Low flow water fixtures are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses around the world and for good reason. These fixtures can help you save a significant amount of water, money, and energy, while also reducing your impact on the environment.

Low flow fixtures are designed to limit the amount of water that flows through them, without compromising on performance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program, the standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). A low-flow WaterSense labeled showerhead uses no more than 2 gpm. This could save the average family 2,700 gallons of water and 330 kilowatt hours of electricity (reduced water heater demands) per year. 

Reduced Water Usage

The most obvious advantage of low flow fixtures is that they help you save water. This is important for a number of reasons. Fresh water is a precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. By using less water in our homes and businesses, we can help to conserve this resource for future generations. Using less water also means that we can reduce the amount of energy that is required to treat and transport that water, which helps to lower our carbon footprint.

Lower Utility Bills

In addition to reducing your water usage, low flow fixtures can also help you save money on your utility bills. By using less water, you'll be using less energy to heat that water, which can result in significant savings over time. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a family of four can save around $380 per year by switching to WaterSense-labeled fixtures.

Improved Performance

One of the concerns that some people have about low flow fixtures is that they won't work as well as their higher flow counterparts. However, this is generally not the case. Many low flow fixtures are designed with innovative technologies that help to maintain strong water pressure and flow while using less water overall. This means that you can enjoy the same great performance that you're used to, without wasting water. WaterWise ensures that fixtures like showerheads meet requirements for spray force, spray coverage, and pressure compensation so you don’t have to compromise. 

Easy Installation

Another advantage of low flow fixtures is that they are generally very easy to install. In most cases, you can simply swap out your existing fixtures for low flow versions, without any major modifications to your plumbing. This makes it a quick and easy upgrade that can have a big impact on your water usage and utility bills.

Environmental Benefits

Finally, it's worth noting that low flow fixtures have a range of environmental benefits beyond simply conserving water. By reducing your water usage, you'll be helping to lower your carbon footprint, since less energy will be required to treat and transport that water. Additionally, you'll be reducing the amount of wastewater that is generated in your home or business, which can have a positive impact on local ecosystems. As mentioned before, it can also reduce energy use for water that needs to be heated for showerheads, faucets, and any other needs. 

If you're interested in making the switch, there are plenty of great resources available to help you get started. The EPA's WaterSense program is a great place to start, with a wealth of information on water-efficient products and practices. You can also check with your local utility company or a government agency to see if they offer any incentives or rebates for installing low flow fixtures. With so many benefits to be gained, it's definitely worth considering making the switch to low flow water fixtures in your home or business.