The invention of the flush toilet, designed by English inventor Sir John Harington in 1596, marked a significant breakthrough in sanitation technology. However, it took centuries for flush toilets to become widespread, a development made possible only through advancements in plumbing systems and greater awareness of hygiene. A major step forward came with Scottish inventor Alexander Cumming, who patented the S-shaped trap in 1775, effectively preventing unpleasant sewer odors from entering living spaces.

For many of us today, toilets are something we take for granted. They are a seamless part of our daily lives—hardly noticed until something goes wrong. When we open the bathroom door, we expect to find clean, functional facilities. While access to toilets is guaranteed for most people in developed parts of the world, this is far from a universal reality. What we often see as basic infrastructure remains out of reach for many around the globe.

Facts that make you think:

• More people have access to mobile phones than toilets. TThis stark contrast highlights the inequality in access to basic necessities.
• Every day, 1,000 children die from diseases linked to poor hygiene and unsafe water, such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. These deaths could be prevented through improved sanitation, clean water access, and better hygiene practices.
• Inequality in sanitation access. Although progress is being made, 3 billion people still lack access to safe toilets, directly affecting their health, quality of life, and social equality..
  
  

Initiatives and awareness campaigns

This World toilet day, various important and engaging initiatives are encouraging us to reflect on global sanitation challenges! For instance, the Clean Toilets Challenge organized by India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is promoting the renovation and improvement of public restrooms in urban areas, focusing on cleanliness, accessibility, and functionality. This initiative supports this year’s World Toilet Day theme, "Accelerating Change," which calls for urgent action to address global sanitation issues.

For a more hands-on approach to raising awareness, you can join the Global Citizen World Toilet Day Challenge, where participants experience what life would be like without access to a toilet for a day. Additionally, the organization WaterAid has created a special song for World Toilet Day, blending fun and seriousness to highlight the global sanitation crisis.

• Listen to the song: World Toilet Day song for WaterAid
• Explore the challenge: Global Citizen World Toilet Day Challenge.
• Learn more at: Global news - What is World Toilet Day?

Fluidmaster’s role in improving sanitation solutions

At Fluidmaster, we recognize the critical importance of proper sanitation for public health and quality of life. With our global presence and innovative flush technology solutions, we provide high-quality, sustainable products that align with our mission to improve hygiene and enhance lives worldwide.