In early June, DOE proposed to redefine showerheads as shower valves, which would allow only a single showerhead using no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute per showering compartment.
The initial announcement sparked widespread criticism from the plumbing industry. DOE has since met with industry stakeholders and accepted public comments on the proposed redefinition. DOE indicated topmein July the redefinition could contain provisions favorable to the plumbing industry and will take into consideration how the rule would affect the elderly and disabled.
The proposed redefinition has been going through DOE intra-departmental review.