Required Thousands of Gallons of Water to Make
Released in 1985, Madonna's "Material Girl" is often hailed as one of the most iconic music videos ever created.
The four-minute video, made in just two days, presents Madonna as a spoiled heiress surrounded by nineteen tuxedoed suitors, all offering her extravagant gifts.
It's viewed as a glamorous reimagining of an earlier dance number made by Marilyn Monroe.
However, little is known about the video's environmental impact – such as how much water was used to make all the clothing worn in the video.
This includes all the clothing and tuxedos worn by the male dancers along with her own fashions, which included several pairs of gloves and numerous outfit changes over the two-day filming period.
It is because of this that Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a company known for its innovative no-water urinals, conducted a survey on LinkedIn, asking his followers and connections the following question:
How Much Water Do You Believe Was Used to Make the Fashions in the Madonna Video Material Girl?
The responses were as follows:
• 10,000 gallons: 13%
• 50,000 gallons: 33%
• 650,000 gallons: 33%
• Over 700,000 gallons: 21%
"The majority (over 50%) believed the water usage was a staggering 650,000 gallons or more," says Reichardt.
"And they’re probably right. Just a single t-shirt worn by one of the [male] dancers required a shocking seven hundred gallons of water to produce … so you can see how it took hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to make that video." (See Sidebar Below: How Much Water is in Your Closet)
Reichardt emphasizes that he is not singling out the fashion industry or any other industry for using huge volumes of water.
"Instead, when it comes to water, my goal is to empower all industries and all consumers to take responsibility for their water use. Our mantra should be reduce waste, use less, and always use water more efficiently."
Sidebar: How Much Water is in Your Closet
The amount of water it takes to produce the different types of clothing in your closet can vary significantly, but together, the amount can be staggering, especially for those items made of cotton. In general, it takes:
• Ninety-nine gallons of water to make a pair of socks.
• Seven hundred gallons to make one cotton t-shirt.
• Eight hundred ninety gallons to make one sweatshirt or hoodie.
• One thousand nine hundred gallons to make your favorite pair of jeans.
Sources: Florida State University; Sustainabilitymag.com
Note: Water efficiency refers to the intelligent and responsible use of water resources. The goals are to minimize waste and maximize the beneficial use of water. It involves using less or no water to accomplish the same task or produce the same result.
###
About Waterless
Waterless Co., Inc., Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991. Based in Vista, Ca, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other 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
How Much Water Was Used to Make Madonna’s Material Girl Video?
Madonna's 1984 hit, "Material Girl," catapulted her to stardom. The iconic music video, filled with opulent fashion, is a testament to her glamorous image.
However, not discussed is how much water was used to make this video.
What do you think?
Here’s a link to our survey on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/33686am8
Could Waterless Urinals Save the World?
Waterless urinals have long been praised for their environmental benefits. By eliminating the need for water in the flushing process, they conserve billions of gallons of water annually. They also significantly reduce energy consumption – and the related greenhouse gasses energy production produces - because less energy is needed to deliver and remove water from facilities.
But their impact goes far beyond water savings and these benefits.
A groundbreaking development is emerging: the transformation of urine, often collected from waterless urinals, into valuable resources. Companies worldwide are turning urine into, among other things, fertilizers, biogas for energy, pharmaceuticals and opening a whole new realm of technological possibilities.
While using urine as a natural, organic fertilizer resource isn't new, large-scale implementation is a recent phenomenon. This innovation has attracted significant attention as evidenced by the February 2022 article in the magazine Nature titled "The Urine Revolution: How Recycling Pee Could Help Save the World."
To understand how this revolution is possible, it is essential to examine the role of waterless urinals.
Unlike traditional urinals, which use water to flush urine into sewers, waterless urinals, as the name implies, do not use water. Instead, gravity pushes urine down the sides of the urinal, collects it in a trap or cylinder at the base, and then deposits it into a sewer line. The entire process is safe, hygienic, and odor-free.
This undiluted urine is easy to convert into high-quality fertilizer and other byproducts and is less likely to be contaminated, which can happen when urine is mixed with water.
Scientists report that urine contains many nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all essential for plant growth. This makes recycled urine an excellent source of organic fertilizer - which the world needs now.
According to The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a non-profit journalism school and research organization based in St. Petersburg, Florida, the world is running out of fertilizer:
For the first time ever, farmers worldwide are testing the limits of how little chemical fertilizer they can apply without devastating their yields come harvest time. Early predictions are bleak.
