Cities and businesses in Central Texas expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to descend on parks and outdoor spaces next week to witness the few minutes when the moon will completely obscure the sun.Companies that rent portable toilets in Central Texas said they have experienced historic demand for their products as folks plan eclipse parties on ranches, in parks and even in backyards.
“The problem isn't just about equipment availability, but a concern for being able to move around Central Texas and make the deliveries, pick-ups and service the units, as from the sound of it, the traffic may be debilitating,” he said in an email. “Many of our customers requesting rentals are in places like Llano, Wimberly, Hye, Fredericksburg and Burnet, which are difficult places to get to without the predicted influx of traffic.
Sullivan said the task force was repeatedly told demand for toilets would be high and porta potty rentals would go fast. The city rented porta potties more than a year ago. As for Dripping Springs, Sullivan says it’s possible her city’s eclipse provisions may end up being above and beyond what is actually needed. She said Dripping Springs expects to see around four or five times the number of people who live in the area during the eclipse, but acknowledges it could end up being either more or less. Ultimately, she says, it is the uncertainty around what to expect that has driven the city's approach.