The city of Austin is considering several options for building public, 24-hour restrooms downtown or near The University of Texas campus that could help improve water quality and serve residents of various demographics, according to city staff.
Outdoor toilets could help reduce bacteria in the four city watersheds. Elevated bacteria levels pose a potential health risk to swimmers, according to a January City Council resolution directing staff to study the issue.
“Strategically located, 24-hour restrooms could provide a benefit to families with young children, seniors, bikers, runners, homeless people, and late-night crowds who enter the streets when the bars close,” the January resolution read.
Although there are public restrooms located on city parkland near downtown, parks are officially closed at night, and those restrooms are not intended to be used 24/7, City Engineer David Magaña said.
