City to Add More Public Bathrooms and Drinking Fountains

By Y.M. Lowy

New York City is set to build public bathrooms and drinking fountains thanks to two new laws that went into effect this weekend.

One law requires the city to more than double its current number of public restrooms by 2035. With around 1,000 bathrooms available today, the new law sets a goal of over 2,000 and requires regular progress reports to ensure the facilities are being built and maintained.

Another law focuses on access to water. It sets a target of 50 new public drinking fountains over the next ten years. While thousands already exist, many neighborhoods still lack easy access to them.

Both laws were approved by the City Council last month and became law on July 12 without a mayoral signature, as allowed under city rules.

A third law also took effect, aimed at expanding emergency response training in city jails to help prevent health crises tied to illegal substance use. The training will be required for staff and offered to those in custody.