Contrary to popular belief, water-saving or low-flow showerheads don't reduce water pressure. In fact, a high-quality showerhead can actually increase the force of the spray by directing the water more efficiently.
A good showerhead will have a two- to three-gallon per minute flow rate, compared to five to eight gallons per minute for a conventional model - a difference of four cents per minute.
The energy savings can be significant - a family of four, each taking a five-minute shower a day, can cut their water heating costs by $250 a year by switching to a water-saving showerhead!
A good energy-saving showerhead will cost between $5 for a basic model to more than $50 for a multi-setting "spa" model. Installing one is an easy do-it-yourself project, requiring only a hand wrench.
You can test the amount of water your current showerhead emits: if it takes less than 20 seconds to fill a one-gallon bucket, you need a water-saving showerhead. Be sure to use COLD water for this experiment! |
