Showering January 07, 2008, 11:57:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 87996We were talking recently about showering (in the context of the water heater discussion), and I thought it would be interesting to get some numbers on water usage--something I did a few years back, but haven't tested since getting my new rig (2003 midbath). I set my pocket digital voice recorder in the bathroom, started it up, and then called out "start" and "stop" as I turned the water on and off at the showerhead. I didn't count the water I ran while waiting for it to warm up, since I collect that and use it to wash dishes throughout the day.My water pump is a Whisper King, and my measurements show that with the hot faucet on full, it delivers 1.5 gallons per minute through my showerhead. (I never mix, because I only run the water heater until it reaches my desired temperature ; then I shut it off and use hot water only.) I have half the holes in the showerhead blocked, so even that low flow rate I get a good vigorous spray. I want to emphasize that I was NOT rushing or trying to set any speed records; this was just a normal daily shower, including washing my hair. I'm bald on top but have shoulder-length hair in back. My hair's not very full, so a person with longer and/or fuller hair would require more time for rinsing. That said, here are the times I measured--that is, the times when the water was running.Wet-down: 6 seconds (lathering and scrubbing with water off not measured) Rinse: 16 secondsTotal water time: 22 seconds Total water volume: 0.6 gallonsThat's a bit less than the last time I checked (in my old rig, with the same water pump and showerhead), when I came up with about 0.9 gallons. Again, this was a normal shower/hair wash--no rushing. Granted, I've been doing this for a few years, so I've had plenty of practice. And it goes without saying that for teenagers, you can probably multiply these numbers by ten. ;-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Showering Reply #1 – January 07, 2008, 12:39:59 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88000Andy, I don't usually do a lot of posting, but after reading about your use of water-I am in complete awe!!!!! Yes, our youngest (did I mention she is a teenager?)camps with us, and there is no way we could dream of even boondocking at this point. Well, we could, but I shutter to think of the number of times (to little avail) I would have to say-"come on, get done." Those of you who do manage to go "days without a dump" are amazing!!!Kathy
Re: Showering Reply #2 – January 07, 2008, 01:39:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88001Quote Those of you who do manage to go "days without a dump" are amazing!!!Kathy I'm not really sure how to take this. TJ
Re: Showering Reply #3 – January 07, 2008, 05:36:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 88014Quote Those of you who do manage to go "days without a dump" are amazing!!!Quote KathyI'm not really sure how to take this. TJ Tom, You know, I reread that line a few times, and decided-what the heck, go for it!! Kathy