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After a day of work, there is nothing more relaxing than a hot bath. However, although it feels unbelievable, it is also expensive-both in the environment and in the wallet. The EPA estimates that for the average household, showers account for nearly 17% of indoor water consumption, or nearly 40 gallons per day. Installing low-flow shower heads helps reduce water consumption, which in turn helps save energy and water bills.

Although many shower head manufacturers advertise "low flow" products, in fact, they produce a standard maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Today, many states, such as Colorado, California, and Vermont, have implemented lower flow rate requirements-this trend is likely to continue. In order to meet demand, the company is producing a variety of truly "low flow" shower heads to provide eco-conscious consumers with more water-saving options.

Here are the best low-flow shower heads, from affordable options to luxurious, innocent shower systems.

The family-owned High Sierra shower head is affordable and durable, unique, and won the EPA's WaterSense Strategic Cooperation Excellence Award (2016). The sturdy, sturdy metal shower head provides powerful spray, adjustable direction rotation device and drip option button that can save water when foaming.

It is also specially designed with larger flow channels, so it will not block or require additional cleaning. In addition to being certified by WaterSense, High Sierra also complies with the Purchase of American Goods Act. The shower head is made of chrome, nickel, oil-brushed bronze and polished brass, and the flow rate can be 1.5, 1.8 or 2.0 GPM.

To obtain the WaterSense label, the EPA requires shower heads to prove that their use does not exceed 2.0 GPM. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that “if every household in the United States installs shower heads with the WaterSense label, we can save more than $2.9 billion in utility bills and more than 260 billion gallons of water each year.”

If you want to try a water-saving shower head, but are looking for an economical and effective product, Delta Fundamentals single set shower head (52672-15-BG) can meet all requirements. This fixed round shower head with WaterSense label can generate a flow rate of 1.5 GPM and quickly recover costs by reducing water bills.

This Delta has no bells and whistles-it uses a simple one-time design that can be sprayed all over the body. It is available in chrome or white, and has also passed the California Energy Commission (CEC) certification. 

Many low-flow shower heads are fixed in place, but if you are looking for the convenience of hand-held shower heads, check out Waterpik EcoFlow. The handheld is equipped with six different spray settings, such as pulse massage, full body, champagne and throttling water flow.

The flow rate of Waterpik is only 1.8 GPM, which means that a one-person household can save $45 in water and electricity bills per year. The shower head has a chrome finish, anti-clogging nozzles and ample 5-foot hose to extend the range of use. EcoFlow is reasonably priced, easy to install (less than 10 minutes), and is certified by WaterSense.

If you are using an existing shower valve, please consult the manufacturer first to ensure that it is compatible with low-flow shower heads. 

The pressure generated by the shower nozzle depends to a large extent on the pressure available in the domestic water supply system. However, the Earth shower head (N2915BN) listed by WaterSense has done an excellent job of regulating this pressure, and the result is a consistent and smooth water output (while still maintaining the flow rate at 1.5 GPM).

Non-aerated flow also helps to maintain temperature, so less energy is lost (and thus costs are lowered). Earth Showerhead has nine different massage jet settings and three adjustable water flow settings: needle, massage and combination. In addition, installation is quick and easy. Affordable, brushed nickel finishes add a stylish look, and other finishes are also available.

There are a variety of shower heads that simulate soothing rainfall by providing a wider surface area and gentle water flow (instead of high-voltage direct current). However, few manufacturers offer this design with a truly low flow output (less than 2.5 GPM).

The highlight of Signature Hardware's Lambert Rainfall shower head is that the 10-inch shower head is wider than some competitors while still maintaining a flow rate of 1.8 GPM. This beautiful shower head is made of brass, made of brushed nickel, chrome or bronze, and is installed on the ceiling to reproduce the feeling of rain without falling too much water.

In 2021, Hawaii and Washington will join more and more states to implement the new low-flow standard (1.8 GPM), and by 2022, New York will implement a 2.0 GPM rate.

Moen aromatherapy hand shower allows you to enjoy a refreshing spa-like experience without leaving home, transforming the shower into a Zen-like calming experience. This innovative handheld design releases essential oils into the shower stream, and the aroma level can be adjusted on the infusion dial.

