WaterSense Labeled Showerheads look for Showering is one of the leading ways we use water in the home, accounting for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use. For the average family, that adds up to nearly 40 gallons per day. That's nearly 1.2 trillion gallons of water used in the United States annually just for showering, or enough to supply the water needs of New York and New Jersey for a year! By retrofitting your showerheads with WaterSense labeled models, you can save a considerable amount of this water. SHOWER WITH POWER Did you know that standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm)? Showerheads that earn the WaterSense label must demonstrate that they use no more than 2.0 gpm. The WaterSense label also ensures that these products provide a satisfactory shower that is equal to or better than conventional showerheads on the market. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) worked with a variety of stakeholders—including consumers who tested various showerheads—to develop criteria for water coverage and spray intensity. All products bearing the WaterSense label must be third-party certified to ensure they meet EPA water efficiency and performance criteria. WATERSENSE SAVINGS The average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy. The average family could save more than 370 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, or the amount it takes to power a house for 13 days. On a national scale, if every home in the United States installed WaterSense labeled showerheads, we could save more than $2.2 billion in water utility bills and more than 260 billion gallons of water annually. In addition, we could avoid about $2.6 billion in energy costs for heating water. WaterSense labeled showerheads could save the average family 2,900 gallons of water per year. LOOK FOR THE WATERSENSE LABEL! Whether you are replacing an older, inefficient showerhead or simply looking for ways to reduce water use and utility bills in your home, look for the WaterSense label when purchasing showerheads to help you identify models that save water and perform well. In many areas, utilities offer rebates and vouchers that can lower the price of a WaterSense labeled showerhead. For more information or a list of WaterSense labeled products, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. ^EPA^ PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSITE www.epa.gov/watersense EMAIL watersense@epa.gov r% rn* epa-832-f-09-012 SVtnFV February 2013 ------- |