To help break taboos around toilets and make sanitation for all a global development priority, the United Nations designated Nov. 19 as World Toilet Day.

Waterhouse Bath & Kitchen Studio, a family-owned and operated plumbing showroom in Perrysburg, Ohio, champions World Toilet Day by holding its second annual toilet art contest.  

"You are invited to view some of the most amazing, creative, magnificent toilets you have ever seen. You read that right – toilets," said Amy Siders, showroom manager.

Over half of the global population, or 4.2 billion people, lack safe sanitation. Around 297,000 children under five – more than 800 every day – die annually from diarrheal diseases due to poor hygiene, sanitation, or unsafe drinking water.

Waterhouse Bath & Kitchen Studio is bringing awareness to the global issue, adding a fun twist to get its customers, business partners, neighbors, and the community involved. 

"As the company is unique and quirky, something a little off the beaten path makes sense for us. It's time for our annual toilet art contest," Siders said. 

Nine local artists, ranging from muralists, tattoo artists, high school students, amateurs, and pros, received a blank white canvas of a new toilet to create their work of art, which can be found at   galabid.com/paintedtoilets2022. 

The toilets, generously donated by LAUFEN, are on display in the Waterhouse showroom, where voting has begun – and can be done in-store and via an online raffle, with all proceeds going  to Water.org – a charity focused on providing clean water and solving sanitation issues globally.  

"Waterhouse Bath & Kitchen studio wants to do our part, and we can't do it without you. Making sure we get the word out about these amazing artists and what they were able to create on a gleaming white toilet is imperative to our cause," Siders said.  

Please consider celebrating the initiative by supporting the raffle at galabid.com/paintedtoilets2022.