Showering accounts for a significant portion of indoor water use, often representing nearly 17 percent of a household’s daily consumption. For a typical family, this amounts to approximately 40 gallons of water every day. Reducing the time and flow rate of your shower is an effective step toward conserving this resource. By implementing behavioral adjustments and updating your equipment, you can save substantial volumes of water and the energy required to heat it.
Adjusting Your Shower Technique
The “Navy” or “military” shower is an effective technique for conserving water. This involves turning the water on briefly to get wet, immediately turning it off to lather and scrub, and then turning it back on only for a final rinse. This technique can drastically reduce the amount of time the water is actively running, saving an estimated 12 to 14 gallons per session.
Reducing the overall duration of your shower is a direct way to save water. While the average shower lasts about eight minutes, limiting the time to five minutes or less is recommended. Using a waterproof clock or a short song as a timer can help you stay mindful of this goal. Taking slightly cooler showers also discourages lingering, naturally shortening your time under the running water.
Utilizing Water-Saving Equipment
Replacing an older showerhead with a low-flow model provides significant savings. Older fixtures may have flow rates exceeding 3.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM), while the current federal standard for new showerheads is 2.5 GPM. Many modern, water-saving showerheads are certified to flow at 2.0 GPM or even as low as 1.5 GPM.
These low-flow devices often use internal flow restrictors to maintain a satisfying pressure while delivering less water per minute. Some models also feature a pause or trickle button that allows you to temporarily stop the flow while you shampoo or shave. This capability supports the conservation efforts of the Navy shower technique without requiring you to readjust the temperature settings.
Capturing Water and Maintaining Efficiency
Before stepping under the water, place a bucket or large container in the shower to collect the initial cold water while waiting for it to heat up. This water can be repurposed for non-drinking uses around the home. Common uses include flushing toilets, mopping floors, or watering ornamental plants and lawns.
Routine maintenance also maximizes water efficiency. A small drip or leak from a showerhead or faucet can waste over five gallons of water daily. Addressing these minor leaks quickly prevents unnecessary water loss. Insulating hot water pipes can also help reduce the amount of time the water runs cold before reaching the desired temperature.