Race fans will be able to enjoy the comforts of a water-conserving restroom station at this year’s Little Everglades Steeplechase. The Southwest Florida Water Management District aims to make the event more “Florida-friendly” by bringing the water conservation restroom station to the race, which is being held March 5 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.
“Bringing the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom to community festivals like the Little Everglades Steeplechase is an effective way to spread the word about water conservation,” said Beth Bartos, communications manager for the District. “Seeing the water conservation technology and information together can help people make the connection.”
The trailer features the District’s Florida-Friendly Yards “Grow Smart” campaign through water conservation displays and materials as well as air conditioning, six private half baths with water conservation features, running water, lights, mirrors and a bathroom attendant who will keep the stalls clean and stocked.
Although the trailer is an alternative to some bathrooms found at large events, these bathrooms aren’t just about convenience. A water filtration and circulation system for the toilets makes water conservation the main focus. This re-circulation system allows for the water used in the sink to go down the drain and circulate back to the toilet’s tank. Once flushed, the toilet water is filtered and chemically treated then returned to the toilets’ tanks. Although state-of-the-art for this event, it’s a system similar to those currently used on airplanes.
By using this filtration system, the water conservation restroom trailer saves more water than a standard restroom trailer. The tank of a regular restroom trailer has to be pumped out after 750 to 800 uses; a water conservation restroom trailer tank doesn’t have to be serviced until approximately 7,000 uses.
“The water conservation restroom trailer is a practical and effective tool that continues to receive a positive response from the public,” said Melissa Roe, project manager.
The water conservation restroom station began as a pilot program in the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin. The project is now funded by the Hillsborough River Basin, Pinellas-Anclote River Basin and Withlacoochee River Basin. The Hillsborough River basin includes portions of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin includes Pinellas County and a portion of Pasco County and the Withlacoochee River basin includes portions of Citrus, Hernando, Levy, Marion, Pasco and Sumter counties.
To learn more about water conservation and how you can make your yard Florida-friendly, visit the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org.