Types of water-saving showers

Quebecers are major water consumers

Every day, Quebecers use 400 litres of potable water per person. Over the course of a year, that adds up to the equivalent of five above-ground pools. This figure is twice that of Europeans and nearly 18% higher than the Canadian average. However, by taking small steps, we can improve our track record. Though alarming, these statistics can be a catalyst for change and help us reduce our water consumption as well as our monthly energy bills.

Some 35% of the total water consumption of a given Québec household is due to taking showers or baths. Are we more lax about our overconsumption because we think we have an ample supply of water on our territory? This is likely a partial explanation, but there are also ingrained habits that we should reconsider. Baths are a prime example. Although it’s clearly enjoyable to take a bath, by opting for a shower instead, you will use a lot less than the 150 litres of water required to fill the tub. More specifically, a six-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead will only use 35 litres of water.

Did you know that heating water represents 20% to 30% of your electricity bill and is the second-largest source of energy consumption at home? These are both good reasons to use appliances and products that will save you water and energy.

Let’s take a closer look at showers. Is simply switching from taking baths to showers enough to be able to say that you’re saving water? Unfortunately, the answer is more complicated than that. A standard-flow showerhead uses 10 to 20 litres of water per minute! You will therefore need to up your game. Installing a low-flow showerhead or an aerator for your showerhead is strongly recommended to reduce the amount of hot water you use in the shower. Solutions Ecofitt offers a number of products for both fixed and handheld showerheads that bear the WaterSense label.

What criteria should you consider when choosing a showerhead? Be sure it has a maximum flow of 7.6 litres per minute, complies with environmental standards and meets your criteria in terms of style and comfort. Many companies, such as Waterpik, Delta, Moen, American Standard, to name a few, offer these types of products. There is also a product called the Power-Pipe, which is aimed at preheating cold water with heat from waste water.

These eco-friendly products are a great start, but there’s still much work to be done. To lower your energy bills and increase your comfort, take advantage of the grants offered by Énergir by opting for a condensing boiler, which quickly produces even heat while minimizing energy loss. It’s up to all of us to take the leap and make choices that are good for both the planet and our budgets, as they can lead to substantial savings.