Public bathroom facilities are essential to modern infrastructure, contributing significantly to public health and convenience. However, with washrooms accounting for up to 90% of water usage in public spaces—and toilets alone wasting nearly half of this total—it’s no surprise that public washrooms and the traditional toilet, consuming 6 to 9 litres per flush, are now under scrutiny.
In this feature, Propelair discusses how to reduce water use and create a healthier environment in public washrooms while also saving on maintenance costs.
Water is essential for life, yet it is a finite resource growing increasingly scarce in many regions. The UK government’s Plan for Water aims for a 15% reduction in non-household water usage by 2050. Similar ambitious targets are being adopted worldwide, prompting businesses to recognise that the first step toward reducing water and energy consumption is collecting data to evaluate current usage and costs.
This is where Propelair’s IoT-enabled and asset-tracked OneThreeFive toilet addresses crucial ESG and financial challenges for businesses across the EU, UAE, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Equipped with a smart IoT-connected control unit, the system provides real-time feedback to service engineers, streamlining maintenance and minimizing downtime. Its asset tracking capabilities enable facility managers to remotely monitor the status and condition of each installed unit, schedule maintenance instantly, and optimize operations.
Data from Thames Water in the UK reveals that approximately 23% of business water consumption results from continuous flow. By incorporating Propelair toilets into public facilities, businesses can achieve up to an 85% reduction in water usage per flush, leading to significant savings on both water costs and energy expenses related to wastewater processing.
Germ management for healthier public washrooms
According to the UK’s NHS, germs like salmonella and E. coli can survive on bathroom surfaces for up to four hours. Some, like Staphylococcus aureus (which causes staph infections), can persist for days or even weeks, while cold and flu viruses may remain contagious for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces.
Limiting the spread of these pathogens can be as simple as closing the toilet lid before flushing. The “toilet plume,” or “sneeze effect,” occurs when flushing with an open lid releases a mist of droplets carrying bacteria, viruses, and microbes, which can settle on surfaces or be drawn into ventilation systems.
Propelair’s innovative ‘close to flush’ technology blocks this faecal-oral transmission path. By trapping germs within the bowl and removing them with a powerful air flush, Propelair ensures a cleaner, more hygienic environment for users.
Additionally, the Propelair OneThreeFive toilet incorporates BioMaster antimicrobial technology in its lid latch. This additive works through three actions: silver ions bind to bacterial cell walls to disrupt growth, interfere with enzyme production to stop energy creation, and block DNA replication to prevent reproduction. This proactive solution ensures bacteria on the latch cannot grow or spread, enhancing hygiene for washroom users.
Cutting maintenance costs with IoT and QR technology
While traditional maintenance methods remain common, proactive management driven by IoT and QR technology is gaining momentum. Solutions like Propelair’s asset tracking system enable facility managers to remotely monitor the real-time status and condition of each installed toilet, instantly scheduling maintenance when automated alerts signal an issue. Other innovations, such as people counters, help optimize restocking schedules for consumables like toilet paper and hand soap.
Where maintenance technology is not employed, Propelair addresses key operational needs through preventative maintenance services that deliver both financial benefits and operational reliability. Regular maintenance ensures the seamless operation of public washrooms, fostering a positive user experience while promoting public health and safety.
By conducting routine inspections and periodic servicing, potential issues can be identified and resolved before they escalate into costly repairs or major disruptions. Propelair’s services also include advanced solutions like CCTV drain inspections, reducing emergency incidents, improving hygiene standards, and extending the lifespan of plumbing systems.
The way forward
As the demand for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure grows, embracing innovative solutions for public washrooms is essential. Propelair’s data-driven technology not only addresses water conservation goals but also promotes hygiene, operational efficiency, and cost reduction. By integrating IoT asset tracking, antimicrobial technology, and preventative maintenance practices, businesses can create healthier, eco-friendly washroom environments that meet evolving environmental and public health standards.
The path forward lies in adopting these advanced solutions to future-proof public facilities, conserve valuable resources, and maintain seamless operations, paving the way for a more sustainable and hygienic future.