Some residents of Vanadzor have taken the term “outhouse” to the extreme.

Perched atop the Pampak River, the tin toilet affords passersby in need of relief a pleasant oasis to do their duty. And, unlike many other public toilets inArmenia, it’s free of charge.

The outhouse is located next to a local spring called Kantso, a popular picnic area.

We asked around to find out if the Vanadzor Municipality knew about the unique outhouse.

Arshavir Ghoukasyan, from the local planning board, first claimed that the area didn’t belong to the municipality, but later changed his story, arguing that the outhouse hadn’t been approved.

The official said he would look into the matter and see whether the toilet adheres to sanitary standards and doesn't violate environmental norms.

Local residents I spoke to argued that the toilet was “eco-friendly” as it used water drawn from the river for cleaning purposes.

Perhaps the wastes of one toilet will not make much of an impact on the Pampak River, but just imagine what would happen if the concept took off an a string of hanging outhouses soon appeared on the river.