Criteria for: Efficient Showers, Low Flow Showerheads

Low Flow Showerheads

To be eligible for inclusion on the Water Technology List the device must meet the following criteria:

Show evidence of compliance with the following sections of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999:

• Part II Requirements – Paragraph 4 ‘Requirements for water fittings etc’
• Schedule 2 – Requirements for water fittings, paragraph 2 ‘Materials and substances in contact with water’
  Note: This would be demonstrated by approval through WRAS (or equivalent independent product certification body) or a declaration that all non-metallic materials in contact with the water comply with BS 6920)
• Schedule 2 – Requirements for water fittings, paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 ‘Requirements for water fittings’
  Note: This would be demonstrated by approval through WRAS (or equivalent independent product certification body) or a declaration of compliance with the following regulators’ specifications)
  6001.1 - Identification
  1112.1 – Porosity test (pressure resistance)
  1113.1 – Joint effectiveness (mechanical strength)

Compliance with the regulations may be demonstrated by approval through WRAS.  Alternatively companies accredited to ISO 9001 may provide a declaration of conformity with the Regulations.

A low flow showerhead is defined as a showerhead that delivers a fully formed spray pattern, with a flow rate of no more than 9 litres/minute when operated at dynamic pressures up to 5 bar (for all spray settings).  The manufacturer shall supply details of the minimum dynamic pressure at which the spray pattern is fully formed.

Low flow showerheads must also meet the following requirements:

Hydraulic Characteristics - when tested using test apparatus generally in accordance with BS 6340-4:1984 the measured flowrate shall not exceed 9 litres/minute under pressures up to the maximum operating pressure specified by the manufacturer or at pressures up to and including 5 bar where no maximum is specified. 

If a flow regulator is required for the low flow showerhead to limit the flow to 9 litres/minute at 5 bar dynamic pressure, the showerhead and the flow regulator must be sold as one product.

Manufacturers should apply to Defra with evidence that their products meet these criteria in order to appear on the Water Technology List.