1.6 GPM or less low-flow shower heads: Difference between revisions

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Introduction

When you consider that the amount of water used in the United States just for showering is nearly 1.2 trillion gallons of water a year ^[1] it is easy to see why low-flow shower heads are more popular than ever. (To put this figure in perspective, 1.2 trillion gallons is enough water to supply the water needs of New York and New Jersey for a year! ^[1]

Low-flow shower heads once had a reputation for being wimpy, weak and otherwise just down-right unbearable; however, nowadays choosing a low-flow shower head no longer means choosing to give up what you want in a shower head, which is, as Kramer from "Seinfeld" puts it,"POWER Man, POWER!"

The evolution of low-flow shower heads was forged out of a growing need for water conservation coupled with advances in the technology behind low-flow shower heads; be assured nonbelievers, the low-flow shower heads of today are as effective and satisfying as traditional wasteful shower heads. The advantages of low-flow showerheads have been recognized by government organizations and environmental organizations alike; there are more groups pushing for use of low-flow shower heads and other water conservation techniques than ever before; for example, programs like the EPA's WaterSense that have made it easier for consumers to choose high performance low-flow shower heads and other water conserving products that are guaranteed to meet or beat the expectations of water hungry consumers. ^[2] With showers accounting for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use ^[1] it is needless to say that the immense environmental benefits using low-flow shower heads have been a major driving force behind the expansion in use and quality of low-flow shower heads. It is so easy too, by using low-flow shower heads everyone can participate in water and energy conservation.

Included in this page is a do-it-yourself resources section that will aid anyone looking to upgrade to a low-flow shower head. The resources section contains links to DIY articles for installing shower heads and testing the efficiency of your current shower head, as wells as links to programs that advocate and research low-flow shower heads, and a few retail websites for price comparison.

Below the references section is a Products and Reviews section that lists many widely available low-flow shower heads and their features and specifications.

Don't wait to take advantage of all the benefits that low-flow shower heads have to offer!

Relevant Federal Programs

Congress passed the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) in 1992, which established production standards for water efficiency, effectively outlawing all plumbing fixtures in the U.S. which did not meet the prescribed benchmarks.^[3] Prior to the EPAct, normal shower heads sprayed water at between 5 and 8 gpm. The EPAct set the national standard at 2.5 gpm, with the hope of halving shower water consumption.^[4] The limitations on shower head spray in particular were met with public disapproval. Many Americans complained that decreased shower head flow would not allow for adequate pressure to wash out shampoo or relieve stress. This social stigma surrounding low-flow shower heads led manufacturers to find creative ways to circumvent the new national regulations. Some manufacturers even went so far as to put directions on how to remove the flow restrictor piece from their shower heads on the packaging.^[4] Thus, while federal law requires that all shower heads have a gpm rating of 2.5 or under, many Americans continue to consume more than the legal limit by removing the small washers in their shower heads that restrict flow, or even installing more than one shower head in their showers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its WaterSense Program in 2006 to encourage consumer awareness for water efficient products. WaterSense, in partnership with independent third-party organizations, tests and certifies home products that meet its water efficiency criteria. Some of these criteria include: that products are 20% more efficient that other products in the same category, realize water savings on a national level, and work as well or better than comparable, less-efficient alternatives. In addition WaterSense has a performance criteria to ensure that shower heads are not only efficient but also work well. Starting in 2010, WaterSense labels appear on low-flow shower heads, along with bathroom sink faucets, toilets, and urinals.^[1] It is important to note, however, that WaterSense considers low-flow shower heads to have a gpm of 2.0 or less. For more information on the EPA’s WaterSense Program, go to: http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/index.html.

Impacts

Water is the quintessential liquid that supplies all living beings with the hydration necessary to survive. In our modernized homes it is easy to forget that the water flowing from the tap originated in riparian ecosystems or underground aquifers that are being severely impacted by our casual over use of water. Indeed, in the United States alone we consume approximately 340 billion gallons of water from streams, reservoirs, and wells everyday.^[5] While a great majority of that water goes to crop irrigation, the easiest way we can make a difference in water consumption rates is within our homes.

Showers account for 18% of indoor water use in American homes.^[5] The average American showers everyday for about eight minutes, consuming 20 gallons of water.^[4] Since 1992, federal regulations have required that manufacturers produce shower heads with maximum gallons per minute (gpm) ratings of 2.5 gpm. By switching to a WaterSense approved shower head, an eight minute shower would consume 16 gallons of water, a 20% reduction from the standard ^[4]. If an individual showered everyday, using a 2.0 gpm shower head would lead to 1,460 gallons of annual water savings. However, going one step further and changing to a low-flow shower head with a 1.6 gpm rating would save 7.2 gallons a day and 2,628 gallons a year compared to a standard 2.5 gpm shower head. Multiply that by the number of residents in your home, and the savings in water consumption and cost really add up!

