Shower Heads and Water Use

According to federal regulations, only low-flow shower heads are available for purchase.

The type of shower head determines the water flow rate. According to the Minnesota Sustainable Housing Initiative, a low-flow shower head can be purchased for $10 to $20 but will result in a cost savings of up to $1,000 for the life of the shower head.

Flow Rate

New shower head flow rates cannot exceed 2.5 gallons per minute. A flow rate of 5 gallons per minute was possible from older shower heads. The flow rate makes a significant difference in the amount of water used during a shower. A three-minute shower with a 5 gallon per minute flow rate uses 15 gallons of water, while a 2.5 gallon per minute shower head uses half the amount of water.

Types of Shower Heads

There are two types of low-flow shower heads. Aerating shower heads mix water with air and produce a misty spray of water. Laminar flow shower heads form individual streams of water and produce less steam and moisture.

WaterSense Label Shower Heads

WaterSense label shower heads have a flow rate of less than 2 gallons per minute. The green and blue label ensures the shower head produces a satisfactory shower.

Measure Flow Rate

To determine the flow rate of a shower head, use a bucket with a line indicating 1 gallon. Turn on the shower head with a normal water flow and count the number of seconds to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon mark. If it takes less than 20 seconds, the shower head is not a low-flow shower head.

References

• U.S. Department of Energy: Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings
• University of Minnesota Extension: Conserving Water
• Minnesota Sustainable Housing Initiative: Water Fixtures