Sanitaires

Sanitaires refer to facilities and systems designed to maintain hygiene, health, and comfort by managing water supply and human waste. The term is used in French and many Romance languages, and in English it is commonly translated as sanitary facilities or sanitation infrastructure. It covers private bathrooms and toilets in households, public restrooms, and the broader networks that collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater.

Typical components include toilets, urinals, sinks or hand basins, showers or baths, bidets, and touchless dispensers for soap and sanitizer. In public or institutional settings, accessibility features and gender-inclusive options are increasingly standard. Sanitation systems rely on water supply, drainage and sewer networks, or on-site solutions such as septic tanks and wastewater treatment. In ecologically oriented contexts, ecological sanitation emphasizes the separation and reuse of nutrients.

Maintenance and governance: Sanitary facilities are governed by health, building, and environmental regulations in most countries, including standards for cleanliness, ventilation, privacy, and accessibility. Public health programs track access to adequate sanitation, aiming to reduce disease transmission, waterborne infections, and fecal-oral contamination. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF monitor global progress on sanitation coverage and sustainability.

Historical note: Modern sanitation emerged with urbanization in the 19th century, with sewer networks and centralized water supply. In many regions, gaps remain, particularly in informal settlements and disaster zones, where emergency sanitation and low-cost solutions are deployed.