Coming home to relax after a busy day at the office, you may choose to either take a bath or shower. While you feel refreshed afterwards, have you ever considered the environmental impact of these daily routines?
There is an ongoing debate about which is more sustainable between baths and showers. A key factor to consider is water usage. However, is water usage the only metric that matters? Stay with us as we dive deeper into the data, with expert opinions, and advanced technologies to ascertain which is more sustainable.
The Water Usage Debate: Bath vs. Shower
Only through careful observation can we truly determine which is more sustainable and conserves water. According to the Water Footprint Calculator, a regular bath uses about 35 to 50 gallons (132.5 to 189.3 litres) of water on average, depending on the size of the bathtub. A typical shower lasting for six seconds consumes about 2.1 gallons (8 litres) of water. This means a 10-minute shower uses an average of 21 gallons (79 litres) of water.
These are just estimates as the actual water usage can vary based on individual personal hygiene habits. For instance, taking a long shower can end up using more water than filling a bathtub. According to a Water Research Foundation study, the average shower time in the United States is 8 minutes, with an average of 17.2 gallons (65 litres) of water used. While taking shorter showers is more eco-friendly, people who take longer showers lasting more than 20 minutes raise some questions about whether it’s more sustainable than filling a bathtub.
WaterSense-Labelled Showerheads: A Game Changer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasises the importance of upgrading to WaterSense-labelled showerheads to reduce water flow. According to a report by the EPA, if every American home decides to install WaterSense-labelled showerheads, over 260 billion gallons of water would be saved every year. That’s enough water to supply over two and a half million households annually.
WaterSense-labelled shower ensures the efficient use of water. Installing these water-saving showerheads in your home will reduce the water usage of a 10-minute shower time to 12 gallons (45 litres).
Water Heating: A Hidden Factor in Energy Consumption
Hot baths and showers during cold winter months require a significant amount of energy. According to Energy.gov, water heating is responsible for about 18% of a home’s energy consumption. Heating water to a satisfactory temperature increases the cost of utility bills.
An article by the Department of Energy suggests that heating water is the second-largest energy expense in American homes, with costs ranging from $40 to $600 annually per household. Installing showers that use less water ensures a lower energy consumption while frequently hot showers can could increase cost on utility bills. Filling a bathtub with hot water also increases expense on energy bills.
Learn More: 10 Sustainable Ways to Heat Your Home
What Experts Say: Water Conservation, Energy Usage and Sustainability
During a consultation with Professor Paul Kay (Water Resource Expert, University of Leeds), to get a better understanding of the implications of water use in bathrooms. Professor Paul emphasised that while both showers and baths have their place in daily life, showers are generally the more sustainable choice—especially when combined with water-saving technologies like low-flow showerheads. However, it’s important to look beyond just water and consider the energy required to heat that water. Low-energy heating systems, such as solar water heaters, and greywater recycling are the key to making both showers and baths more eco-friendly.”
According to Sandra Postel, Director of the Global Water Policy Project, water conservation is critical in the face of growing global water scarcity. In her words “small changes in our daily habits—like taking shorter showers or switching to low-flow fixtures—can have a major impact on reducing overall water usage.” Postel also added that installing energy-efficient water heaters can also reduce energy consumption related to hot water usage.
Dr Peter Gleick, a leader expert and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, explained that while both personal hygiene routines contribute to overall water usage, public awareness of water-saving technology like low-flow showerheads and timers is still too low. According to Dr Gleick “Education and access to more efficient water systems are key to creating lasting change.”
Comparing the Eco-Friendliness of Baths and Showers: More than Just Water
Energy Usage
Energy consumption for heating water remains a major factor to consider. Filling a bathtub requires an average of 35 to 50 gallons of water and heating that amount of water requires approximately 1.4 kilowatts-hours (kWh). For a typical shower, about 0.81 kWh is used to heat 17 gallons of water according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The bottom line? Showers consume less energy than baths, provided the shower time is less than 10 to 12 minutes with a low-flow showerhead.
Water Footprint: Global Impact
Water scarcity is a serious problem affecting major cities around the world. The Mediterranean region and in places like California experience reoccurring severe droughts. According to a study by the California Department of Water Resources, domestic water use is responsible for about 15% of total water usage in the state.
The recent drought in Barcelona, Spain forced the local government to impose strict water rationing. The daily personal limit for water usage in the Catalan region was set to 42 gallons (160 litres) per person. In sub-Saharan Africa, water scarcity forces most people to rely on just 5 gallons (19 litres) of water per day.
