Lo-Flo Faucets Are IN

As environmentalists, we know our three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. We also understand that the three R’s are listed in their order of importance. Reduction of resource usage therefore plays a paramount role in our lives.

Arguably, the important natural resource is water. 60% of our body mass is composed of water. Without water, life would not exist. However, North American society seems oblivious to its value. Everyday, each North American uses over 380 liters of water.

Is this truly necessary? No. The French use half of what we use, and the British one sixth. What are some strategies that we can adopt, to reduce our water usage?

Lo-flo faucets and showerheads effectively reduce water usage, without inconveniencing your washing. How do they work? Most lo-flo faucets have a ring or a series of small holes, through which air can pass. The water, as it flows from the pipe into the faucet, mixes with the surrounding air.

Aeration increases the apparent volume and pressure of the water. For example, although the actual water output through a lo-flo faucet may be 2 gallons per minute, it will feel similar to a regular faucet flowing at 4 gallons per minute. Of course, if you were collecting the water in a glass to drink, you would notice the difference. But for washing hands and dishes, lo-flo faucets are great.

A normal faucet or showerhead emits between 5 to 9 gallons of water per minute. A lo-flo faucet or showerhead, on the other hand, reduces that figure to 2.5 gallons per minute. An extremely efficient lo-flo showerhead, such as the One Gallon per Minute Showerhead from Bricor, is even greener.

Many people have commented that the sensation of water spraying against skin is highly agreeable. Thus, many lo-flo showerheads have additional pressurizing technology. The holes through which the water is forced may be smaller; the showerhead may employ a valve or a partial vacuum; the end goal is to reproduce the feeling of pressure.

Another nice function that comes with most lo-flo showerheads is the pause button. When soaping or shampooing, many leave the shower running, for a sense of warmth, or simply out of laziness. Readjusting the water temperature is time-consuming. The pause button could either turn the full spray into a modest trickle, or stop the flow entirely.  No need to readjust the temperature, but no need to waste water either.

Lo-flo faucets and showerheads are excellent, but imperfect. A common complaint about lo-flow faucets and showerheads is the decreased temperature of the water. However, the difference is generally quite insignificant, and usually unnoticeable.

Are lo-flo faucets and showerheads affordable? Absolutely. In fact, their prices do not differ significantly from their hi-flo peers.  Take a look at these low-flo faucets and showerheads for comparison.