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Install low-flow showerheads

Tags: Kitchen or bath addition, New construction, Kitchen or bath expanded existing space, Gut rehab, Kitchen or bath existing space, Gut rehab, Kitchen or bath existing space, Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures, cold, dry, hot_humid, marine, mixed_humid, Residential Showerheads

Old showerheads often use lots of water.
Federal law requires new showerheads use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpmGallons per minute. Measure of liquid (usually water) flow.), half the volume produced by many old showerheads. Excellent performance is available with models that use as little as 1.5 gpm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with private industry to establish a performance-based test for low-flow showerheads, although it will be a while before this comes to fruition. Consider mounting the showerhead on a sliding arm. Bringing the showerhead closer makes the shower more satisfying at lower flow rates.

Green Points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. : Up to 2 points each for showers with an average of 1.75 gpm or less, up to 6 points (WE 3).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Up to 3 points for each showerhead with a flow rate of 1.6 gpm or less (801.4)