Save money with low flow shower heads. And, er, the environment.
Posted on May 12, 2009 by Miss Britt in Green
I’ve been meaning to invest in a low flow shower head forever.
I live in Florida where water is expensive as hell and, sadly, used in massive amounts. You see, we don’t get near as much rain here as we do sun and so the only way to avoid nasty letters from our HOA is to utilize a sprinkler system on our lawn. We minimize that as much as possible, but our water bill is still out of this world – especially during hot, dry months.
I can’t change the weather. But I can make small changes inside to conserve how much water we’re using.
Thus my need for a more eco-friendly shower head. Because while my water pressure is outstanding and the fancy shower heads that came with our house are to die for – paying over $100 a month to the water company is really starting to get on my nerves.
Oh. And I care about the environment and stuff. Really.
Evolve Chrome Water Lily Showerhead – 5.5″
I’m kind of in love with this shower head. It’s not technically a low flow shower head. What it does is prevent all that wasted water that runs before you get in. It takes forever for my water to heat up, so I usually start the shower and then get undressed, pick out my clothes, yada yada yada for a few minutes before I get in.
The Evolve shower heads have a trickle mode that lets the water heat up but doesn’t actually start flowing full force until you pull the handle to release the water. It’s eco-friendly for beginners who don’t want to give up much.
According to the company, you can save an estimated 2700 gallons of water per year by installing these shower heads.
Surely that’s enough water to save me a little money and make the earth a little better, yes?
Sunflower Showerhead with filter
If your environmental concerns include phosphates and gunk in your water, you might want to think about a greener alternative for your shower head that includes it’s own filtration system.
This model reduces Hydrogen Sulfide, Lead, Arsenic, Iron, Mercury, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Cadmium, Chromium and Selenium in addition to removing over 90% of the chlorine. It does require a separate filter that needs to be changed every 6-9 months.
While not the best option in shower heads for conserving the amount of water used, it does have a relatively low 2.5 gpm flow rate.
Culligan provides a similar system for less money.
evolve Stargazer Eco Showerhead in Chrome Showerstar Technology
Personally, I’m less concerned with anything that might be in my water than I am with how much water I’m using. Ideally, I want a shower head that prevents me from wasting water before I get in AND offers a low flow rate so that I use less water while I’m taking a shower.
This evolve model offers both the “SHOWERSTART Technology” and an impressive flow rate of only 1.5 gallons per minute. For about $50, this seems like the perfect combination for me.
Hopefully I’ll recoup the investment within the first year by saving on my water bill.
You might also like:
Posted on May 12, 2009 by Miss Britt in Green
My main showerhead requirement is um. Pulsation.
Low Flow Shower Heads are a great way to reduce water consumption at home. It not only helps the environment by saving fresh water, but also cuts down the water bill. Apart from this, here are some more ways to save water and reduce your water bill: http://www.bewaterwise.com/tips01.html
We have that first one.
Obviously, I am more “green” than you. And now, I can relax and throw cans in the garbage.
(Too bad I really want that last one!)
So, does this affect the water presure when taking a shower? I like my water strong and I worry that if I buy a water saving shower had, I’ll sacrafice the presure I get.
@Robina, according to the reviews, the pressure is very good with these!
I’m really adamant about high pressure in the shower, too. I’d have to try it and see. Maybe I’ll put one in one of the guest baths.
And P.S.? I used and plan on using cloth diapers with my kids, so I have no feelings of remorse about sticking with an environmentally unfriendly shower head if I don’t get MAH pressure!!
lol @ Maria, because that’s what my first thought was.
@ Britt–my parents’ summer water bill can be as much as $500 / month, and that’s with a timer-driven sprinkler system, low-flow everything, watering only on odd-number days, etc. etc. Living in the high prairie desert (aka Colorado plains) and green lawns shouldn’t be allowed, but it’s expected.
I think #3 looks great. I hate the idea of all that water running down the drain as the hot stuff winds its way up three levels.
A way to keep the lawn green while recycling/reusing would be to run your gray water from your washing machine out there. We do that here and have a beautiful lawn year round and arn’t paying to keep it that way. We did it the cheep and easy way, (there are fancy shmancy ways) we just ran the out hose out the nearest window and bought an plumbing reducer that would fit a garden hose.