With a wide variety of sesame oils ranging from lavender and tea tree to vanilla and lemon, and with a flow rate of 1.75 GPM, you can enjoy a luxurious shower without guilt. It is worth noting that only three aromatherapy cabins are included, but additional capsules can be purchased separately. The WaterSense certified shower head also has six unique pulse settings, a magnetic base and a chrome finish.

If you cannot choose between a fixed shower head or a hand shower, you can have both at the same time. PULSE's Oasis shower system has a variety of options: the shower head has five settings, and the handheld has six settings, including wide spray, jet and combination.

The system has a flow rate of 1.8 GPM (during regular use), and the option of throttling water flow can further save water. Although many shower heads are placed at an angle, PULSE ShowerSpas flows directly to the bather, and can be used simultaneously or separately with handheld devices.

For those who live in mobile homes, RVs, small houses or boats with limited water, Bricor Ultramax is a good choice. The innovative, WaterSense-certified shower head sets the standard with an unprecedented standard flow rate of 0.625 GPM. This speed is one of the lowest in the industry, but it still maintains a consistent feeling of water flow.

The durable shower head is made of solid brass and is affordable, but it will save consumers more in the long run. Remember, due to its remarkable water saving efficiency, this shower head is perfect for those who are looking for an adequate but not luxurious shower experience.

Although recirculating showers are considered more complicated (and more expensive) than basic shower heads, they may be the way of the future and the gold standard for saving water in bathrooms. These cutting-edge technologies can save up to 80% of energy and 90% of water.

Many companies developing these new showers have provided a waiting list to purchase them, including Orbital Systems, an award-winning shower that is expected to achieve a return on investment within 3.5 years. The Orbital shower does not waste water once it is used, but reuses warm soapy water, filters and purifies it, and then pumps it back to the shower itself, so it is already heated. This method greatly reduces heating and water bills, which means you can enjoy a longer shower.

If you are looking for top-of-the-line fixed shower heads at a reasonable price, you can hardly beat High Sierra Showerheads Classic PLUS (check it out on Amazon). If low prices are the priority, consider using the Delta Fundamentals single-set shower head (check it on Build), or if you crave a bit of luxury, the Moen Aromatherapy Handshower (check it on Bed Bath & Beyond) will transform your bathroom.

The easiest way to find a low-flow shower head is to look for the WaterSense label to ensure that the shower head does not use more than 2.0 GPM. EPA has a convenient online search option that can categorize shower heads with the WaterSense label by brand and flow rate.

There are two types of low-flow shower heads: inflatable and non-inflatable. The aeration spray allows air to mix in the shower stream, providing a consistent, softer flow of water and a faster cooling rate. The non-air-filled shower nozzle forces the water flow through the smaller spray holes, thereby generating greater pressure and stronger pulsation effect.

If you have an older valve in your home, check to make sure it has automatic temperature compensation (ATC) compatible with shower heads (not designed for higher flow rates). Otherwise, you may be at risk of temperature shocks due to the use of low-flow shower heads.

Low-flow shower nozzles limit the amount of water dispensed per minute in two different ways: aerated spray (allowing air to enter the water stream) and non-aerated spray (injecting more pressure through a smaller nozzle). By reducing water flow, they also reduce the energy required for hot showers. 

Most WaterSense-certified shower heads produce between 1.5 and 2.0 GPM, but some low-flow shower heads (such as Bricor Ultramax) have even lower output. According to the EPA, switching to a low-flow shower head with a WaterSense label can save an average household up to 2,700 gallons per year (if your shower head has a GMP rate of 2.5). The average flow rate of shower heads in houses built before 1992 was 5 GPM-leading to a significant increase in bills and water waste.

In newer homes, installing a low-flow shower head is a simple DIY process that only takes a few minutes. However, if you live in an old house without automatic temperature compensation valves, you should consult a professional to ensure proper installation.

Amber Nolan is a nature lover and outdoor explorer with a passion for sustainable living. Her work has appeared on TripSavvy, Sherman's Travel, Frommers.com and 10Best.com. She lives off the grid, and one of her many environmental projects is outdoor solar showers using low-flow technology.

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"Notice of Recent Regulatory Review and WaterSense Program Information Request." Federal Registrar.

"Improve water efficiency standards." New York City Water Efficiency and Building Stormwater Commission.

"The benefits of rail showers." Rail systems.

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