Environmental researchers are urging households to adopt simple changes in showering habits to help address England’s predicted future water shortage. By 2055, experts warn, the country could face a daily water deficit of five billion litres, potentially disrupting supplies.

A recent study led by Dr. Pablo Pereira-Doel examined how everyday behaviors impact water usage during showers, highlighting that pausing the water flow while shampooing could significantly reduce consumption. “Small routines such as applying shampoo twice or letting the water run while lathering can extend shower time far more than people realise,” Dr. Pereira-Doel said.

The research team monitored 319 households in Germany over 40 days, using smart sensors installed in bathrooms to record 8,550 showers. These devices captured data on shower length, water pauses, and environmental conditions. Participants also completed time-stamped surveys on their hair-washing routines to complement the sensor data.

Results showed that showers account for as much as 45 percent of indoor household water use. On average, showers lasted just under five minutes, with nearly two-thirds lasting five minutes or less. However, about one in seven showers exceeded eight minutes, leading to substantially higher water consumption.

Notably, the study found that over half of shampooing showers did not involve any pauses in water flow, indicating many people leave the shower running continuously while lathering. This practice presents a key opportunity for water savings, scientists suggest, recommending people be encouraged—or “nudged”—to stop the water during this phase of showering.

Further analysis revealed that individuals who shampooed their hair twice spent approximately 27 percent more time in the shower compared to those who washed once. In addition, the hardness of local water influenced duration: showers in areas with softer water were about 23 percent longer than those with hard water. Researchers speculate this may be due to softer water producing a richer lather and a more comfortable experience that encourages longer showers.

While technological solutions like water-saving shower heads have been promoted, the study emphasizes that modifications to personal habits could offer a practical and effective way to conserve water. As England faces mounting pressure on its water resources, such behavioral adjustments at the household level may become increasingly important in avoiding shortages.