Bathrooms - Floating toilet developed

20/09/2007

What must be the world's first floating toilet has been invented in New Zealand.

The Opua quarantine wharf has had Far North Holdings install the toilet as there are none within walking distance onshore and many boats that tie up at the marina do not have their own facilities, reports Radio New Zealand.

An improvement in the quality of water in the surrounding area has already been observed since the "effluent disposal system" was installed, according to chairman Malcolm Nicolson.

The toilet is powered by solar energy and even collects its own rainwater.

Anyone who wants to can use the floating facility, although the only way to get to it is by boat.