Combat Drought: Low-Flow Fixtures
For those who live in California, you probably know that we are currently in the grips of the worst drought in recent history. The graphic below shows how much water major California cities are currently using.
So what can we do to help reduce water usage? In a series of blogs focusing on how interior design can contribute to conserve water, we’ll give you some great tips and introduce you to products that will make conserving water simple and beautiful. Today’s edition: Low-flow fixtures!
graphic courtesy MotherJones.com
One of the simplest retrofits you can perform yourself is to add an aerator to your sink faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. Aerators cost little and can be found at your local hardware store. “They’re rated for different flows, and a flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallons per minute should be sufficient for a bathroom sink,” says Chrissy Trask, author of It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living.
You could also install a shut-off button or pull-chain on your current showerhead, making it simple to temporarily stop the water flow while shampooing, without losing water temperature.
Left: Faucet aerator graphic courtesy greenandsave.com / Right: Shower water stop graphic courtesy ec.gc.ca
If you haven’t yet installed a low-flow shower head because you remember the barely-dripping showers from the 1990s, there are now beautiful options with powerful water pressure! When it comes to showerheads, it pays to be picky. “Don’t just shop around for the cheapest model you can find,” Trask warns. “You want a showerhead that provides enough pressure to rinse the shampoo out of your hair, and that means spending a little more for the aerated type.”
Left: American Standard FloWise Transitional 3-function water-saving shower head / Right: Yakult Rain Showerhead
The American Standard FlowWise 3-function showerhead features exclusive turbine technology that delivers an invigorating shower using 20% or 40% less water, which can save a family up to 8,000 gallons of water a year. Choose from a turbine, full or combination spray. Matches contemporary, transitional or modern bathroom designs.
The Yakult Rain Handheld Showerhead comes in a 100% brass or chrome finish with a 5-year warranty – the same quality used in hotels. The 8-inch model features a 2.0 gallon-per-minute flow rate, saving 20% water usage compared to a standard model, plus the handheld option is perfect for bathing children and washing pets with ease while blending with modern bathroom designs.
In our next drought conscious blog posts, see tips on how interior design choices can conserve water with Washing Machines and Sinks & Toilets. Meanwhile, if you’re ready to remodel that kitchen or bath, contact us to redesign your space with beauty and eco-conscious fixtures. We make water conservation beautiful!
Kimball Starr Interior Design is a San Francisco design firm that offers interior remodels and decorating services for homes throughout the SF Bay Area. Our designs are focused on creating modern and eco-conscious interiors for relaxed California living.
