Waterfree Urinals Pay Big Efficiency Dividends

Waterfree urinals are a sterling example of the benefits offered by new technology. Forged from a partnership between manufacturers and labor groups, waterfree urinals save 6 billion gallons of water a year from the Rose Bowl to the Taj Mahal.

2 minute read

February 1, 2008, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"In 2000, there were only two states that allowed for waterfree urinals. Both model codes, which then formed the basis for all the state codes, now allow for waterfree urinals. The biggest breakthrough came after working with pipe trades on a nationwide and local basis. It was an educational process for them as to why waterfree urinals are actually good for the environment and safe for the public."

"Waterfree urinals are unique in that they provide the most cost effective, proven technology to help earn LEED points. The use of waterfree urinals in a building can provide up to three points toward LEED certification."

"At the macro level, there are rebates around the country that give people dollars back for installing waterfree urinals. In fact, in the Metropolitan Water District in Southern California, which is entrusted with providing all of Southern California's 18 million residents with a safe, reliable supply of water and which recognizes the importance and value of water conservation, offers a $400 rebate for waterfree urinals. Basically, anybody who wants to put a waterfree urinal in can do so at no cost. North Carolina, Seattle, Oregon, Northern California, Michigan, back East-all of the water agencies are beginning to understand that although people want to go green, without some help on the capital investment side, they won't move as quickly as they otherwise would. From the water agency standpoint, a rebate is much more economical than the cost of finding additional water."

Friday, January 25, 2008 in VerdeXchange News

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

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