In other words, farmers are using as little chemical fertilizer as possible, realizing it is in such short supply. This is already impacting food production worldwide, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
"My biggest concern is that [due to a lack of fertilizer] we end up with a severe shortage of food in certain areas of the world," says Tony Will, the chief executive of CF Industries Holdings Inc., the world's largest nitrogen fertilizer company based in Deerfield, IL. Should this happen, food costs may skyrocket, which could increase starvation in many areas of the globe.
But that’s not all. Recycled urine has even more benefits. For instance:
The conversion process has minimal environmental impact
Few, if any, chemicals are used to make the urine-based fertilizers
The process reduces burdens on local wastewater treatment facilities.
Once again, waterless urinals are at the forefront of sustainability. They help us use water more efficiently, dramatically reduce water consumption, and turn urine into much-needed fertilizer.
As we can see, a simple yet powerful technology like waterless urinals is significantly contributing to the improvement of the world we live.
-Klaus
Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc. He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs.
As Ground Water Dwindles, So Does Our Water Future 🔮
In the past few years, there has been a notable change in how we discuss water conditions in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Instead of discussing precipitation and rainfall, we’re going underground. It’s all about aquifers now.
⏳Since the beginning of time, vast volumes of water have been stored underground – just waiting to be tapped. But now we’re going too far. At least in the U.S., we are depleting ground water faster than ever before. And these aquifers are not being refilled – at least fast enough to compensate for how much is being pumped out.
This is because we are all becoming more dependent on ground water, more than ever before. Using it has become essential to everyday American life, for farming, cooling massive data storage centers, and mining, drilling, and other forms of industry.
🧑🏫Given the widespread and increasing reliance on ground water, what are the potential long-term consequences of this over-pumping? The implications could be significant and far-reaching.
Here are some takeaways you should be aware of:
📣The danger is worse than most of us realize.
According to a New York Times study, 45 percent of the aquifers in the country “showed a statistically significant decline in water levels since 1980. Four in ten sites reached record-low water levels during the past decade, and last year (referring to 2022) was the worst yet.”
This trend threatens entire communities and is happening now in places like Iowa, which is very dependent on groundwater for farming and industry.
🍲Reduced ground water supplies threaten our status as a food superpower.
Since World War II, America has been viewed as more than a military superpower. It’s also been viewed as a food superpower. It has always been one of the world’s largest exporters of corn, soybeans, some fruits and vegetables, and cotton. Groundwater depletion is threatening to bring that dominance to an end.
Just look at what’s happening to Kansas. Three million acres of land no longer have enough ground water to support large-scale agriculture. And forget traditional precipitation. As of June 2024:
· Twenty percent of Kansas is in severe drought.
· Twenty-four percent in moderate drought
· The rest of the state is in abnormally dry conditions.
🌊The challenge has moved east.
Many of us believe the west is most impacted by the aquifer problem. Think again. In the Maryland suburbs, 75 percent of the aquifers currently monitored have seen water levels drop since 1980, some by more than one hundred feet. It’s expected that ground water in these suburbs near Washington, DC, will run out of water in about a decade.
To survive, what these suburbs will do is draw water from aquifers in other states, depleting their water resources in the process.
😞Nature hates a vacuum.
Let’s assume a huge groundwater source in Utah has been totally pumped out. Now there is empty space where the water was once stored. Expect the surface to collapse in these areas. This is already happening in parts of Utah and other western states. This means homes, industry, and entire communities sitting atop these former aquifers are likely to collapse as well, as if an earthquake hit the area.
🏛️Dealing with the challenge.
Like it or not, more regulations of groundwater are urgently needed. There are regulations in most states about the use of groundwater, but they are not always enforced or have not kept up with the many changing demands on this water.
This will need to change.
🏛️But in the interim - and for the long-term - water efficiency is the only answer. For instance, using water only when and where needed is the most efficient way to consume water. We are already seeing this happening in commercial restrooms, which use staggering amounts of water. More efficient toilets, faucets, showers, and urinals are being installed.
As to urinals, what is increasingly happening is the installation of no water urinals. Most areas of the country and the world have come to realize water is simply not necessary for urinals.
-Klaus
-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
When It Comes to Saving Water - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet 🪄
In the past, commercial restrooms changed very little, installing the same water-guzzling fixtures used for decades. Toilets were notorious for using 2 to 5 gallons per flush, and urinals were not much better. However, the landscape has changed, and we're now witnessing a promising shift in restroom technology.
It all started in 1992 when Federal regulations limited the amount of water used by restroom fixtures like toilets and urinals, significantly reducing those sky-high water volumes.
