There are few simple pleasures in life quite like a long, hot shower. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of that daily ritual?
A simple shower head replacement can conserve water and slash energy bills without sacrificing glorious water pressure.
Dive in to see how to turn your shower from a drain on resources to an energy-saving appliance.
How much water and energy do showers really use?
Before we dive into the solutions, let's talk about why this matters.
Showering is one of the leading ways we use water in the home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average shower lasts about eight minutes and uses over 16 gallons (or 60 litres) of water.
Cutting down on your shower's water usage isn't just an environmental win — it's also a financial one. A good chunk of your home's energy bill goes toward those luxuriously hot showers. Heating water for bathroom usage accounts for 12% of a home’s energy bill, per Energy Savings Trust.
It’s easy to forget that every minute under the nozzle is a minute your water heater is working hard, adding to the utility bill and consuming energy.
What makes a shower head efficient?
In simple terms, a water efficient or low-flow shower head is engineered to use significantly less water than a traditional model.
While older shower heads could gush out 15 litres per minute (LPM) or more, modern efficient models are much stingier in the best way possible.
Water labelling has proven to be incredibly effective at driving this change. For example, Australia’s mandatory water efficiency labelling has helped reduce household water consumption, prompting UK lawmakers to push for similar legislation. Similarly, products with the WaterSense label in the US are certified to use 9.5 LPM or less, without users noticing a difference.
How water saving shower heads work
A common fear when switching to a more efficient shower head is the dreaded drizzle. No one wants to start their day with an unsatisfying, low pressure stream that leaves them shivering.
Modern water-saving shower heads utilise innovative technology to deliver a powerful and satisfying spray, so you don’t have to worry about conserving water while you’re sudsing up.
Many models work by mixing air into the water stream, known as aeration. This creates larger, fuller water droplets that feel soft yet substantial, giving the sensation of high pressure while using far less water.
Other designs create pulsating streams that push water through smaller, carefully designed nozzles. This concentrates the flow, creating a stronger, more focused spray that feels just as powerful as a traditional showerhead.
The best water-efficient shower heads for you
Here are a few of our favourite types of shower heads for every energy-saving style and budget.
For the spa lover: a water-efficient rain shower head
One of the biggest myths out there is that a luxurious rain shower head is a waste of water. Not so.
There are rain shower heads designed for water efficiency. They deliver that gentle, spa-like cascade of water you love while still meeting low flow standards.
That’s right, you can have your spa experience and save the planet, too.
For the tech enthusiast: a smart shower head
If you love a gadget that does more, a smart shower head is the right choice for you. These innovative devices can include features like LED lights that change colour to indicate the water temperature. Some even have built-in timers or connect to an app on your phone to track your water usage, making it a fun challenge to turn conservation into a habit.
These are just a few of the must-have bathroom gadgets that can make your home smarter and more sustainable.
For the budget-conscious renovator: the best all-rounder
You don’t need to spend a fortune to save water. There are many affordable water saving shower heads available. Always check the reviews for mentions of easy installation and satisfying pressure. You’ll be racking up the energy savings in no time.
Your sustainable bathroom doesn't stop at the shower
Stepping out of your new, wonderfully efficient shower feels great. But why let the good vibes end there? An eco-friendly bathroom considers every detail, from the material of towel linens to the harmful effects of traditional toilet paper.
By choosing 100% bamboo or recycled toilet paper, you’re helping to reduce deforestation with every flush. By choosing to buy forest-friendly products from Who Gives A Crap, you’re also supporting clean water initiatives in communities that need it most.
Conclusion — The final rinse on shower efficiency
Switching to a more sustainable showerhead saves money on your home’s water and energy bills while reducing your family’s carbon footprint.
And thanks to clever design and technology, you don't have to sacrifice a fantastic shower experience. It’s one of the easiest and most effective eco-friendly bathroom upgrades you can make.
And once you step out of the shower, keep the good vibes flowing from top to bottom. Make your whole bathroom a force for good, from the first drop of water to the last square of our Earth-friendly toilet paper.