Water saving products Water saving shower heads

Eco shower head

Showers aren't always water efficient

You might assume that a shower is a more water-efficient way to wash than taking a bath, but that's not necessarily the case.

While a quick shower is usually more water efficient than a bath, some high-volume power showers use more water in less than five minutes than to fill a bath. The amount of water you use depends on the type of shower and shower head you have, and the length of time you spend in the shower. 

Showers and water saving

Here are some of the main shower types:

Bath and shower mixers 

This is the type of shower where the hose and spray are attached to your bath. The temperature and amount of water are adjusted through the taps, letting you better control the amount of water you're using. 

Manual mixer showers 

This is a popular and cost-effective shower, where the hose and spray come out of a wall unit and there is a temperature control that mixes the hot and cold water supply. 

Electric shower

An electric shower is essentially a water heater, which rapidly heats cold water as it flows towards the shower head. Electric showers are economical as you only heat the water you need.

Power shower

This uses an electric pump which allows you to adjust the pressure and water temperature. This type of shower is the worst for water saving, and can quickly use more water than a bath.

Ecocamel water saving shower head

The Ecocamel claims to reduce water use

Water-saving shower heads

The shower head controls the flow and spray pattern of water. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, and the design can directly affect water consumption.

We've tested two shower heads that claim to save water, the Ecocamel and Nordic Eco Galant shower heads. You can see if we think they're worth investing in by reading our water-saving shower heads review.

Here are some other things to consider:

  • Check if a low-flow or water-saving shower head will benefit you by putting a two-litre container in the shower floor. If it takes less than 12 seconds to fill when the shower's running on full, it could help cut your usage.
  • A larger shower head with bigger holes uses more water, but isn't necessarily more powerful than a smaller one – that depends on water pressure and the type of shower you have.
  • Aerating shower heads mix water with air, reducing the overall amount of water that's needed. 
  • Other water-saving shower heads reduce the flow rate, 'pulsate' the water or include a flow restrictor to the shower hose to save water.

Water-saving shower gadgets

The amount of time you spend in the shower also affects the amount of water you use – and waste. But how long is too long? There are plenty of water saving gadgets on the market for your shower that time how long you're taking and alert you to when your time is up. We've tested a couple of them:

  • the Eco Showerdrop alerts you when you've used 35 litres of water – the amount recommended by water efficiency group Waterwise.
  • the Efergy Showertime is a combined clock and timer that you can pre-program so it tells you when you've reached your limit.

Your water company may also supply free water-saving gadgets for your shower. These gadgets include:

  •  a shower flow reducer that screws into the bottom of your shower hose.
  • simple shower timers in the shape of an egg timer that attach to your shower walls with a suction cup. 

Check with your water company to see what freebies it offers. 

Eco shower drop

The Eco showerdrop times showers and saves water

Top water-saving tips for showers

Time your shower 

Keep your showers to no longer than five minutes, or use a water-saving timer that lets you know when you've exceeded 35 litres of water.

Don't leave your shower running 

Try not to run your shower before you get in – keep your shower set at your preferred temperature so you don't have to spend time adjusting before use.

Adjust your shower power 

Use a less powerful setting to reduce your water use, or select the eco shower setting if your shower has one.

Fix drips 

Over time, the water that escapes from a dripping shower adds up – get it fixed to avoid needless water waste.

More on saving water at home...

 Last updated: 19 August 2011

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