👨🎤But, as the song goes, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, * the future of commercial restrooms is now brimming with exciting new water-saving opportunities.
Let's embark on a journey together to explore what's on the horizon. I hope you are like me, filled with hope and anticipation for what's to come! 🚞
Smarter fixtures. Expect smart fixtures to get even smarter. The sensors on these systems have improved significantly over the years so that water stops seconds after a user pulls away from the fixture. But now, smart fixtures attached to sinks can anticipate when you are about finished using the sink. When this is detected, the sensors start reducing the amount of water flowing from the faucet, reducing water consumption and minimizing water waste.
Waste detection. Today's toilets use about a 1.5 gallons of water per flush or less, saving billions of gallons of water. But engineers want to reduce that even further. What is now being evaluated are toilets that can sense the amount of waste deposited in the toilet and determine how much water is needed to flush it away. This innovative technology holds the potential to significantly reduce the amount of water used to flush toilets. It’s a perfect example of using water more efficiently.
Greywater makes its mark. While it has been discussed for years, using greywater to flush toilets and urinals will soon become a reality in more restrooms. Greywater is water that comes from showers, sinks, and washing machines. It will be treated by mini-retreatment plants built into commercial facilities, saving thousands of gallons of water per facility every year.
Waterless urinals: These are now recognized as the big game-changer in sustainable building design, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. By eliminating the need for a water supply line, they not only conserve an impressive amount of water but also reduce the complexity and cost of urinal installation. Their increasing adoption in future commercial restrooms is a testament to the inspiring impact of these urinals.
Messaging. Effective messaging strategies can further reduce water consumption significantly. When a user uses too much water at a sink, for instance, a message will start blinking, urging the user to stop. Such messaging is expected to help us all use less water no matter how or where it is used.
By combining all these approaches, commercial restrooms have the potential to reduce their water footprint dramatically in the coming years. But this is more than about saving water; it's about making a significant environmental impact.
🎇In time, you'll see what I mean when I say: "you ain't seen nothing yet." Change is coming fast, helping us reduce water consumption and preserve our planet's most precious resource.
-Klaus
*The song, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, was written by Randy Bachman in 1974 for the Canadian rock band Backman-Turner Overdrive.
The Great BlueSeal Revisited 👋
Every few years, we want to ensure our readers have up-to-date information about one of the most important products used in many no-water urinals, including ours. That product: BlueSeal
BlueSeal is a liquid designed explicitly for waterless urinals. It was introduced in 1989 and virtually overnight, became a game-changer in the world of no-water urinals for decades. 🏈
There are several reasons for this. Among them are:
👃Odor Control: BlueSeal acts as a liquid barrier, preventing sewer gases and unpleasant odors from escaping from the urinal trap/cartridge placed at the bottom of the urinal. This keeps restrooms smelling clean and fresh.
💧Water Savings: BlueSeal helps maintain the urinal's functionality so that it works properly and efficiently without the need for water. This reduces water consumption globally.
🧤Easy Maintenance: BlueSeal can last several weeks before needing replenishment. This is one of the reasons waterless urinals require extraordinarily little maintenance compared to traditional urinals.
🌡️ It's a Survivor: BlueSeal can withstand climate extremes, from one hundred degrees of heat (F) to minus 70 degrees (F). Plus, it does not evaporate.
🌎Environmentally Friendly: Blue Seal is made from natural oils - most biodegradable – which break down over time. Biodegradable materials are considered eco-friendly because they help reduce waste and pollution.
As to how to use BlueSeal, it's a breeze. All that is necessary is about three ounces, the equivalent of about six tablespoons, 🥄 poured directly into the EcoTrap®.
As urine flows down the sides of the urinal bowl into the EcoTrap, it passes through the BlueSeal. From here, it flows into the pipes below the urinal, just like a conventional urinal.
👩🏫As mentioned earlier, BlueSeal does need replenishment depending on usage and the specific product instructions.
However, as a general rule, the urinal's performance and odor control should be your guide. Check for any decrease in effectiveness, such as a noticeable increase in odors or a reduction in the urinal's functionality.
Consider adding or replacing BlueSeal in the EcoTrap if you notice any of these signs. In most cases, replenishment is necessary about every two months and takes less than a minute.
Remember to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for precise guidance.
Feel free to ask us if you have further questions about BlueSeal or are ready to switch to Waterless urinals!
😊 We're here to help you make the most of these two innovative products – BlueSeal and Waterless urinals.
#thinkwaterless #gowaterless #blueseal #waterlessurinals
