How to Save California… in your Shower!
September 27, 2010Article written by Lisa Sten, as seen in Today’s Home Magazine
In January 2010, California officials adopted the country’s first mandatory statewide green building code. The regulations, called Calgreen, will help the state meet its goal of trimming greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2020.
Beginning on January 1st, 2011 every new building in the state will have to reduce water usage by 20 percent. Residential remodeling and new home construction will of course be affected! Water is one of our many extremely valuable resources in California, and our efforts to preserve it and keep adequate supplies on hand will ensure our future success. We’ll showcase some new shower products that will help conserve our water and prepare for the needs of our growing population!
Keep in mind that the current national standard for showerhead flow-rate is 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm); in 2011, you’ll need to comply with at less than or equal to flow rate. While you’re planning your remodel, select an option from the new generation of cost-effective and highly efficient showerheads. Hansgrohe uses an air-injection technology that provides the feel of a higher flow rate showerhead. Delta’s product with H2OKinetic Technology manages water droplet size and velocity, spray coverage and thermal dynamics – they say that the large droplet size provides more water coverage, creating a saturating sensation. Bricor uses a vacuum flow booster valve that aerates and compacts the water under pressure, and Kohler also offers several efficient shower heads with multiple spray options styled to coordinate with their existing product lines.
Consult a knowledgeable plumbing vendor and have fun selecting your new showerhead. Don’t worry – the lower flow rates when combined with the new technologies shouldn’t dampen your showering experience – you’ll still be able to get the shampoo out of your hair!
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