The End of the Custom Shower

Whaza' Showerhead?  

In 1992 Congress enacted a federal law saying, a showerhead can not deliver more than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM).  Before this, the average shower put out 6-7 GPM.  But the question really never answered was, “What constitutes a showerhead?” 

Is it everything past the mixing valve?  Is it one or more nozzles in a shower?  Is it single or multiple openings?  Hand showers? 

So for nearly 20 years the term ‘showerhead’ was understood by the manufacturing industry to mean a single device that directs water to a bather.  Each nozzle was considered in compliance if it delivered a 2.5 GPM or less.

More Industry Confusion

But in May of 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) said a ‘showerhead’ may incorporate one or more sprays, nozzles, or openings.  Under the new interpretation, all nozzles would count as a single showerhead[1] and if taken together, can’t exceed the 2.5 GPM maximum. 

Under this meaning, your deluxe shower with its 4 or more body sprays must be added together, and not looked at individually.  And this changes everything, especially if you want to enjoy a personal spa experience at home.

The 2011 DOE Guidance

The Showerhead Enforcement Guidance which was issued on March 4, 2011 by the Department of Energy states that, in essence, multiple spraying components sold together as a single unit designed to spray water onto a single bather constitutes a single showerhead.  (Hum, even this still seems open to interpretation.)

And to avoid economic turmoil and waste, the Department has a two year grace period to allow manufactures time to sell their remaining non-compliant multi-nozzle products, and adjust their product designs to ensure compliance. 

Green vs Choice

There is definitely a fine line between conserving energy and free choice.  One side says, “If I can afford a $5,000.00 shower that puts out 18 GPM that’s my right.”  The other side says, “Clean water is not limitless, and the Earth’s resources belong to the future of all our children.” 

While the average consumer is just asking the question, “What’s next?"  If saving water is the goal, should we not start with the extras; swimming pools, lawn sprinklers, and car washes?  And if the object of a shower is to get clean, how much water is then considered to be excessive?  

Will the DOE come into your bathroom?    

The 2011 Guidance states it does not regulate the behavior of consumers or how they, an architect, or home builder may wish to design a shower[2].  But it’s hard to design, purchase, and install what can no longer be sold or manufactured. 

I have a feeling there is more to come on this issue.  But for now I’ll close with this quote by Jim Brewer, Trinity Home Design Center's Bath Consultant, “You can interpret it how you want, but it appears the day of the custom shower will be ending on March 4, 2013 unless the total water output is 2.5 GPM or less.” 

---

[1] APA: New Regulation of Multi-head Shower Fixtures - WSJ.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB1000142405274870491330457537146261146

3490.html

[2] APA: Update: DOE Withdraws Showerhead Interpretive Rule - This ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pmengineer.com/Articles/Breaking_News/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000

001014822