Has WaterSense taken any extra steps to educate consumers about plumbing system safety?
Usually showerhead product packaging lists the flow rate at 80 psi, while most mixing valves (i.e., products that are installed as part of the shower system to adjust for temperature and pressure fluctuations) are rated at 45 psi, making it difficult to match these components. By requiring manufacturers to mark showerhead product packaging with the minimum flow rate at 45 psi WaterSense has taken this extra step to make it easier for consumers and plumbers to identify compatible shower system components. To provide maximum safety, purchase a showerhead and automatic-compensating mixing valve that are marked with the same flow rate at a pressure of 45 psi. EPA will continue to communicate with the appropriate standards-setting bodies so that plumbing standards address the compatibility of showerhead components (i.e., showerheads and mixing valves), to ensure that these products provide the maximum safety to consumers.
