A recent report indicates that more fast food franchises around the world are installing waterless urinal systems and other water-reducing technologies as more areas are grappling with serious water shortages.
 
According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., it should come as no surprise that restaurants specifically, including fast food locations, are becoming increasingly water-conscious.
 
"An average 'sit-down, knife-and-fork' restaurant uses 5,800 gallons of water a day," he says. "While a fast food facility typically uses only about half this amount (2,900 gallons per day) it still is a huge amount."
 
According to the report, those franchises that are installing no-water urinals include the following:
 
McDonald's: Waterless urinals are now installed in 750 McDonald's restaurants throughout Europe and the United Kingdom.
 
Jollibee: As part of their commitment to conserve natural resources, this Philippines-based fast food chain with locations in North America is installing no-water urinal systems in all their facilities.
 
Wahaca: A UK Mexican restaurant, which takes pride in building "environmentally efficient restaurants" and has regularly received top marks from the UK's Sustainable Restaurant Association, has installed waterless urinal systems.
 
Starbucks: The famed coffee retailer opened a location in the Palace Hotel in Spain, which became the first LEED-certified location in that country. Starbucks reports it has reduced water consumption by as much as 40 percent as a result of the installation of no-water urinal systems.

"While the waterless urinals installed in these facilities are from different manufacturers, what is of key importance is the acceptance of the technology," says Reichardt. "As water concerns mount around the world, fast food restaurants and all kinds of facilities see installing no-water urinals as one of the most effective-and cost-effective-ways to reduce water consumption."