When it comes to saving water in the bathroom, there are many ways to do so. For one, you can choose showers over baths. However, it's still important to conserve water in the shower, even though showering uses less amount of water than bathing. Note that long showers are just as problematic as baths!
According to the EPA, water used in the shower accounts for nearly 17% of residential indoor water use. Thus, one of the easiest ways to save water at home and on a daily basis is by switching to a shower head that uses less water. Many people don't think about this when they are trying to save money on their water bill, but it certainly can make a big difference. Remember, every drop of water counts and is worth saving!
But which shower head uses less water? In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of shower heads that use less water and focus on the StoneStream EcoPower shower head which has high water flow velocity yet saves water.
The Importance of Water Saving Shower Heads
Showering is a relaxing activity. Indeed, many people get away from the stresses of everyday life in the shower. Thus, you might not be thinking about saving water during a shower (lost in shower thoughts, are we?). This is where water saving shower heads come in — their design ensures that they save water even when you're not consciously trying to do so.
Of course, it's still important that you yourself focus on using less water while showering by either choosing short showers or navy showers, but it's a good idea to have a shower head that uses less water. Do water saving shower heads work? Yes. Not only will you conserve water with them, but you will also conserve energy.
It's essential to remember that water is a finite natural resource. Our planet may be called the "Blue Planet," but it doesn't have a lot of freshwater, which is what we need to survive! So, as responsible citizens of the world, it's important that we save water as much as possible, whenever possible. Choosing a water saving shower head is a good place to start.
Apart from the StoneStream EcoPower shower head, we will also be looking at low-flow shower heads, aerating shower heads, and laminar flow shower heads.
StoneStream EcoPower Shower Head
So if you are looking to save water and lower your utility bills, then the StoneStream EcoPower shower head is what you need to consider getting. This water saving shower head can reduce your water use by up to 35% when compared to traditional shower heads. That means you'll use less water without sacrificing any of the pressure or quality you're used to.
So, how does the StoneStream EcoPower shower head save water? The 250 laser-cut holes in the anodized aluminum plate of the shower head ensure that water comes out at a greater speed but in fewer amounts. Essentially, when you force water to come out through tiny holes, you end up getting less amount of water. However, this same process ensures that you get a high water flow velocity or spray force (or what shower head companies end up referring to as "water pressure"). StoneStream EcoPower shower head increases the water flow velocity by 200% (and don't worry, it's gentle enough for babies and pets so you can imagine how soothing it feels!).
Have trouble understanding how exactly the EcoPower shower head works? Think of a garden hose. You have water steadily pouring out of it. Now, if you block the hole of the hose partially with your thumb, you get less amount of water but higher water flow velocity (the water quite literally shoots out!). This is the same principle that's at work in StoneStream's water saving shower heads (or the EcoPower shower heads).
Saving water is not only needed to preserve a finite natural resource but also a good way to cut down costs. In the average UK home (average household of four), the StoneStream® EcoPower shower head can save £227 on the yearly water bill. A small investment in a shower head like ours right now will save you massive amounts of water and money every day in the future.
StoneStream EcoPower ShowerHead
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Now, let's take a look at the other different types of water saving shower heads — low-flow shower heads, aerating shower heads, and laminar flow shower heads. Although these are quite efficient when it comes to saving water, they aren't great in terms of performance due to extremely low water pressure or spray force.
Low-Flow Shower Head
A low-flow shower head is the most common type of water-saving shower head. This type of shower head has a flow rate of less than 2 GPM (gallons per minute). It has a flow restrictor that, quite literally, restricts the flow of water. It ensures that a less amount of water comes out and so a less amount of water is used.
It's a good idea to install a low-flow shower head to conserve water, but a lot of people find that the low water flow results in an unsatisfactory shower experience. A lot of people end up taking longer showers (to get rid of all the soap, shampoo, and dirt) when they feel that their shower head's water flow isn't powerful.
Aerating Shower Head
An aerating shower head is a type of low-flow shower head that mixes air with water droplets. This creates a stream of water that feels fuller and heavier than a typical shower head. Since air is mixed with water, less amount of water is used during showering.
Although aerating shower heads efficiently save water, their water flow might not feel as efficient. You might find that the water spray feels like a heavy mist on your skin and hair, which can lead to a less-than-stellar showering experience. Another disadvantage is that these shower heads tend to cool down water just a little bit, which might force some people to opt for hotter showers (and thus spend more money on energy).
Laminar Shower Head
A laminar shower head is a type of low-flow shower head that emits streams of water that are parallel to each other. Due to the individual streams of water, this creates a "rainfall" feeling — as you would find in a rain shower head — without using as much water. However, laminar shower heads tend to be expensive.
Less Water, More Power with the StoneStream EcoPower Shower Head
As explained previously, the StoneStream EcoPower shower head (also available in Matte Black) is a high-efficiency, water-saving shower head. It's a great choice for anyone looking to save water and energy without sacrificing any of the pressure or quality they're used to.
We talked about how the StoneStream EcoPower shower head can reduce your water use by up to 35% when compared to traditional shower heads. It also increases water flow velocity by 200%. Additionally, it has 3 spa-like spray settings of rainfall, jetting, and massage. These ensure that you can switch up the water spray pattern based on your needs, making the shower head even more water efficient.
The StoneStream EcoPower shower head also comes with an Eco STOP button. This is extremely helpful in stopping the water flow when you're lathering up, shaving, or simply choosing a song on your playlist in the middle of showering. You'd be surprised to know how many people leave their shower head running while doing tasks that don't even require the use of running water!
With the EcoPower shower head, though, you can stop the water whenever you want by just pressing a button. This is particularly handy when it comes to washing babies, kids, and pets, who tend to move around a lot and require longer showers (which will require more pauses in running water).
Note that the EcoPower shower head for electric showers does not come with an Eco STOP button for safety reasons. So if you do have an electric shower or need an RV shower head, consider getting the EcoPower shower head without the stop button.
Take a look at some of the other features of the StoneStream EcoPower shower head:
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Filters water by removing impurities like chlorine, bacteria, and dirt (choose between our mineral stones filtration system, polypropylene mesh filtration system, and Vitamin C filtration system). Check out this article on the benefits of a shower head that filters water (you'd be surprised by how many there are!).
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Softens water by reducing water hardness and the number of dissolved particles in running water (choose between our mineral stones filtration system, polypropylene mesh filtration system, and Vitamin C filtration system!). Here's an article on the benefits of a water softener shower head (you might know some of them, but we're sure you haven't thought about all of them!).
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Good for skin and hair. The EcoPower shower head filters and softens water, ensuring that the pH of your skin and hair are maintained. Did you know that subpar shower heads can indirectly lead to skin rashes and hair fall?
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Gentle on babies, pets, and the elderly. Despite the high water flow velocity, the spray of water is gentle and soothing.
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Easy to install and compatible with the international standard connection (2 cm connector) which is used in 95% of showers in the world.
StoneStream also manufactures high-quality shower accessories that will go well with your EcoPower shower head. Happy showering and prioritise saving water, always!