The Weird Toilet Rule Residents Of Waldron, Washington Must Follow
One of the most intriguing parts of visiting other states is learning about their specific cultures and propensities. There are numerous rules and laws that only exist in one city or town that can't be found anywhere else, and some of them are downright odd. Take Waldron, Washington, for example — this tiny community has a stern law against any building housing more than two toilets. There are plenty of smaller homes around the world that already abide by this setup, but homeowners and renters usually have the option to add extra lavatories if they please.
Waldron has good reason for their rule, but it doesn't change the fact that people find it an odd regulation for a modern-day town. A small community from the first, Waldron residents have found they like it best that way, which is why laws like the two-toilet rule have been put into effect. They found that by limiting the number of facilities each house may boast, people with bigger toilet aspirations or the desire for one bathroom per bedroom are more likely to look at other areas. However, there is more to this directive than keeping the population down.
Welcome to Waldron
Waldron was established in the 19th century and originally served as a sandstone mining community. The tiny island lies nestled between Canada and the United States and is part of the San Juan islands found in Puget Sound. Because of its size, Waldron has played host to a limited number of residents since settlers created a home there in 1890. Today, it serves as a private respite for those who own land and homes, but it isn't considered a tourist attraction or a place for visitors to come and explore. In fact, there isn't even an easy mode of transportation to access it — permanent residents must use a boat or plane to reach their destination.
For those who call Waldron home, they agree to abide by the law that restricts each abode to two toilets maximum. The island states that its overall goal is to keep this precious agricultural area from losing nonrenewable resources and practicing conservation in every aspect of life.
Two toilets per household
The "two toilets" rule plays a big part in the ideals of conservation and the sparing use of renewable and nonrenewable resources. By limiting the number of facilities that use potable water, the island is protecting one of the most valuable resources of all. Waldron aims to avoid reducing freshwater reserves to such a low amount that saltwater intrusion becomes an issue. Their official suburban development plan focuses heavily on retaining water supplies, including in the agricultural services the island provides.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that some toilets, especially those that are deemed older in make and model, can use a copious amount of water per flush. If home facilities haven't been updated in some time, one bathroom visit could see 3 to 7 gallons of water being used. While newer models use significantly less, it's still between 1 to 2 gallons being used whenever a loo handle is pressed. What might seem strange to those who live outside Waldron's small community makes complete sense to maintain their quiet and conservative way of life. Welcome to Waldron: where two toilets reign supreme.