AWE Opposes “Shower Act” Aimed at Weakening Efficiency Standard

In May 2025, the Department of Energy adopted a rule intended to roll back the federal showerhead efficiency standard to allow multiple nozzles per showerhead, with each nozzle meeting the standard of 2.5 gallons per minute. Thus, a 3-nozzle showerhead, for example, could flow at 7.5 gpm, which would waste water, drive up water and energy bills, and result in many households running low on hot water. However, a multi-nozzle showerhead isn’t actually allowed under current law, and the definition DOE adopted doesn’t change that (contrary to Administration press releases claiming otherwise).

Now comes legislation, the Shower Act, that could potentially change the law to allow multi-nozzle showerheads. Proponents falsely claim that water-efficient showerheads cost more and don’t perform well and that high flow showerheads are cheaper and will save consumers money. The opposite is true. AWE is working with partners to stop the bill, which will be on the House floor soon. If it passes the House, we are prepared to fight it in the Senate and are optimistic it will die there.

Stay tuned for further updates.