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Low-Flow Water Saving Showerheads

Kitchens and Baths, Plumbing, Ask Danny, Green Living Published 11/06/2007 by Danny Lipford

I would like to know which brand offers showerheads that don’t use a lot of water. Thanks, Richard

Richard,

With drought gripping parts of the country, more and more homeowners are concerned about reducing their water usage, and replacing your showerhead is a good place to start. Not only will you be conserving our natural resources, but you’ll save money on water and utility bills at the same time.

Since 1992, all showerheads have been required to use no more than 2.5 gallons of water a minute, less than half that of many older models. You can check to see how much your showerhead uses by timing how long it takes to fill up a one gallon bucket. If it takes less than 24 seconds (2.5 g.p.m.), you might consider replacing it with a newer model.

Recent advances in technology have made showerheads more efficient while using even less water. Here are some of the more efficient low-flow models that are available:

• The Delta H2OKinetic Technology Water Amplifying Showerhead uses larger water droplets that retain more heat for a more comfortable shower. It uses only 1.6 g.p.m. and is available at The Home Depot stores for around $13.
• Waterpik’s EcoFlow model has six setting, including pulsating massage, and also allows you to turn off the water temporarily. It uses 2.0 g.p.m. and is available at Wal-Mart stores for less than $23.
• Oxygenics SkinCare model has three settings that use either 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 g.p.m. It is available though their website for under $35 plus shipping.
• Gaiam Real Goods showerhead comes complete with a pause button. It uses less than 2.25 g.p.m. and is available on their website for $12 plus shipping.
• Bricor B100 Max line has models that use from as little as 0.595 up to 1.125 g.p.m. They are available at their website for under $60 plus shipping.
• Aquahelix employs a unique rotating stream of water that uses only 0.57 g.p.m. They can be ordered by phone for under $30 plus shipping.

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