As we adapt to the challenge of soaring energy costs, we're all making changes around the home to keep bills down, but are we doing enough to reduce our household's water consumption? If you're looking for a solution to costly water bills, a water-saving shower head is a simple and affordable alteration we can make.
Water-saving shower heads are designed to help you reduce your water consumption, while still allowing you the luxury of a pleasant showering experience. They're of course a more eco-friendly way to shower too - and as they're such an easy swap, kind to your wallet and make for a more enjoyable shower, we think they're really worth looking into.
What to look for in a water saving shower head
Water flow regulator
There are a number of features you can look out for when purchasing a water-saving shower head, but one of the top things to consider is a water flow regulator.
Put simply, shower heads with a limited flow rate can help restrict your water usage. Typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM), the lower the GPM, the more water-efficient the shower head is. High-efficiency water-saving shower heads usually have a GPM of 2.0 or less, while standard shower heads can have a GPM of 2.5 or higher. Look for a shower head with a lower GPM to conserve water without sacrificing water pressure.
Aerated designs
Shower heads with aerated designs are specifically engineered to save water by mixing air with the water flow. This creates a mist-like spray that maintains the feeling of a high-pressure shower while using significantly less water. In an aerated shower head, air is introduced into the water stream as it flows through the shower head. This mixing process results in tiny air bubbles being dispersed throughout the water, effectively 'stretching' the water flow. As a result, the shower spray feels robust and invigorating, even though less water is being used.
Mineral beads
Shower heads with mineral beads, sometimes called ionic shower heads, are designed to address hard water issues, but may indirectly contribute to water conservation. The mineral beads release ions into the water and reduce the concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, softening the water. Softer water makes it easier for soap and shampoo to lather effectively. With better lathering, you can rinse off faster and need less soap to get clean, reducing the time the shower is running, which in turn reduces water consumption.
Interested? Take a browse of the water saving shower heads below to find a design to suit your bathroom, and if you're keeping an eye on your energy consumption, don't forget to have a look at our guide to the best energy monitors for 2024 too.
Best water-saving shower heads for 2024
Methven Maku Satinjet shower head
The Methven Satinjet shower head claims to shower you with 300,000 droplets per second, so you don't have to give up the luxury of a decent shower when going for an eco-friendly design. A greener alternative to a power shower, this shower head is supplied with a nine litres per minute flow regulator, which is lower than average. Not just a water-saving design, but an effortless option too as it should work on all showers, even electric.
Opt for silver or chrome, depending on your bathroom's interior.
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Grohe Tempesta Cosmopolitan shower head
- Buy now from SaveMoneyCutCarbon (£27.50)
While nine litres per minute is considered an eco-friendly option, this design goes the extra mile with a 5.7 litres per minute flow regulator. Choose between a powerful jet spray or a more gentle rain spray, depending on whether you're looking to wake yourself up, or wind down after a long day.
This water-saving shower head should fit onto all standard shower hoses thanks to its universal mounting system. With a scratch-resistant finish and SpeedClean anti-limescale system, you can keep your bathroom looking sparkly clean for longer.
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Shower head with pressure bead filter
Many of the water-saving shower heads feature mineral balls and beads to filter your water. The beads in this design aim to remove toxins, chlorine, heavy metals and fluoride so you can enjoy purified water when showering, and they should also help balance your water's PH.
In terms of water-saving features, this design has thinner nozzles in order to provide a higher pressure rate, and greater power. Get the spa treatment with the massage function, or mix it up with the rainfall and jetting modes.
For more ways to cut down on bills, browse our energy efficient buyers' guides:
- The best energy efficient heaters for your home
- The best energy-efficient tumble dryers on the market
- Best energy-efficient TVs for greener viewing
Hansgrohe Crometta Vario Unica shower set
- Buy now from SaveMoneyCutCarbon (£45.35)
You may be after a full shower set, rather than just a shower head, and this Hansrohe design has plenty going for it. As well as a low flow rate of nine litres per minute, there's eco technology which mixes air into the water flow, allowing you to reduce water consumption by up to 60% all while enjoying the same level of water pressure.
This is a solid option if you're doing up your bathroom, as it comes with a shower slider and hose so you can create a smart, uniform look with everything matching.
This water-saving shower head should save on cleaning time too, as it's been designed with the brand's QuickClean technology so you can remove limescale and dirt with ease.
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Croydex Aqua Air Varone shower handset
- Buy now from Robert Dyas (£26.99)
With so many shower modes to choose from these days - with everything from mist to massage - it can be hard finding a shower head to suit the whole household. This shower handset from Croydex could be your answer as it offers five different modes. Bubbling, massaging, saturating, saturating bubbling and saturating massaging are all up for grabs, take your pick!
This design can half your water usage with its water-saving technology, and what's more, this particular Aqua Air model has been designed to produce bigger and softer water droplets for a pleasant showering experience.
We also like the simple yet stylish look - the chrome stands out from the more traditional silver models.
Showery EcoFlow Shower Head
Showery's EcoFlow shower head feature laser perforated micro-holes and an instant stop/start button, so you can reduce your environmental impact by using less water, plus save money.
It has three shower modes - massage, rainfall and jetting - plus, for every product bought, the company plant a tree.
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