There’s nothing quite like a hot, powerful cascade of water to kickstart anyone’s morning or relieve the stress of a long day. That’s exactly why homeowners across the United States put so much thought into shower designs during their bathroom remodels. And after the marble is installed or the mosaic is laid, they expect their showerhead to continue that luxurious experience.

In seemingly direct contrast, however, are the increasing low-flow regulations that limit water delivery for states nationwide. Citing an uptick in environmental concerns, a growing number of states are taking federal regulations a step further as they crack down on water use. 

Thirty-some years, shower flow rates were 3.5 or even 4.5 gallons per minute. In 1992, the federal government passed the Energy Policy Act, which puts limits on how much water can pass through a showerhead. Product testing has become more stringent over time, and showerheads today cannot disperse more than 2.5 GPM.

Many states, however, have opted to restrict waterflow further. States including Colorado and Vermont require 2 GPM showerheads, while California, Washington and Hawaii reduced that to 1.8 GPM. Any showerhead rated at 2.5 GPM or below is considered low flow. 

None of that needs to detract from a lavish shower experience, however. Creative engineering and design processes from showerhead manufacturers means that today’s showerheads aren’t just environmentally friendly – they’re also indulgent.

Design Matters

Showerhead manufacturers in recent years have learned one crucial lesson: You might not be able to increase the flow rate, but you can modify the design to meet and exceed consumer expectations.

Consumers are quick to choose the largest showerhead they can find, but plumbing experts know that bigger isn’t always better. That popular oversized showerhead might disperse the same amount of water as its smaller counterpart but force, distribution and coverage make it so the smaller fixture can actually deliver a more satisfying shower.

Although personal preference plays a big role in showering enjoyment, there are some features that designers focus on when creating showerheads. That’s because water flow matters – but the true feel of your shower comes from its design:

Spray force: This is how hard the spray feels on your body. A typical approach is to use smaller spray nozzles to produce stronger-feeling spray. Considering that users tend to prefer a harder spray on their shoulders and lighter on their face, showerheads are designed accordingly.

Flow rate: While limited because of state and federal guidelines, using a high-performance flow control allows the showerhead to perform as close as possible to the maximum levels allowed.

Thermal dispersion: This accounts for providing consistent sprays across the spray pattern, creating a uniform sensation for the end user. This maximizes the use of water for the bather’s enjoyment.  

Thermal loss: While it appears a showerhead produces a steady stream of water, it actually is comprised of many small water droplets. Each of those experience a temperature drop between leaving the showerhead and hitting the user’s body. The most efficient showerheads are those that minimize that temperature drop and still ensure a pleasant showering experience.

Spray coverage: This is a case of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. A showerhead can’t spray in too wide of a pattern – that misses the user entirely and wastes water. But it also can’t have a narrow focus, causing too much spray force while leaving part of the user dry and cold.

The ideal showerhead is much like Goldilocks – seeking out a balance that’s just right.

If you still doubt the value of design overflow rate in showerheads, consider this: A study published in the Environmental Science and Pollution Research journal suggests users actually report better showers from heads with the lowest GPM ratings. 

The study tested 10 showerheads and found that those with the biggest flow rates were actually rated lower when it came to the feel of the shower and water pressure. In fact, the study concluded that users value pressure, spray coverage and spray feeling above all else – and are even willing to change their showering habits and positions in order to improve those three factors.

That is good news all around for conservationists, manufacturers and users alike. With appropriate shower design, that lavish shower experience is still in reach, no matter which flow rate regulations exist.

Conservation Matters

There’s a good reason showerheads get the spotlight in water conservation efforts. Showering uses more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually and accounts for about 17% of indoor water use, even at a time when freshwater resources are depleting. 

Only about 3% of the Earth’s surface is freshwater, and climate change-induced drought is affecting those already-limited water sources worldwide. Rivers from the Mississippi in the U.S. to the Tigress in Iraq report receding waters. The world’s largest saltwater lake, the Great Salt Lake, has diminished to one-third of its original capacity and more than 800 square miles of riverbed is now exposed.

Years ago, society’s shift from baths to showers took initial steps toward water conservation. Baths take about 30 gallons of water, while the average shower uses about 17 gallons, according to the EPA.

Now, the bar has been raised.

By using a low-flow showerhead, each household would save enough water every year to wash nearly 90 loads of laundry. Even more impact comes from the electricity used to heat shower water. A low-flow showerhead saves enough electricity over the course of a year to power a home for 11 days.

The culmination of those efforts leaves more water in our rivers and bays, while also lowering the use of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels. 

Low Flow Myths

Consumers, however, don’t know the science behind showers and, frankly, the term “low flow” just doesn’t sound blissful.

It’s up to the plumbing industry to provide reassurance and education to help end users maximize their options. Consumers should know they can enjoy their shower experience, whether they are using a 2.5 GPM or 1.75 GPM showerhead. That’s why some myths simply need to be busted:

• Myth No. 1: I can’t enjoy a good shower with a low-flow head. 

Bathers don’t mind using low-flow showerheads, as long as they still get the feeling of higher water pressure and have a good shower experience.

Quality showerhead manufacturers make this happen through rigorous testing of their innovative designs to produce higher pressure sprays. Combined with other factors, such as larger droplets and consistent spray patterns, the feeling of a good shower is still attainable.

• Myth No. 2: All showerheads are low flow. 

Direct consumers to check the WaterSense certification label on showerheads to verify it complies with federal standards. WaterSense is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a way to help consumers save water through education and by listing approved water-efficient products. 

• Myth No. 3: Low-flow showerheads don’t make a big difference to the environment.

One shower by one person on one day? No. But many showers by millions of people every day? Definitely.

Consider that a low-flow showerhead reduces water use by a half gallon per minute. Your 10-minute shower will use five fewer gallons – and save more than 1,800 gallons over the course of a year.

There’s no doubt: A good shower is more than basic hygiene. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. Low-flow regulations don’t have to change that. Even as water conservation efforts continue to grow, the luxury bath market can remain strong.

We owe that – and our next serene shower experience – to the creativity and innovation of plumbing design engineers everywhere.

Chris Miedzius is the director of new product development for Marcone Plumbing, which manufactures and distributes Speakman products. He has been involved with designing and engineering Speakman plumbing fixtures for the past 30 years.