Water-Saving Tips for a More Efficient Shower

October is Shower Better Month, making it the perfect time to raise awareness about water conservation and ways to reduce water usage while showering. There are simple steps we can all take to reduce our water usage while showering; taking shorter showers and/or using water-saving showerheads are easy ways to make a significant impact.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average shower lasts about 8 minutes and uses around 17 gallons of water. That’s a lot of water going down the drain in 8 minutes. If you take longer showers, you could be using over 50 gallons of water every time you take a shower. By reducing your shower time by just two minutes, you can save about 5 gallons of water per shower. That may not sound like much, but over time, it can add up to a significant amount of water saved.

Here are some tips for conserving water while showering:

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Take shorter showers.

This sounds like an obvious one, but being mindful of how long you shower and reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can make a big difference in water usage. Taking an 8 minute shower might not be ideal for everyone, but if you usually take a 20 minute shower try getting it down to 15 minutes. Those extra 5 minutes can save a great deal of water in the long run. If you lose track of time easily in the shower, try a shower timer to help you reduce your shower time as well as your water usage.

Use a water-saving showerhead.

Traditional showerheads use around 2.5 gallons of water per minute while water-saving showerheads use about 1.5 gallons per minute. This can save up to 2,700 gallons of water per year for a family of four. When shopping for showerheads, look for the WaterSense label to identify models that conserve water, these products are certified to ensure they meet EPA water efficiency and performance criteria.

Turn off the water.

While you’re lathering up or exfoliating, turn off the water to conserve it. If you think about it, you’re not really using the water while you’re busy scrubbing away.

Fix leaks.

If you have a leaky showerhead, fix it as soon as possible. A leaky showerhead can waste up to 500 gallons of water per year.

Shower Better Month is a great opportunity to start making small changes to your shower routine, helping to conserve water for future generations. By following these simple tips, you can make a big stride towards water conservation.