Since our bathrooms are the place where water use is personal, we desire comfort while using low flow products. A whopping 17% of daily residential indoor water use is from showers. The thought of showering under a dribbling water stream is unpleasant, yet a typical five-minute shower uses 30 gallons of water. We need to strike a balance between water conservation and performance.
Manufactures like Moen have responded with products that minimize detrimental environmental impact and maximize performance with a truly satisfying experience. The EPA added shower heads to its WaterSense program in March which requires that flow rates may not exceed 2 gal per minutes; it translates to more that 15 gallons of water per shower based on prior rates.
Manufactures like Moen have responded with products that minimize detrimental environmental impact and maximize performance with a truly satisfying experience. The EPA added shower heads to its WaterSense program in March which requires that flow rates may not exceed 2 gal per minutes; it translates to more that 15 gallons of water per shower based on prior rates.
Flow restrictors are effective in reducing flow, but the intensity of the focused sprays provided a stinging sensation rather than a comfortable flow. Since rinsing effectively is a measure of a good shower head, the WaterSense program requires that there be even coverage in the shower spray pattern. Without that, you might extend the time in the shower, defeating the purpose of any water conserving measures.
Manufacturers are experimenting with low flow shower heads with larger droplets, more efficient spray patterns, and air induction technology. We want to be green but we want to be comfortable; having a low flow label without the low flow feel is the goal.
Swap out older fixtures with those meeting Water Sense criteria. There are fixtures for every budget and every style. Even installing new aerators is a budget conscious step in the right direction.
Swap out older fixtures with those meeting Water Sense criteria. There are fixtures for every budget and every style. Even installing new aerators is a budget conscious step in the right direction.
