In a move that aligns with his broader agenda to ease federal regulations, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order eliminating long-standing restrictions on showerhead water pressure. The change lifts limits that had capped water flow at 2.5 gallons per minute for over three decades.
The order, signed earlier this week, instructs the Department of Energy to revise its definition of showerheads and remove flow rate limitations that were first introduced in the early 1990s. These rules, later reinforced by both the Obama and Biden administrations, were part of a national push to conserve water and energy in residential homes.
Under the new order, manufacturers will be allowed to produce showerheads with a combined flow of up to 10 liters (about 2.6 gallons) per minute, depending on the design. The White House described the decision as part of Trump’s effort to restore common-sense standards and prioritize consumer convenience.
“People Are Tired of Weak Showers”
The announcement was accompanied by a statement on the White House website that read, “President Donald J. Trump is making America’s showers great again.” Trump has long criticized energy and water efficiency rules, often arguing they sacrifice quality in everyday life.
During a public event in previous years, Trump quipped about the issue: “You turn on the shower, and water drips out. You stand there longer, taking a shower forever, and still don’t feel clean. It’s ridiculous.”
Supporters of the policy argue that loosening restrictions gives consumers more freedom to choose appliances that meet their needs without government interference.
Environmental groups, however, say the move could roll back years of progress on water conservation, particularly in regions of the country where drought is a recurring issue. They warn that increased water usage may also result in higher utility bills and additional strain on municipal water systems.
Advocates for efficiency standards point out that modern showerheads already offer strong performance while meeting conservation goals, and that the industry has adapted well to the existing rules.
This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted appliance regulations. During his presidency and now in his renewed campaign efforts, he has consistently pushed for the rollback of standards on everything from dishwashers to light bulbs, framing them as examples of government overreach.
The showerhead change is one of several recent steps taken to delay or reverse energy-efficiency mandates introduced over the past two decades.
What’s Next? As the Department of Energy begins the process of adjusting its guidelines, manufacturers will soon be able to market higher-flow showerheads without the legal constraints imposed by earlier administrations.
The impact of the rule change will likely vary across the country, as some states could move to maintain stricter water use rules at the local level despite the federal rollback.
For now, one thing is clear: Trump is doubling down on his promise to cut red tape—and that includes what comes out of your shower.
