References

Ultra Low Flow 0.5 GPM Shower Head. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2010 from http://www.showerheadstore.com/0-5gpm-showerhead.html

1.5 GPM Ultra low flow efficiency showerhead. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2010 from http://www.showerheadstore.com/lowpressure.html

1.5 GPM Massaging Shower Head. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2010 from http://www.showerheadstore.com/1-5gpm-massager.html

Showerhead GPM - What Is It and Why You Should Pay Attention to It. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2010 from http://www.conservationmart.com/t-Showerhead-GPM.aspx

Brian Skoloff. (October 26, 2007). Much of US Could See a Water Shortage. West Palm Beach, Florida: The Associated Press.

Reflection

When I started this project I didn't really expect the multitude of choices there were for shower heads. I was thinking that it would be pretty easy because, simply stated, a shower head is a shower head. Are there really any differences? I was proved wrong the moment that I typed 'water saving shower heads' in a google search.

This project was slightly complicated at first. Mainly the reason was laziness, but other reasons were: What am I supposed to look for exactly? and, What should I go into specifics about? and other things like that.

My attitude has changed somewhat. On the matter of laziness my attitude started off as, "It doesn't matter". Now, I know that laziness is very dangerous to my projects and grades. My attitude towards water conservation hasn't really changed much. It started off as, "it's pretty important". Now how much water I use on an average when I shower it's more important and I want to do more to help save water.

On person can make a difference. It's really hard for one person to make a difference, but it's possible. But, if that one person was to spread the word about a problem then a big change could happen. That is part of the reason I chose to put my research into a blog. Now, more people can learn about this information.

Half flow discovery

If you do not want to buy a new shower head but you still want to save water, there is one simple thing you can do. Instead of turning your shower on full flow turn it on to only half. With the lower pressure you save water, and therefore you save money, too. It's true! That's what I do to save water. My shower head uses about 1.5 GPM, but I only turn on my shower head to about half flow so I only use approximatley .7 GPM! I'm saving half the amount of water I would usually use and about half the money I would usually spend on water and heating.

Ultra Low Flow 0.5 GPM Shower Head

This shower head is my number one pick. This shower head is even better than other water saving shower heads. It uses only .5 GPM! Not only does it use less water than most shower heads, it will also save you more money than other shower heads would. It still offers a nice shower experience. This shower head creates a spinning cone of water that spins faster than the eye can see, evenly distributing the water. It comes with a black adjuster sleeve that can change the width of the stream from narrow to very wide. A gap is created in the spray pattern if you set it at it's widest setting. this can be useful if you have a sunburn, or are wearing a bandage/cast, or you just want that part of your body to stay dry.

The amount of water that comes out of any shower head depends on the pressure. At 60-80 pounds per square inch (which is the average city water pressure) , approximately half a gallon of water is used per minute. For a quick comparison, check this out:

· 0.40 GPM at 40 PSI
· 0.49 GPM at 60 PSI

· 0.57 GPM at 80 PSI

An important note if you live off the grid:

If you use a well or pump, set the motor to cut on at 65 psi and cut off at 80 psi.

This shower head is available online at this URL:

http://www.showerheadstore.com/0-5gpm-showerhead.html

You may be wary to buy this shower head, considering the price is $37.99, but the savings from this product are great.

1.5 GPM Ultra low flow efficiency showerhead

This shower head is a low-flow showerhead that can turn a small trickle of water into a powerful jet by injecting air bubbles into the stream of water. It uses only 1.5 GPM saving you money on your water bill, and also your heating bill.
Product Details:
· Water that comes from the showerhead is infused with oxygen for your best shower
· Patented technology
· Guaranteed never to clog
· Still gives you a terrific shower while using a much smaller amount of water than a traditional showerhead
· Full-body spray for effective showering.
· Stylish chrome finish looks great in your shower.
· Easy to adjust with one hand or with your eyes closed
· Virtually maintenance free
· Installs easily on a standard shower arm. No plumber required, just a wrench!
This shower head costs $24.99 online at this URL: http://www.showerheadstore.com/lowpressure.html

