A new shower system combats climate change and water scarcity

The new technology reduces water use by 85 per cent and energy use by 75 per cent compared to a standard shower

Spotted: A warm shower may be one of life’s simple pleasures. But it comes with an environmental price. The average showerhead uses 12 litres of water per minute – in a world where four billion people experience severe water shortages at least one month per year. And it isn’t just the water itself that’s wasted when you spend too long in a conventional shower. Heating water requires energy which, in a world still dependent on fossil fuels, means carbon emissions. The UK’s Energy Savings Trust reports that hot water use emits 875 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide per household per year.

To reduce the impact of showering, Danish company Flow Loop has developed a new recirculating shower. Unlike a conventional shower, a recirculating shower doesn’t let all the warm water go down the drain. Instead, water is recovered from the shower floor and passes through a filtration system. It is then re-circulated through the shower head. The water continuously cycles through the system until the user is done.

Hygiene is an important consideration for the Eco Loop. The reclaimed water goes through several layers of filtration. A pre-filter and micro filter prevent large and small particles from entering the system. An ultrasonic descaler then removes limescale, and a UV filter eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms.

Flow Loop’s system can be retrofitted, without the need for a full bathroom refurbishment. In fact, the company claims that it can be placed in an existing shower and connected to water electricity in less than 30 minutes. Another differentiator for the Eco Loop is the pump that recovers the water. This provides up to 50 per cent higher flow than other water-saving shower solutions – an important factor in the trade-off between comfort and eco-friendliness.

The Eco Loop system currently retails for between $4000-$6000 (€3,500-€5,300).

Other water saving innovations spotted by Springwise include a shower sensor that encourages users to save wate, and a ‘fit bit’ for household water meters.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead