Environmental scientists are advocating for simple changes in daily habits, such as pausing the shower water while lathering shampoo, to help mitigate England's anticipated water deficit. Projections indicate that by 2055, England could face a daily water shortfall of five billion liters, posing risks to supply stability.
Researchers propose that modifying everyday routines can be as effective as employing water-saving technologies like specialized shower heads. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management highlights the impact of a 'single, efficient pause while lathering' on water usage. Dr. Pablo Pereira-Doel from the University of Surrey stated that the primary factors influencing water consumption during showers are not personal characteristics or location, but rather the specific actions taken within the shower. He noted that practices like shampooing twice or letting the water run while lathering can extend shower times unexpectedly.
The study revealed that factors such as someone else paying the water bill, living in areas with soft water, and shampooing twice can increase water consumption. Conversely, incorporating a pause during lathering was found to reduce overall water use.
Showers contribute up to 45 percent of indoor household water use, making them a significant factor in overall water consumption. To explore methods for reducing this use, a team monitored 319 households in Germany. Smart sensors installed in bathrooms recorded shower duration, water pauses, and environmental conditions over a 40-day period, capturing data from 8,550 individual showers. Time-stamped surveys were also used to understand how personal routines influenced water consumption.
On average, participants spent four minutes and 48 seconds in the shower, with nearly two-thirds completing their showers in five minutes or less. However, approximately one in seven showers exceeded eight minutes, consuming substantially more water. The research found that over half of showers involving shampooing had no pause in water flow, indicating a common practice of leaving the water running.
The analysis also found that individuals who shampooed twice spent about 27 percent longer in the shower compared to those who shampooed once. Water hardness also played a role, with showers in soft water areas lasting about 23 percent longer, potentially due to the richer lather produced, which may encourage longer washing times. Younger and middle-aged adults tended to spend more time in the shower than those over 50.
The researchers suggest that behavioral prompts, real-time feedback from smart devices, and even redesigned haircare products could encourage shorter showers. A separate study indicated that installing shower meters, which track water usage time, could help reduce shower durations. Water professionals in the UK have identified fixing leaks, showering habits, and toilet flushing as key areas for public water conservation.
Showering typically uses between six to 15 liters of water per minute. With the average Briton spending 6.7 minutes showering, this can amount to approximately 100 liters of water per shower. The UK government aims to reduce daily water consumption to 110 liters per person by 2050, highlighting the impact a long shower can have on this target.
One study demonstrated that shower timers reduced shower times by 26 percent. Co-author Sofie Voss noted that real-time feedback can interrupt habitual showering, creating awareness and prompting individuals to finish sooner.