Early in the twentieth century, America’s city dwellers acknowledged the need for public toilets and started building facilities that were clean, comfortable, and conveniently located.   Portland, Oregon had historic comfort stations that served everyone.   Workers in the mills along the river and farming families who came into in the heart of the city on streetcars could relieve themselves and clean up before attending to business.   As late as the 1950s most cities still boasted public restrooms staffed by attendants.

By the end of the 20th century, however, many of the old facilities were closed.  The right to relieve oneself became a consumer item, dependent on the purchase of a cup of coffee at the very least.    Among Asians and Europeans there is high demand for   quality facilities but Americans have lost sight of the many benefits of public restrooms.

Public restrooms help revitalize downtown neighborhoods. People are comfortable strolling in downtown when there are public facilities.  For visitors to a neighborhood or to an establishment, the restroom is often the place where first and lasting impressions are made.

Public restrooms get people out of cars and onto their feet, bicycles and mass transit.   Commuters need restrooms along their route.   Without facilities that serve  public transit systems,  people will drive.

Public restrooms promote both fitness and public safety. One of the attractions of private gyms is access to toilets.    Restrooms in public parks and other areas promote fitness,  activate space and provide natural surveillance that helps everyone feel safe.

Public restrooms contribute to public health. Adverse health effects result from involuntary urinary retention.  Mental health suffers when people want to be out with their families and friends but restrooms are not available.

Public restrooms serve the “restroom challenged”. The American Restroom Association uses this term for two types of people. First are  those who have to go frequently -  every hour or so.   Second are those whose need to go comes suddenly and urgently.   “Restroom challenged” people may have normal conditions – pregnancy, young age, old age etc – or medical conditions, many of which are invisible.

Let’s restore civility and human dignity in our cities.  Ensuring availability of clean, comfortable, well-designed public restrooms is a way to defend our shared values and to meet common requirements of urban livability.

Make the Case for Public Toilets

Here are ways you can start the conversation and materials for effective public restroom advocacy.    Pay attention to the costs of  toiletlessness.    The  economic and social costs  of the demise of public restrooms are very high indeed.