Today, Congressman Russell Fry from South Carolina introduced the SHOWER Act, aiming to establish President Trump’s definition of “showerhead” into law. The legislation seeks to stop federal overregulation of household water fixtures.
Under the Trump Administration in 2016, the Department of Energy (DOE) allowed each nozzle in a multi-head shower system to be treated as a separate showerhead, permitting up to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) flow per nozzle. This was consistent with the 1992 Energy Policy Act’s original intent.
However, in 2021, the Biden Administration altered this rule by limiting the combined flow of all nozzles to 2.5 GPM. Critics saw this as an overreach that reduced water pressure and consumer choice.
In April 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order for DOE to eliminate this restriction. The DOE repealed it in May. The SHOWER Act now aims to ensure this change is permanent.
The bill includes several key provisions:
– Codifies “showerhead” using ASME A112.18.1–2018 industry standard.
– Allows each nozzle in a multi-nozzle unit to operate independently at up to 2.5 GPM.
– Excludes safety showerheads used for emergencies.
– Directs DOE to update regulations within 180 days.
– Prevents future reinterpretations that restrict water flow and limit consumer options.
Congressman Fry stated: “Washington bureaucrats have gone too far in dictating what happens in Americans’ own homes.” He emphasized defending consumer choice and pushing back on regulatory overreach.
Chairman Guthrie added: “Low pressure showers waste time and increase water usage… Thank you to Representative Fry for leading this legislation.”
Congressman Fry is part of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.
