Install low-flow showerheads. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 limits showerheads to 2.5 gpm at 80 psi water pressure. In areas with municipal water and reasonable water pressure, a quality 1.5 gpm showerhead will probably be adequate. In rural areas with well water and variable water pressure, some suggest that 2.0 gpm is required for a satisfactory shower, though I’ve used a 1.5 gpm model for years with great satisfaction.
Install water-efficient faucet aerators. In residential bathrooms, install faucet aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1.0 gpm. For kitchens, a higher-flow faucet or retrofit aerator may be needed for filling pots. The legal limit is 2.5 gpm. “Laminar-flow” faucets, which produce a hollow “cylinder” of water, create the look and feel of a much fuller flow.
Install foot or knee controls for faucets. This can save significant quantities of water (including hot water), along with adding convenience.
Install water-efficient clothes washers. The best horizontal-axis washers use less than half as much water per cubic foot of capacity as standard vertical-axis washers. A few vertical-axis washers do nearly as well.
Install water-efficient dishwashers. Water- and energy-efficient dishwashers use as little as 4.5 gallons of water per load. The Energy Factor (EF) of dishwashers is a fairly good indicator of water efficiency, since approximately 90% of the energy use of a dishwasher is for water heating.
