On returning to the US he became involved in the development of a program to promote waterless woks in California and to ensure accurate metering of water consumption.

East Bay MUD is a water utility supplying an average of 213 million gallons a day to 1.3 million customers over an area of 330 square miles.

“California has a big Asian population and there are many Asian restaurants,” Bohlig says.

“We decided to focus on the busiest restaurants where large volumes of water are being used and where there is an issue with water meters wearing out due to under-sizing of meters in relation to the large water throughput.

“As part of an initial trial program, waterless wok stoves have been installed in two Asian restaurants that are part of a large chain. An automatic metering system is being installed to accurately measure water consumption, and an incentive scheme that provides rebates on water savings has been introduced. It is estimated that water savings of about 80% can be obtained through the introduction of waterless wok stoves.”