Replacing your current showerhead with a new model that uses 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) may or may not reduce the wastewater flows from your home. Many people already have a 2.5 gpm (or less) showerhead installed and others throttle their shower down to a flow rate below 2.5 gpm out of personal preference. The national average showering flow rate was measured to be 2.22 gpm (Mayer, et. al. 1999).
Nevertheless, installing a new showerhead is still a good idea and can result in water and as a result wastewater savings, particularly if you live in an older house and have what appears to be an older showerhead. Showerheads are inexpensive (starting at less than $5) and can be a good way to save water in your home.
If you are looking for further water savings in the shower, consider taking shorter showers. If your showerhead uses 2.5 gpm, then you can save 2.5 gallons of water (and wastewater) for every minute you reduce your showering. Consider placing a bucket or plastic basin in the shower with you to collect excess water. This water can then be used to water plants outdoors.
Shower buckets like the one pictured above can be used to reduce wastewater and water plants outside.
Photo source: Aquacraft, Inc. by permission.
Wastewater reduction is especially important for homeowners with septic systems. Reducing wastewater relieves stress on septic systems and can extend the life of this expensive system.