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

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

View of snowy buildings and mountains in background in Denver, Colorado.

Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers

The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.

December 6 - Next City

Woman rides bike on paved walkway through plaza in Fort Worth, Texas.

Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January

Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.

December 6 - KERA News

Blue Kansas City transit bus on Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit

The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.

December 6 - Bloomberg CityLab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.