Legislation Blocking Water Savings

For the most part, I’d say that government legislation in regards to the cleaning industry has been beneficial. For example, on May 9, the Green Clean Schools Act went into effect requiring all Illinois schools to be cleaned with green products. Similar legislation has been passed in other states.

However, I recently learned of one cleaning-related law that restricts environmental benefits: In the state of Minnesota, it is illegal to install waterless urinals.

To me this law doesn’t make much sense. Flushing a traditional urinal uses one gallon of water. That’s a lot of water used to dispense another liquid. However, by using waterless urinals, a facility can save an estimated 40,000 gallons of water per urinal per year. Not only is that a significant savings of a natural resource, but it’s a huge cost savings as well.

Cleaning crews can even have an easier time servicing restrooms that feature waterless urinals. Typically there is less vandalism with waterless urinals and there are fewer odor issues (urine is actually odorless until it reacts with water).

But why the resistance? Plumber’s unions have been fighting waterless urinals because they believe the fixtures will impact jobs. With fewer pipes to install, there’s less work to do. I recently heard an anecdote where a new building installed waterless urinals, but also all the plumbing required for traditional ones just to appease the union.

Right now energy efficiency may be driving the environmental movement, but water conservation is next in line. Building owners are becoming very conscious about how much water their facilities use and are addressing the issue by installing water-efficient fixtures such as waterless urinals. Many jan/san distributors have already recognized the trend by stocking the fixtures, as well as the traps and cleaning solutions to clean them. As of print, a bill to overturn the prohibition is being considered in the Senate. Whether it passes or not, poor legislation like the ban is not only bad for the environment, but for business as well.