Install low-flow shower heads in all showers
Why This is Green
Upgrading to low-flow shower heads is a no-brainer. You can save up to twenty eight gallons of water during one eight minute shower (picture that in terms of milk jugs!). It’s affordable and simple to make the change.
Shower heads used to hog five gallons or more each minute. Then, in 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency required all shower heads to have a maximum flow of two and half gallons of water per minute. Today’s low-flow fixtures use less than two gallons per minute and are just as effective.
The EPA estimates that installing a low-flow shower head could save the average homeowner up to $47 on water, wastewater, and heating costs. The more you install, the more you save.
Water is a precious natural resource. Using less helps maintain a natural balance, supports wildlife, and preserves water for future use. It also alleviates the burden on our wastewater facilities and reduces the amount of energy used in supplying, treating and heating water.
Learn More
- ConsumerSearch.com: Low-Flow Shower Heads Report
- The New York Times: Saving Water, Staying Clean
- EPA.gov: What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Water Efficiency?
- Bookmark This Site: Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Program
- ConsumerReports.org: Low-Flow Showerheads
- PracticallyGreen.com: Drinking Water--Conservation, Preservation, And Stewardship
How To
When shopping for a low-flow shower head, determine the flow rate or look for the EPA WaterSense label which indicates a flow rate of two gallons or less. One and a half gallons per minute is a good starting point. How low can you go?
Installing a low-flow shower head on existing plumbing involves unscrewing the old shower head and screwing in the new. If you’re not handy or prefer not to DIY, you can also have one professionally installed.
To save even more water, try taking shorter showers.
