A cartoon illustration of a toilet with an idea.

A few blocks from the Archer and the Andaz hotels, near Napa’s restaurant district, a pair of talking, self-cleaning toilets and making some noise in the city, according to an article on the Napa Valley register website.

The two tan metal shed-like structures recently opened to the public. Inside each are two stalls equipped with a toilet, sink, soap dispenser and hand dryer, all triggered with the press of a button or the wave of a finger. There is an identical pair of talking toilets is a city-owned parking lot on Main Street.

A lighted button outside each stall of downtown Napa's new public toilet glows green when the restroom is vacant, yellow when occupied, blue when briefly shut down for self-washing and red when closed. The sliding doors automatically lock from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Since approving the high-tech facilities last summer, city leaders have promised a convenience that would remove a headache from local shop owners while making trips more pleasant for visitors, the article said.

The structures, are manufactured by the New Zealand-based company, Exeloo Ltd.

When someone enters the structure, a voice says: “Welcome to Exeloo. Please press the button to close and lock the door.”

After the door is locked, a voice reminds the occupant that they have 10 minutes before the door opens. They are then treated to elevator music. Those who take longer (without triggering a motion sensor) will cause an automated call to the Napa Police dispatch desk.

After every 30 flushes, a stall washes itself with disinfectant and dries itself with fans. Park employees also will clean each toilet manually every morning while refilling the soap and sanitizer supplies.

Read the full article here.