A survey of facility managers indicates that while most—62 percent—believe the cost for water will go up moderately in their communities in years to come, less than 30 percent said costs should go up to encourage conservation and more efficient water use.

Additionally, less than half supported mandatory restrictions on water use to encourage water conservation. The survey was conducted for urinal manufacturer Waterless Co. during the first two weeks of January 2013. One hundred and two managers participated in the survey.

Among the other findings, nearly 34 percent of those surveyed believe local governments should put restrictions on new housing developments in states experiencing a water shortage. Approximately 28 percent said “some restrictions” should be considered in such situations, but the largest number—nearly 40 percent—opposed any building development restrictions whatsoever.

“While it does not appear these [facility] managers are willing to pay more for water, nor do they want restrictions on development, they are taking steps to reduce water consumption on their own,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO of Waterless Co. “For instance, nearly 67 percent said they have installed fixtures in restrooms in both their homes and the facilities they manage that use less water or none at all.”