EXPERT ADVICE
An expert guide to water saving showers
Updated 07/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Content Team
Water-saving showerheads are one of the simplest changes you can make to cut both water use and energy bills, and UK regulation is about to make comparing them much easier. Here's how they work, what's changing, and how to choose the right one.
How water-saving showerheads actually reduce usage
The technologies behind them
A new UK labelling scheme worth knowing about
Which shower types suit low vs high water pressure
The real pros and cons of switching
How much water (and money) you can realistically save
Find a plumber near you
How do water-saving showers work?
Water-saving showers typically use a low-flow showerhead that restricts water flow while maintaining adequate pressure, through aeration, flow restrictors, or laminar flow design. Some also include a flow control valve so you can adjust flow to your preference, and self-cleaning nozzles that help prevent limescale clogging over time.
Low flow restrictors
Small devices fitted inside the showerhead that create a narrower opening for water to pass through, directly reducing water use.
Aeration
Mixes air into the water stream to create larger, more voluminous droplets, giving the impression of a stronger flow despite using less water.
Laminar flow
Produces a stream of individual droplets rather than a wide spray, focusing the water and reducing overall usage.
Pulse flow
Creates bursts of water rather than a constant stream, lowering the overall flow rate.
Dual-spray
Lets you switch between spray patterns, such as a strong jet or a gentler mist, so you can use less water when you don't need full pressure.
A new UK labelling scheme worth knowing about
From 2026, the UK is introducing a Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS). It will give water-using products, including showers, taps, and toilets, a clear A-F efficiency rating at the point of sale, similar to existing energy labels on appliances. This should make it much easier to compare water-saving showerheads on genuine performance rather than marketing claims alone.
This sits alongside Building Regulations Part G, which currently limits new-build water consumption to 125 litres per person per day (with a stricter 110 litre/day standard in some areas), and is under consultation to be tightened further. If you're planning a renovation or new bathroom, ask your installer whether stricter local water efficiency targets apply in your area.
Water efficiency is only one factor in choosing a shower. If you're deciding on the shower itself, not just the showerhead, our guide on the best shower brands covers reliability and features too.
What types of shower suit your water pressure?
Low pressure systems
You still have a wide choice, including mixer, digital, electric, and power showers, as long as they meet the minimum pressure required under plumbing regulations. A plumber can confirm which options work with your specific system.
High pressure systems
A higher flow rate opens up larger or multiple shower heads, such as rain heads and body jets, and typically supports running two or more appliances simultaneously.
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Pros and cons of water-saving showerheads
Pros
Energy savings: less water means less energy spent heating it, which can meaningfully lower your energy bills. For more ways to cut energy use, see our guide on how to make your home more energy efficient.
Water savings: reduces both your bills and the strain on local water systems, an increasingly important factor as parts of the UK face growing water stress.
Easy to install: most are straightforward to fit, though we'd still recommend hiring a professional to avoid a flooded bathroom or damaged tiles from a poor fit.
Cons
Reduced pressure feel: some people find lower-flow showerheads less satisfying, particularly if you're used to a powerful jet.
Higher upfront cost: water-saving showerheads can cost more than standard models.
Fewer style options: the range of designs is typically narrower than standard showerheads.
Shower installation: Cost breakdown 2026
Having trouble with your shower? We've put together this guide on the cost of installing a replacement shower unit (including the pump, pipework and shower head) to help you manage your budget for the project.
How long should a shower take to save water?
A shower of around 5-7 minutes is a reasonable water-saving benchmark, since most people use roughly 40-50 litres of water per shower at that length. A water-saving showerhead can reduce flow by 5-10 litres per minute compared to a standard showerhead, which can use up to 20 litres per minute; a water-saving model at 9 litres per minute or lower makes a meaningful difference over a typical week of showers.
Other water-saving habits
Fit a water-saving timer
Turn off the water while lathering or shampooing
Choose showers over baths where practical
Fix any leaks promptly, since a dripping shower or tap wastes water continuously
Before you switch to a water-saving showerhead
Find a plumber to fit your water-saving shower
Find a plumber near you
FAQs
Yes, both on water bills and on the energy used to heat that water, since less water flowing means less needs heating in the first place.
The Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS), coming into force from 2026, will give water-using products including showers an A-F efficiency rating at the point of sale, similar to existing energy labels.
Many will, but always check the manufacturer's minimum pressure requirement against your system before buying, or ask a plumber to confirm.
A standard showerhead can use up to 20 litres per minute, while a water-saving model typically uses 9 litres per minute or less, a meaningful reduction over a typical shower length.
It's often straightforward, but hiring a professional reduces the risk of leaks or damage to surrounding tiles from a poor fit.
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