Why Disaster Sanitation?

American’s wastewater infrastructure needs maintenance.

ASCE Report Card and updates on maintenance costs

The risks to water and wastewater systems are escalating with climate change.

Sea level rise, groundwater intrusion, eutrophication and toxic pollution.

Recent hurricanes and flooding have overwhelmed existing systems.

Houston’s Harvey, Florida’s Irma, and North Carolina’s Florence.

Florida’s failing septic systems are destroying its land and way of life.

Houston’s Harvey, Florida’s Irma, and North Carolina’s Florence.

Isn’t it time to consider alternative systems?

Conclusion is a quick overview of sustainable systems with key resources. Could be rewrite of this page on ecological sanitation systems. Most of those free resources have been updated.

Phlush

March 12, 2025

Designing for a Shared Reality: What is a Multispecies Approach to Sanitation?

Designing for a Shared Reality: What is a Multispecies Approach to Sanitation? By: Kory Russel At a Venetian Palace overlooking the grand canal, an unexpected exhibit highlighted a universal truth—every living being, from emperors to insects, must excrete waste. This display, "Designing for the Intimate Shared Reality of All…

Why You Should Consider Making Your Restroom More Inclusive (And How To Do It)

Why You Should Consider Making Your Restroom More Inclusive (And How To Do It) By Kip Earlywine (Used with permission from Green Flush Restrooms) It’s a beautiful day outside, so Dave decides to visit a new city park he hasn’t visited before. Upon arrival, he’s struck by the care and detail…

Public Toilets Case Studies with Pratt Institute: Copenhagen, Denmark

Research with MFA student Xinxiao Hui Public Pissour, or urinal, in Nyhavn, Copenhagen While Copenhagen may be listed as the fifth most densely populated city for public toilet per square kilometer in 2023, they are not always easy to find or accessible for all…

The wastewater systems in America are increasingly susceptible to climate change and natural disaster. Many are already failing. Alternate systems are possible -- it's time to reform our infrastructure now.