Guide · Fontana, CA
Porta Potties in Fontana Heat and Santa Ana Winds
Fontana's two weather problems for porta potties are heat that builds odor and wind that tips units. Both have simple fixes.
By Fontana, owner · Reviewed
How does Fontana heat affect a porta potty?
Fontana heat speeds up bacteria in a porta potty's holding tank, which raises odor and fills tanks faster as crews drink more water. Fontana's hot season runs from late June to late September, with August highs averaging 94°F and heat waves above 100°F. Shade, venting and extra service keep units usable.
- Place units in shade or on the north side of a building where possible
- Keep the roof vent clear and the door closed
- Add a second weekly service for crews of 10+ per unit in July and August
- Pair units with water and shade for crews under Cal/OSHA heat rules
Hotter and colder sites need their own plan: Palm Springs summers reach about 108°F, the high desert around Victorville swings from heat to freezing nights, and Big Bear Lake needs freeze protection in winter.
Can Santa Ana winds tip over a porta potty?
Yes. Strong Santa Ana gusts can tip an empty or lightly used porta potty, especially on open lots. Fontana sits at the mouth of the Cajon Pass, where these winds funnel through from fall through spring. Staking the unit to the ground or strapping it to a fence or wall keeps it upright.
Rialto, north Rancho Cucamonga, the north end of San Bernardino, and the San Gorgonio Pass around Banning and Beaumont see similar winds. Tell dispatch your site is exposed and the driver will secure the unit.
Want the numbers checked for your site or event?
Call(601) 236-1718What should you do before a heat wave or wind event?
Before a heat wave or wind event, call to add a service visit, confirm the unit is secured, move it away from slopes and drop zones, and clear the path so the tech can reach it. After a wind event, check the unit is upright and call if it moved or tipped.