Rules on showerheads are changed by the Trump administration in its dying days.
The Hill reports that standards for showerheads have been rolled back by changing the definitions of a showerhead which date back nearly 30 years ago and restricted flow to 2.5 gallons per minute. During the Obama administration newer shower fixtures became available with multiple nozzles. It was clarified that the maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute would apply to the total flow from all nozzles. No longer. The new limit is 2.5 gallons per minute per nozzle.
This comes on top of a new washer and dryer rule that sidesteps existing efficiency regulations for washing machines and dryers, allowing them to meet lower standards if they wash and dry in under 45 minutes.
The Energy Department said the changes would improve the quality of life for Americans and save them time that they can use for other tasks. The Hill mentions that “President Trump's fixation.. has been evident throughout his time in office, with him repeatedly bringing up his distaste for energy-efficient showerheads, toilets and even light bulbs and dishwashers.” Specifically Trump has said: “So showerheads — you take a shower, the water doesn’t come out. You want to wash your hands, the water doesn’t come out. So what do you do? You just stand there longer or you take a shower longer? Because my hair — I don’t know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect.”
It’s worth noting that the USA already tops the world tables in water withdrawals per capita. At 1,207 cubic metres per person, their level is double that of Japan, triple that of South Korea, and more than 15 times that of Luxembourg.
One key driver that is increasing water usage across the world is population increase. Three things run counter to simply delivering greater amounts of water: availability of water and the impact of energy used to treat water (both of which have climate change/planetary repercussions), and the cost. New supply is very expensive.
To address these challenges, we need to use less per person and lose less from the network in bursts and leaks.
i2O’s solutions are designed to assist in reducing real losses through effective monitoring and management of networks, and optimisation of pressures.
Whilst sustained behaviour change – showering for less time, not letting the tap run whilst brushing teeth, not watering the grass in dry spells - can contribute, it is difficult to achieve. Product standards are therefore the main tool for reducing usage. They are generally focused on driving product efficiency whilst maintaining efficacy.
We need to use less and lose less because the alternative is too costly. Expect Biden to roll back the Trump administration’s changes. Hope that Biden will also introduce loss reduction targets for water companies in addition.
We wish our readers, of all faiths and none, a very Happy Christmas.