Water consumption of camping toilets

A comparison of chemical, macerating and sealing toilets in terms of their water consumption, exemplified with clear and comprehensible calculation examples.

Chemical toilet

The chemical or cassette toilet has been the standard in many motorhomes for decades. It functions similarly to a household toilet but requires special sanitation fluids.

Water consumption	Depending on the model, water consumption is around 0.5 liters per flush. The waste tank holds between 15 and 20 liters. For two people using the toilet a total of about ten times per day, this results in approximately 5 liters of water used daily. This means the tank will be full after no more than four days and will need to be emptied.
Sanitation additives	To reduce odors and promote decomposition, a sanitation additive is mixed with water and added to the tank. While this helps mask unpleasant smells, it often introduces its own odor, which some may find unpleasant.
Operation and maintenance	Operation is generally straightforward: close the lid, press the flush button and you’re done. However, this usually applies only to urination. For solid waste, brushing is often necessary, as the water pressure is not comparable to that of a home toilet. Additionally, this system requires regular maintenance, including refilling fresh water, adding chemicals and emptying as wella as cleaning the waste tank – a process that can be quite laborious, especially when the tank weighs up to 20 kg.

Conclusion chemical toilet

Proven and widely used, but with relatively high water consumption and maintenance effort. For a couple using the toilet daily, around 35–40 liters of water per week are used just for flushing. Those who frequently stay at campsites with supply and disposal facilities can manage with this system. However, for off-grid travel, the system reaches its limits after just two or three days.

Also read: camping toilets compared – the chemical toilet

Macerating Toilet

This type of camping toilet uses rotating blades to shred waste and toilet paper before transferring everything to the waste tank. It closely resembles a regular household toilet, as it is made of ceramic and uses water for flushing.

Water consumption

Water usage per flush is high at 1–2 liters, meaning that each flush uses significantly more water than a chemical toilet. Therefore, the black water tank of a macerating toilet should have a capacity of at least 100 liters. For two people with a total of 10 toilet uses per day, up to 20 liters of water are needed daily. With regular use, the tank will be full after five days and needs to be emptied.

Operation and maintenance

Emptying is done via a hose connected to the underfloor tank at a disposal station. Since no additives are used, odors can develop more quickly—especially during emptying. To prevent buildup, regular rinsing and cleaning are necessary.

Conclusion macerating toilet

Comfortable and equipped with a larger tank capacity, but with high water consumption. Those driving a liner, with plenty of space for fresh water, grey water, and black water tanks—and who are not bothered by the noise of the motorized blades—will find this a practical solution. However, it is not suitable for resource-conscious or off-grid campers.

Sealing toilet

Imagine a camping toilet that requires no water, no chemicals, produces no odors and can be disposed of in the nearest trash bin—that’s exactly what the Clesana C1 offers. Instead of using flush water, everything is hygienically and securely sealed in an odor-proof high-barrier foil liner.

Water consumption

No water is used. Pressing the flush button simply initiates the sealing process. A fresh foil liner allows for the creation of approximately 40 bags, and sealing is not required after every toilet use. For ten toilet uses per day (by two people), one liner lasts about four to five days, depending on bag size. If liquids are collected (with super-absorber), an average of four bags per day is sufficient, allowing one liner to last nearly two weeks.

Operation and maintenance

The bags can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks in a designated container without producing unpleasant odors. They can be disposed of with household or residual waste at the next available opportunity. After each sealing process, the toilet is clean and ready for immediate use. Only the toilet seat needs to be cleaned occasionally. In terms of hygiene, the Clesana C1 operates at the highest possible level.

Conclusion Sealing-Toilet

No water, no chemicals, no odor, minimal maintenance – ideal for anyone who wants to travel self-sufficiently. The absence of water tanks reduces weight, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. Additionally, the Clesana C1 simplifies winter camping or winterizing in general, as there are no water lines to worry about.

Summary

In conclusion, each type of toilet has its place in a camper, depending on individual usage habits. However, when it comes to saving water in a motorhome or avoiding the hassle of emptying a waste tank, the Clesana C1 sealing toilet is the most efficient and comfortable solution. Its ease of use and low maintenance requirements add an extra touch of luxury to your travels.

With that in mind: safe travels and always a clean solution on board! No matter which toilet you choose, what matters most is that you feel comfortable.

About Clesana

Clesana is an innovative company from Switzerland that is redefining mobile sanitation solutions. With the Clesana C1, the company has developed a sealing toilet that uses thermal pressure sealing to deliver the highest levels of hygiene, comfort, and safety. Excretions, hygiene products and similar materials are securely sealed in a high-barrier foil and can be easily disposed of with regular household waste. This eliminates the need for supply and disposal stations, enabling true independence.

The Clesana system has its origins in the medical field, originally designed to protect Swiss waters from contamination by pharmaceutical residues, hormones, and other chemicals. As a result, the Clesana C1 holds itself to the highest standards of hygiene.

The renowned Fraunhofer Institute has confirmed that Clesana bags perform best by far in terms of odor barrier and leak protection. The high-performance barrier ensures that excretions and other contents are securely enclosed, preventing any contact with the contents for users and all those involved in the disposal process.

The Clesana C1 operates without water, conserving this valuable resource. It also completely avoids the use of harmful chemical additives. A bio-based high-barrier liner made from biomass and recycled materials will soon be available. Additionally, the C1 is manufactured entirely in Switzerland, keeping its carbon footprint to an absolute minimum.

Press Contact Clesana AG
POC: Tino V. Göbel / presse@clesana.com