The Reactions of Household Residents to Low-Flow Shower Heads

Richard Katzev


DOI: 10.2190/5UM2-TNKJ-8XTM-RDFF

Abstract

This project investigated the acceptance of water and energy conserving low-flow shower heads by household residents. Subjects were given an opportunity to install one of thirteen different shower heads in their homes. The shower heads differed on three factors: water flow, flow delivery (regular or aerating), and control mechanism (present or absent). In response to questions posed during two telephone interviews, the subjects indicated they were extremely satisfied with the performance of the shower head they had tested and generally preferred it to their old one. This was true soon after they had installed it, as well as several weeks later. There were no significant differences between the thirteen different shower heads, the three shower head factors or any of the demographic variables investigated in this study. The results of the study also raised several questions concerning the actual water and energy savings attributable to low-flow shower heads, as well as cost-effective methods for disseminating this device among a large population of individuals.

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