In a move aligning with former President Donald Trump's priorities, the Republican-led House of Representatives approved legislation designed to alleviate federal restrictions on water flow rates through showerheads.
The legislation, known as the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (Shower) Act, passed with a vote of 226 to 197, including support from 11 Democrats crossing the aisle. Advocates for the bill argue it will eliminate burdensome regulations, facilitating greater water volume through household shower fixtures.
Opponents, however, including many Democrats and environmental advocates, caution that loosening these standards could result in elevated utility expenses for consumers and adverse ecological consequences due to increased water consumption.
"If consumers prefer shower nozzles with modest flow, they can select those options," stated Representative Russell Fry, the bill’s sponsor. "Likewise, if someone desires a stronger water flow, they should have the freedom to choose that without regulatory limitations."
The proposed measure does not delve into extensive technical details and currently faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where focus remains on matters such as government funding and foreign affairs. Nonetheless, it forms part of a broader initiative spearheaded by House Speaker Mike Johnson to embed former executive orders issued during the Trump administration into statutory federal law.
Earlier in April, President Trump signed an executive order terminating water conservation mandates that capped flow rates for showerheads along with other domestic appliances including dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. This legislative initiative seeks to extend that directive by permitting higher allowable flow rates within residential water fixtures.
Environmental organizations have criticized these developments, warning that increased water use could exacerbate resource depletion and boost associated energy consumption. Democratic lawmakers question the timing and priority of such legislation amid significant national challenges.
Representative Melanie Stansbury remarked during floor debate, "Given the current armed conflict and ongoing government accountability concerns, the decision to prioritize a measure focusing on high-end shower fixtures is baffling."
Federal energy laws have long prescribed efficiency standards stipulating that newly manufactured showerheads must not exceed 2.5 gallons per minute (9.5 liters). Under the Obama administration, this limit was refined to apply cumulatively across multi-nozzle showerheads.
During Trump’s presidential term, regulations were temporarily eased to allow each individual nozzle within a showerhead to emit up to 2.5 gallons per minute. This modification was rescinded by the Biden administration in 2021.
Proponents of the current bill assert it corrects regulatory overreach, emphasizing consumer choice and quality of life considerations. Representative Michael Rulli from Ohio expressed concern for working-class Americans, noting, "The subpar shower experiences in motels during vacations—characterized by insufficient water pressure and cold water—compound daily frustrations. This legislation aims to restore a level of comfort for everyday users."