New Department of Energy Rule Limits Choices for Elderly and Disabled, Says NAHB

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The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has asked the federal Department of Energy (DOE) to rethink a new "interpretive rule" that changes the regulatory definition of a showerhead and that could prohibit from sale many hand-held devices that improve the shower’s accessibility for the elderly or disabled.

Under DOE’s new interpretation, the Environmental Protection Agency’s allowable gallons-per-minute flow rate would apply to the entire showerhead plumbing device -- everything past the mixing valves or user controls. Such an interpretation would be a significant shift for most showerhead manufacturers, which now apply those rates to each individual showerhead.

“DOE said the change is intended to improve water efficiency, which is a goal we support. Unfortunately, the solution goes too far,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

“This is going to make it much more difficult for older Americans to live independently. Under the new definition, replacing a traditional, single showerhead with one that includes a flexible hose to take a shower while seated will result in half the water pressure for each – which would be too weak for either one,” Jones said.

The rule also potentially bans the installation of spa-style showers and similar features popular with many new home buyers – limiting consumer choice, but not necessarily saving water. “The government would have to come up with a ruling regarding the number of showers people are allowed to take and how many minutes they can last – and I don’t think any agency is prepared to go that far, for good reason,” Jones added.

“Had the agency gone through the typical notice-and-comment process, in which manufacturers, suppliers, builders and consumers have an opportunity to review and offer suggestions for improvement, DOE might have addressed these concerns in a more equitable and informed manner,” Jones said.

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