The Navy Shower is a method of personal hygiene designed to conserve resources, gaining popularity among those focused on environmental sustainability and lower utility bills. This technique minimizes the amount of water used by shifting away from the continuous flow common in conventional bathing. It is an efficient, time-conscious approach to showering.
The Core Concept
The fundamental principle of the Navy Shower is the intermittent use of water, contrasting sharply with the standard shower’s uninterrupted stream. The technique requires turning the water off while a person completes the middle portion of their bathing routine, specifically during the entire lathering and scrubbing phase. The period of water conservation occurs during this non-water phase.
By eliminating the continuous flow, this method dramatically reduces the total volume of water used. A standard eight-minute shower can use 20 gallons of water or more. The Navy Shower focuses on keeping the running water time under two minutes total.
Executing the Navy Shower
Performing a Navy Shower involves a quick, sequential process that maximizes cleaning efficiency in minimal time. The first step is to turn on the water and quickly get the body and hair thoroughly wet, which should take approximately 30 seconds. This initial wetting phase prepares the skin and hair for cleansing products.
Immediately following the wetting, the water is turned completely off to begin the main cleaning phase. The user applies soap and shampoo, vigorously lathering and scrubbing without running water. This non-water phase is where the bulk of the cleaning occurs and can be extended as necessary, though it is typically completed in about a minute.
Once the lathering is finished, the water is turned back on for a final, quick rinse. This last phase is dedicated to washing away the soap and suds and should be completed in 60 seconds or less. The entire process of running water is typically limited to under 90 seconds.
Origin and Efficiency Benefits
The Navy Shower technique originated on United States Navy ships, particularly submarines and larger vessels, where fresh water supplies were extremely limited. Producing and storing potable water at sea requires significant energy and space, necessitating strict water conservation measures for all crew members. This mandated practice ensured hygiene could be maintained without depleting finite on-board reserves.
Adopting this method yields measurable conservation benefits in both water and energy consumption. A typical Navy Shower uses as little as 3 to 5 gallons of water per session, saving up to 15,000 gallons per person annually compared to a long, continuous shower. Since water heating is the second-largest energy expense in most homes, reducing the volume of hot water used translates directly into lower energy bills.