Technology

Innovative technology that is improving the performance and water saving potential of low-flow shower heads

Aeration

Aeration is most popular and efficient method of reducing water consumption in shower heads; aeration can reduce water consumption up to 30 percent ^[6]

Simply stated, aeration works by mixing air into the water that comes out of the shower head. The benefit of aeration comes from the fact that aerated water is lighter then non-aerated water because of its oxygen content, effectively making the droplets of water smaller. According to Dr Jie Wu, a leading developer behind aerating shower heads, "Through aeration,we make the water droplets in the stream hollow and the bubbles expand the volume of the shower stream.”^[7] Essentially, less water can be used to wet the same amount of surface.

Shower head flow restrictors

Another technology used in low-flow shower heads are small disks called "flow restrictors." These discs that are inserted into the shower head limiting the amount of water that is able to pass through the unit. These disc inserts are typically inexpensive and can be used in older fixtures that have will most likely have flow rates that exceed 2.5 gpm. It should be noted however that shower head flow restrictors are not advised because they often lead to the dreaded weak and inadequate shower. As stated earlier, the lack of consumer satisfaction with flow restrictors has led to the removal of devices by the customer. Shower head flow restrictors have adversely affected the reputation of low-flow shower heads and other water conservation devices.^[8] For best results with low flow shower heads it is recommended that consumers take advantage of the new advancements that are allowing low-flow shower heads to conserve water with out sacrificing performance. (For a list of highly regarded shower heads please refer to the products and reviews section.)

Other Technologies and Innovations

Spray Patterns

Many manufacturers are experimenting with different spray patterns for low-flow shower heads. With an array of efficient shower heads out there it mostly comes down to user preference.

On-Off Switches

Another innovation that is used in many low-flow shower heads is a simple 'on-off switch' located on the shower head itself. These switches allow the user to pause the flow of water while they wash their hair or lather up. While this innovation does not actually lower the rate at with water exits the shower head it still has potential to conserve water.

Products

Check out WaterSense's product search page for the most up-to-date information regarding highly efficient and high performing shower heads.

DIY Resources

How to determine the flow rate of your current shower head

Inspired by Paul Scheckel's "The Home Energy Diet"^[9]

1.Turn on the shower how you normally would when you take a shower
2.Using a one-gallon jug and a watch with a second-hand- time how long it takes to fill the jug under the flow of your shower head.
3. Do the math to calculate your flow rate, if it takes 60 seconds, that's one gallon per minute!
GPM = 60 (number of seconds in a minute) / how many seconds it took to fill a one-gallon container

External Links

WaterSense Product Search
Here is a list of all the products currently certified through the WaterSense program.

DIY tips for installing shower heads

EPA New Home Builder Resource Manual
This resource manual is useful for more then just upgrading your shower heads.

Energy.Gov Energy Cost Calculator for Faucets and Shower heads

Online Shower Head Retailer
This website specializes solely in shower heads and can be useful for checking prices and products specs.

Conclusion

As population continues to grow and impending global climate change brings new environmental challenges, water demand will also increase in the future. Indeed, research indicates water demand is currently exceeding supply, making conservation efforts crucial if we hope to maintain an adequate water source. Rolston St. Hilaire (2009) of New Mexico State University asserts, “The lack of water has the potential to jeopardize our food supply, disrupt fragile ecosystems, alter alliances among constituents, and threaten our way of life.” ^[10] Thus, to avoid the possibly catastrophic consequences of squandering our much needed water supply, the public must assume an active role in conservation. Helen Ingram (2009) of University of California-Irvine reports that following extensive studies on local, regional, and global water use, a team of scientists concluded that, “A crucial part of the path to water conservation involves paying close attention to the dimensions and scales that define how people interact with and understand water.”^[11]

In essence: start small. Changing your shower head to a low-flow alternative is a quick and easy way to start on the personal path to water conservation. Federal programs like the EPA’s WaterSense make low-flow shower heads accessible, while new technologies like water aeration devices and screw turbines give low-flow shower heads comparable pressure to the luxury of higher gpm heads. If you are building or remodeling a deluxe new bathroom, top end premium shower heads can meet your needs with a spa like atmosphere. On the other hand, if you are attempting to retrofit your home to save money, simple add on kits make updating your shower head a logical, inexpensive option.

References