4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jan 13, 2026)

Technical and procedural updates only. v4 adds the name of the House Clerk and includes details about the bill's referral to the Senate after passing the House. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill itself.

H.R. 4593119th CongressIntroduced Jul 22, 2025

SHOWER Act

Passed HouseEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jan 15, 2026

Bottom line

The SHOWER Act redefines "showerhead" in federal law by referencing an industry standard, potentially altering water efficiency standards for consumer products and excluding safety showers from these regulations.

What it actually does

This bill revises the definition of "showerhead" within the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by adopting the definition found in the industry standard ASME A112.18.1-2024. It explicitly excludes "safety shower showerheads" from this definition. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Energy must promulgate necessary revisions to existing regulations within 180 days to conform to this new statutory definition.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that the current federal definition of showerhead is overly restrictive, limiting innovation and consumer choice by imposing uniform flow rate limits across all nozzles within a single device. They contend that this bill restores consumer preference for higher water pressure and better rinsing experiences, aligning federal standards with modern industry practices and consumer expectations.

Opponents contend

Opponents would likely argue that this bill undermines water conservation efforts and could lead to increased water and energy consumption, especially in regions facing drought or water scarcity. They might contend that loosening efficiency standards reverses progress made in reducing utility bills and environmental impact, and that the previous regulations were essential for promoting responsible resource use.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and complete understanding of its provisions by any interested reader.

Section 2(a)

Revised Definition of Showerhead

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to change the legal definition of "showerhead." Instead of the previous federal definition, it now refers to the definition provided in the industry standard ASME A112.18.1-2024. Crucially, it explicitly states that "safety shower showerheads" are not included in this revised definition, meaning they would not be subject to the same efficiency regulations as consumer showerheads.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupConsumersImpactPotential for increased water pressure/flow rates in new showerheads, greater product variety.MechanismChanges federal regulatory standards for showerhead design and performance.ScaleWidespread, affecting all new showerhead purchases.

GroupShowerhead ManufacturersImpactGreater flexibility in product design, potential for new product lines with higher flow rates.MechanismReduced regulatory constraints on design.ScaleIndustry-wide.

GroupEnvironmental Advocates and Water Conservation ProgramsImpactPotential for increased water and energy consumption.MechanismLoosening of water efficiency standards.ScaleNational, with regional variations in impact severity.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this revision allows manufacturers to innovate and offer products that meet consumer demand for more powerful showers, which they believe were restricted by previous, overly broad regulations. They contend it respects consumer choice and improves daily quality of life.

Critics contend

Critics would argue that this change could lead to a rollback of water conservation efforts, potentially increasing household water and energy bills and exacerbating water scarcity issues in drought-prone areas. They might also contend that the previous standards were effective and necessary for environmental protection.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances consumer preference for higher water flow and product variety against national water and energy conservation goals. It also highlights the tension between federal regulatory oversight and industry-led standards.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.