Isn't There a Simpler Way to Save on Water?

Sometimes "expert" advice on how to save money isn't all it's cracked up to be. One example? Many experts advise consumers to buy a "low-flow" faucet head to save money when taking a shower. How are you advised to test to see if you need one? One expert says you should turn your shower "on full", then see how long it takes to fill a 2-quart saucepan. "If it takes fewer than 12 seconds, you could use a low-flow shower head."

In the next paragraph, the expert advises that such showerheads can cost as much as $50, but "you'll save that in hot water costs in a few months."

This may be true, but here's an alternative solution......don't turn your water on full when you take a shower!

Is there a rule that says you have to be blasted by water at full pressure? Turn your faucet on high enough to make the switch from tub spout to shower head....then ease back on the pressure. All you really need for a shower is a warm stream of water, true? If you try, you'll likely to find that you can take a perfectly comfortable shower with the water at half-pressure. That will save plenty of hot water...and it won't cost you $50!