Tired of a shower that produces a weak sprinkle instead of an invigorating stream? Get a new showerhead. The best models we tested provide a strong flow and steady temperature, and some have adjustable settings for spray patterns ranging from a gentle mist to a forceful massage.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that showers account for nearly 1.2 trillion gallons each year--about one-sixth of all the water used in U.S. residences for bathing. Before 1994, showerheads typically had a flow rate of 5 ½ gallons per minute. Since then, the Department of Energy has limited showerheads to 2 ½ gpm to conserve not only water, but fuel for the water heater. Models that display a WaterSense label use no more than 2 gpm.
The good news is that the best showerheads we tested provided a pleasing flow while meeting the federal flow-rate standard. But the challenge for manufacturers is to meet the standard and even the voluntary WaterSense requirements without affecting the feel of the shower, since an anemic flow can result in longer showers and even greater water use.
