Environmentally-sensitive Urinals Hit The U.S.

From Chicago to Seattle, government facilities are switching to water-free urinals to conserve water and energy.

1 minute read

June 19, 2005, 5:00 AM PDT

By Brenda Meyer


"Although water-free urinals have been around for many years in Europe, the technology is still relatively new in the U.S. "I know people who have been in the jansan industry for years and still have either never heard of them or have no idea how they work," says Bruce Fleisher, vice president of sales and marketing for Falcon Waterfree Technologies. He adds that this is understandable since only about 2% of the 20 million urinals in the United States are water-free.

According to Fleisher, water-free urinals are made from a nonstick, nonporous vitreous china or acrylic and include a Falcon-patented, funnel-shaped cartridge installed at the bottom of the urinal, which is connected to a drainpipe. 'They look just like any other standard urinal; they just don’t use water,' says Fleisher."

Thanks to Brenda Meyer

Thursday, June 16, 2005 in Greener Buildings

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist