Droppin' it old school

Even as scientific modeling points toward the probability that the American southwest is entering a period of megadrought unequalled in the past 1,000 years, we are getting reports that home water usage is actually on the rise in San Diego. So, it's pretty clear that previously made threats of water rationing throughout the Metropolitan Water District are going to have to become reality. This summer, you can expect a cap on your water usage, and it's likely to be at least 10% less than you're currently used to using. That means shorter showers, less watering, less washing … but what about less flushing?

On the one hand, it seems unthinkable. But think about it anyway: even a low-flow toilet uses 1.6 gallons with every flush. Consider a healthy family of four. Everybody's going number one at least four times a day, and number two at least once. That's six flushes per person per day; 24 flushes in all, 38 gallons of water used. And that's the absolute best case scenario. An older toilet can use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. If Daddy gets the flu, he might flush 20 times in a day. Just those two factors together makes for 70 gallons — for just one member of the family.

Maybe it's time to consider new options. Or rather, old ones. Right now, America is in the midst of a Great Look Back: to a time of artisanal products, locally sourced foods, beards, suspenders, and vinyl records. Maybe it's time to look even further back, to the way another great civilization dealt with its shit. Maybe it's time you and your family considered a Roman outhouse. That's where we here at Modern Roman Outhouses can help. Our products can be custom built to match any home decor. And remember that family of four? After just one year, their Outhouse will have paid for itself in savings!