Shower Power: The Handheld, Chrome, Low-flow Showerhead

The low flow showerhead that my tree-hugging king-of-the-four-minute-showers dad installed (circa mid-1980s) was a one-trick pony: It reduced our natural resource-draining deluge to a meager dribble. Yes, our water bills were reduced. So was the loft of my hairstyle — serious trauma for a teenager in the mid-1980s. Luckily, a couple decades have improved the offerings, and I’m not the only one who thinks so.

The Delta Faucet Water Amplifying Adjustable Showerhead ($25) delivers on form, function and environmental responsibility. That means Lazy Environmentalists get the double benefits of refreshing spray plus less water usage. In fact, this showerhead is so widely acclaimed that it garnered 131 5-star reviews on Amazon.com, with raves like, “The 4 jets spray out in a cone pattern creating a full coverage spray across your whole body.” (One reviewer was so enthralled she wrote a poem.)

Oxygenics makes a sleekly modern BodySpa SkinCare handheld showerhead ($32), also in chrome. The very name sounds like it should come with a mudpack and a Swedish masseuse: It doesn’t. However, the manufacturer does promise that the device uses up to 70-percent less water than conventional showerheads. The wand and 59-inch hose make shower time fun again, like back in the rubber ducky days, and water consumption is about 2.5 gallons per minute. A brushed nickel version runs just under $50.

Speaking of fun in the shower, the Peerless 2-in-1 Shower System ($29.99) is both a straight-forward wash, rinse, get on with it showerhead and a hand-held massager. With settings like “crossing spray massage” and “narrow spray massage,” who needs a dollar-a-minute massage therapist? Pop in your own “Sounds of the Rainforest” CD and spend those 2.5 gallons per minute wisely.

Finally, this may not be the prettiest option, but The Roadrunner low-flow showerhead ($39.99) makes up for utilitarian design with bonus environmental perks. Turn it on like normal and let the water warm up while you go about your trouser-folding, music-selecting business. When the water temp hits 95 degrees, the sluice automatically shuts off, saving water and energy until you’re ready to pull the cord and hop in. The flow is a cheer-worthy 1.59 gallons per minute, which earned this showerhead the Terrapass (carbon footprint reducing organization) stamp of approval. This is a Lazy E personal favorite!