Advanced Water-Saving Technologies: Taking It to the Next Level
New technologies are emerging to ensure efficient water use and less cost on utility bills. The innovative water conservation systems include:
- Recycling Shower Systems: Advanced showers efficiently recycle and filter water as it runs, reducing water usage by approximately 70%.
- Greywater Recycling: Greywater can be filtered and reused for other household purposes, such as flushing toilets or watering plants. Installing greywater systems can significantly reduce household water waste.
- Solar Water Heaters: With solar water heaters, you can heat water without thinking about energy costs. It’s a cost-effective method to heat water in homes sustainably. According to a study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), households that install solar water heaters can reduce their water heating cost by 50 to 80% annually.
The Broader Environmental Impact of Water Use
Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems
Wastewater from baths and showers can carry pollutants from personal hygiene products into aquatic ecosystems. The presence of these pollutants affects vulnerable habitats, especially in water-scarce regions. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), excessive water use has led to the depletion of rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Carbon Emissions from Water Heating
Heating water in homes is not without environmental impact. Homes that use electricity generated from fossil fuels to heat water contribute significantly to carbon emissions. According to the EPA, heating water with electricity generates about 0.92 pounds of CO2 per kWh.
These emissions can however be reduced by households taking shorter showers, using cold water, and upgrading to energy-efficient water heaters.
Learn More: Why Is Green Living Important? Benefits Your Life and the Planet
Health Benefits of Bath vs. Showers: Beyond Eco-Friendliness
Showering: Health and Hygiene
Showers are said to be more effective in washing off bacteria, dirt, and sweat from the body. According to Dr Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, showering helps remove dirt, oil and bacteria, which can unclog pores and improve skin health.
An article published by UCLA Health suggests that cold water immersion increases white blood cell counts, which helps the body fight infections.
Bathing: Recovery and Relaxation
Bathing also has its health benefits. A nice soak in warm water can relieve sore muscles, and stress, and even take care of skin conditions like eczema. Baths with essential oils also help with relaxation. A 2019 study in Sleep Medicine Reviews shows that warm baths can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels.
Baths are ideal for muscle recovery, especially for athletes who need to recover quickly. While showers are better for personal hygiene, baths are better for mental relaxation.
Actionable Tips to Reduce Water and Energy Use
Water is a valuable resource that is often scarce in many regions and we must conserve it with these few practical tips.
- Install low-flow fixtures: Upgrading to WaterSense-labelled showerheads and faucets ensures efficient water use, reducing water usage by 20%.
- Take Shorter Showers: Reduced your shower time to an average of five minutes to conserve water and save on utility bills.
- Opt for Cooler Showers: Lukewarm or cool showers can help cut water heating costs.
- Reuse Bathwater: If you own a bathtub, consider using bathwater for flushing toilets.
- Invest in Solar Water Heating: Live off the grid with solar power water heaters.
The Bigger Picture: Other High-Water Use Activities in Homes
While baths and showers are important, other household activities also contribute significantly to water usage. According to Texas State Water, the top water consumers in American households are:
- Toilet flushing (27%)
- Baths and showers (22%)
- Washing machines (14%)
- Dishwashers (8%)
- Gardens and lawns (33%)
Efficient water use is environmentally important, but, it’s also important we address other areas of the homes where water is used. Conservation methods such as drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-efficiency appliances can significantly reduce water consumption.
The Global Context: Droughts, Water Scarcity, and Conservation
Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, exacerbated by changes in weather patterns that affect the water availability in some regions. According to the United Nations, more than 2 billion people globally currently live in countries experiencing high water stress.
A recent example of severe drought occurred in the Mediterranean region in 2022. Barcelona faced one of its worst droughts in history, prompting authorities to implement three phases of water restrictions:
- Phase one: Limits water usage to 52.8 gallons (200 litres) per person per day.
- Phase two: Reduce it to 47.5 gallons (180 litres).
- Phase three: Further reduces it to 42.2 gallons (160 litres).
Conclusion: The Verdict on Bath vs. Shower
For personal hygiene and eco-friendliness, taking a shower is ideal for cleaning the body while using less water and energy. Upgrading to WaterSense showerheads and solar water heating technologies also ensures efficient water use.
While showers are ideal for hygiene, baths are better for mental relaxation. A nice soak in warm water can relieve sore muscles, reduce stress, and even help with skin conditions like eczema. Baths with essential oils can also enhance relaxation.
Water scarcity is a serious problem affecting major cities worldwide. However, new technologies are emerging to ensure efficient water use and reduce utility costs. Prioritizing water conservation is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Adopting eco-friendly habits to reduce water usage contributes to a more sustainable environment.