Why is Porta Potty Water Blue? Explained

If you’ve ever used a portable toilet, also known as a porta potty, you may have noticed the water inside is often dyed a bright blue color.

This is done for practical and sanitary reasons. Keep reading to learn more about why porta-potty water is blue.

The Purpose of Adding Blue Dye

The main reason blue dye is added to porta potty water tanks is to help conceal and dilute liquid waste.

The dark blue color helps mask the appearance of urine and feces in the tank. This helps keep the portable toilet visually clean and appealing for users.

The blue dye makes the water appear cleaner and more sanitary than it would be naturally, encouraging the use of the facilities.

Benefits of adding blue dye to the water tanks:

1. Hides Waste

The dark blue color hides the yellow of urine and brown of solid waste. This prevents an unappealing sight for users that might deter them from wanting to use the porta potty.

The blue tint makes the water look more pleasant and reduces the visibility of waste particles and toilet paper.

2. Improves Sanitation

By diluting and concealing liquid and solid waste, the blue water helps improve sanitation. Bacteria growth is reduced, cutting down on odors and germs.

The dye has antibacterial properties to inhibit contaminants.

3. Indicates Cleanliness

The blue tint signals to users that water has been added recently. This suggests the porta potty was just cleaned and serviced.

The porta porty blue liquid subconsciously communicates sanitation and hygiene.

4. Adds Fragrance

Many blue dyes used in porta potties contain a subtle fragrance. This helps mask odors and keep the portable toilet smelling fresher.

Scents like lemon, vanilla, or pine provide an air-freshening effect.

How does the Blue Dye Work?

The blue dye added to the tanks works is helpful in certain ways:

1. Dilution

The blue water dilutes the waste, reducing its concentration and potency. The more dyed water in the tank, the less concentrated and smelly the waste will be. More blue water means less waste per fluid volume.

2. Visual Concealment

The dark blue color hides the appearance of the waste, keeping the water looking cleaner than it would be otherwise.

The blue overwhelms the natural yellow and brown hues.

3. Bacterial Reduction

Many blue dyes contain antimicrobial ingredients that inhibit bacteria growth. This cuts down on odors and contamination.

These porta potty Chemicals in the dye disrupt microbial growth and propagation.

4. Fragrance Release

Added fragrances in the dye help counteract odors and keep the porta-potty interior smelling fresher for longer.

The scents overpower unpleasant waste odors inside the tank and toilet.

When is Blue Dye Added?

For portable restrooms that get a lot of use, blue dye is typically added each time the toilet is serviced and emptied. Here is when you can expect blue dye to be replenished:

• After Waste is Pumped Out: When the waste tank is fully or partially pumped out, fresh blue water is added immediately after to refill the tank. This ensures the water remains a deep blue color.
• During Cleaning Service: Most porta potty units receive a complete cleaning service on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The blue water is topped off as part of this routine maintenance.
• Upon Delivery : Brand new porta potties will come pre-filled with blue water so they are ready for immediate use upon delivery. The blue color indicates the unit is clean and unused.
• After Periods of High Use: For special events or periods of particularly heavy use, blue dye may be added more frequently to keep the watercolor dark and waste diluted. High-traffic events require more dye replenishment.

What Kind of Blue Dye is Used?

There are a few options when it comes to selecting a blue dye for portable toilet water tanks:

• Food-Grade Dye: The most common type used is a food-grade blue dye that is non-toxic for human contact. This ensures it is safe for the tank water.
• Biodegradable Dye: For environmental reasons, most companies now use a biodegradable blue dye that will naturally break down over time. This prevents pollution from disposed dye.
• Scented Dye: Some blue water dyes also contain a pleasant fragrance such as cherry, lemon, or floral scents to help improve odor control.
• Antimicrobial Dye: Special dyes are available with added antimicrobial ingredients to further inhibit bacteria growth in the tank.

Why Blue Instead of Other Colors?

You may wonder why blue was chosen as the standard color for porta potty tank water. Here are some reasons why blue is the preferred color rather than others:

• Hides Yellow Urine: The blue hue is effective at masking the appearance of yellow urine in the tank. Other colors would not conceal urine as well.
• Dark Shade Minimizes Visibility: A dark shade like blue minimizes the visibility of any suspended particles in the water. Light colors would make waste particles more apparent.
• Blue is Considered Clean and Fresh: Humans psychologically associate the color blue with cleanliness, freshness, and purity. It signals sanitation to users.
• Availability: Blue dye has long been used for cleaning products and is readily available and affordable for porta-potty companies to source.
• Tradition of Use: The first portable toilet waters were dyed blue, and it has now become an industry standard across all service providers for consistency.

Are There Any Downsides to Blue Water?

The porta potty blue liquid has several benefits, but a few possible downsides as well:

• Can Stain if Leaked or Spilled: The blue color can potentially stain clothes, skin, or surfaces if the tank water leaks or spills during transport or cleaning. Proper handling is important.
• Doesn’t Prevent All Odors: While it helps control odors, the blue water cannot fully eliminate all smells that may emanate from waste in the tank. Frequent cleaning is still required.
• Could Mask Leaks or Tank Issues: The blue tint makes it harder to visually identify any tank cracks or leaks that should be repaired. Staff must thoroughly inspect units for problems.
• Costs More than Clear Water: Blue portable toilet tank dye adds expense compared to just using regular clear water. However, the benefits are considered worth the minimal added cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 

Ques 1. Is the blue water sanitary?

Ans: Yes, the blue dye used is non-toxic and safe for human contact. It actually helps improve sanitation in waste tanks compared to clear water.

Ques 2. Does blue water harm the environment?

Ans: Most portable toilet companies now use biodegradable blue dyes that do not harm the environment when waste is disposed of properly.

Ques 3. Can you drink the blue water?

Ans: No, you should never drink the blue water in a porta potty tank even if using a non-toxic dye. Only consume clean drinking water.

Ques 4. Does the blue water freeze in winter?

Ans: Yes, the blue water can freeze just like regular water. Many service providers add antifreeze during winter to prevent tanks from freezing and cracking.

Ques 5. Is a toilet with clear water still sanitary?

Ans: A porta potty with regular clear water can still be sanitary if cleaned regularly. However, the blue water improves visual cleanliness and reduces odors.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know all about why porta potty water is dyed blue, you can continue to confidently use these important sanitation solutions.

The blue color may seem unusual at first, but it serves an important purpose in keeping portable toilets clean, appealing, and sanitary.

Next time you come across a plastic blue outhouse at a construction site, festival, or outdoor event, you’ll understand the reasoning behind this clever blue water innovation.

You can rely on blue water porta potties to provide a more hygienic and pleasant portable toilet experience.