Pilot program hopes to spur other businesses and government facilities to use the water-saving urinals

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Board of Commissioners announced a water conservation pilot program that could save 585,000 gallons of water annually.

Sloan Valve Co., donated 15 hybrid urinals for use in MWRD's main office. These special units clean the lines behind the trap with a burst of 1 gallon of water every 72 hours, saving 39,000 gallons of water per unit annually.

MWRD is hoping that the success of this pilot program will encourage use of the hybrid urinal in businesses and government facilities throughout the county, which would have a dramatic effect on the 1.4 billion gallons of water treated per day at their seven water reclamation treatment plants.

"This technology not only benefits the environment, but also the taxpayers of Cook County," said MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos. "Government should be leading the charge on environmental issues rather than being reactionary. I'd like to extend a friendly challenge to all other branches of local government to join us on the front end of this conservation effort and help protect our greatest natural resource, Lake Michigan. To be able to encourage such a diverse coalition to join forces on such an important issue shows what we can accomplish when we work cohesively."

The hybrid urinal technology was designed by Sloan Valve in an effort to meet growing concerns over water conservation, while at the same time providing an efficient, low maintenance, hygienic and odor-free product. 

"Sloan Valve is ecstatic to partner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and is encouraged this pilot program has the support of the Sierra Club, Friends of the Chicago River and Plumbers Local 130," said Chuck Allen, president of Sloan Valve. "Everyone has to be committed and work together if we're going to affect real change in water conservation."

The 15 hybrid urinals will be installed this January by MWRD Local 130 plumbers, making MWRD the first unit of local government in Cook County to utilize the technology. 

"Local 130 has been at the forefront of water and gray water conservation issues, and we're proud to support this pilot program," said James Coyne, business manager for Plumbers Local 130.