1.5 GPM Massaging Shower Head

The 1.5 GPM Massaging Shower Head has a pressure regulator that helps it maintain a constant pressure to ensure that you are not hit by any jets of cold air, or distracted by any irregularities in the streams pattern. This shower head is useful if you get your water from an irregular supply. Its able to compensate for low pressure systems, works well with cast iron or bronze pipes like those found in old houses, water pumps in RVs, and homes that rely on well water.

This low-flow shower head help you save money. It uses about 1/3 less water than other traditional models, and therefore has the ability to help you save approximately 66% on various water bills. This shower head even uses less water than some low-flow shower heads. It can offer 40% savings compared to a 2.5 GPM model.

This shower head is highly recommended for dorm or appartment use where you pay for the utilities. There is a flow compensator installed in the shower head that is used to achieve a constant pressure, making this a tamper-proof shower head.

It doesn't cool the water down unlike air injection designs resulting in higher savings.

Features:
· Less temperature loss with maximum energy savings
· Self-cleaning and maintenance-free
· Installs easily (no tools required)
· Consistent flow rate, even at low pressure
· The flow compensator is non-removable, so it can't be tampered with
· Corrosion-resistant, high-impact ABS thermoplastic body
· Meets or exceeds ANSI building codes - it can be installed even in areas with tough water restrictions
· 10-year manufacturer's guarantee

This shower head can be bought online at this URL:http://www.showerheadstore.com/1-5gpm-massager.html

Top Three

I have researched different shower heads and have come up with my personal top three. These shower heads are: number three-1.5 GPM Ultra low flow efficiency shower head , number two- 1.5 GPM massaging shower head , and number one- Ultra Low Flow 0.5 GPM Shower Head. These shower heads may not be the best shower heads out there though, so I urge any one looking to buy a new shower head to do their own research and compare the results.

Low Flow

Low-flow, in a general definition, means that the shower head uses only .5 to 2 GPM. Low-flow shower heads are usually very efficient. They use less water during the shower, but hardly effect the shower experience. Most shower heads now days are low-flow.

Shower Heads

There are many ways to conserve water. One way concerns your shower, or shower head to be precise. Showers use many gallons in each use. Older shower heads use way more than current water saving shower heads, meaning their GPM rating is higher.

GPM stands for gallons per minute. This is the unit used for measuring the water usage of shower heads, washing machines, dish washers, etc.

Say, for example, you have an old shower head that uses between 5 and 8 GPM on full flow. Now, that may not sound like much, but if you have only a 10 minute shower you will use between 50 and 80 gallons every shower. If you only have one 10 minute shower per week you are wasting between 200 and 320 gallons of water every month. That seems like a lot now doesn't it?

Now, if that shower head was replaced by a water saving shower head that uses 1.5 GPM, the numbers will be a lot smaller. A 10 minute shower with a 1.5 GPM shower head at full flow will use approximately 15 gallons. With one 10 minute shower every week, you will only use 60 gallons per month.

Per year with the old shower head you waste between 2600 and 4160 gallons of water. Per year with the new water saving shower head you only use 780 gallons of water. That's a pretty drastic difference if you ask me.

Why Conserve Water?

Water supplies are dropping dangerously. Three years ago, on October 26, 2007, Brian Skoloff wrote an article titled " Much of US Could See a Water Shortage". In this article it was stated that at least 36 states could face water shortages within five years of that time. That's only two years from now! The reasons for these shortages are: a combination of rising temperature, drought, population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess. In 2000, the U.S. used more than 148 trillion gallons of water. This includes residential, commercial, agriculture, manufacturing, and many other uses- adding up to approximately 500,000 gallons per person.

So... Why should we conserve water? I think the answer is pretty obvious.