**Britons Squander Nearly a Billion Pounds Each Year on Lengthy Shower Routines**
A new survey reveals that excessive time spent in the shower is costing UK residents a staggering £915 million annually, with the average person spending far longer than necessary under running water—often seeking solace rather than simply cleaning themselves.
The study, which canvassed the habits of 2,000 adults, found that the typical shower lasts for around 11 minutes. While washing is certainly a necessity, many confessed that they linger in the bathroom primarily for an escape from daily pressures and to enjoy a private moment away from the bustle of family life.
Analysis from industry specialists highlights that an 11-minute session using a typical mixer shower consumes about 132 litres of water and requires 5.8 kilowatt-hours of energy. For those using an electric shower, consumption is lower—around 54 litres of water and 1.9 kWh of energy per shower—but the impact both environmentally and financially remains significant.
Further delving into motivations, the research found that almost half (43%) of respondents deliberately extended their showers to prolong their alone time, rather than for reasons of cleanliness. Despite growing public concern about climate change, a surprising 21% admitted they never consider the environmental or financial repercussions of their bathing habits, whereas 28% said these thoughts do occasionally cross their minds.
Efforts to cut back on water use varied among respondents. The simplest and most widely adopted step—chosen by 44%—is shortening the duration of showers. Others choose to skip a daily wash (27%), turn the water off while brushing their teeth or performing other tasks (also 27%), or repair faulty taps and showerheads that drip or leak (19%).
Daniel Lintell, sustainability manager at Triton Showers, which commissioned the research, commented that although prolonged showers can be a peaceful retreat, people should be conscious of the waste involved. “Many of us enjoy this rare moment of solitude in an otherwise busy day, but it’s wise to consider the consequences—not just for the environment, but also for your wallet,” he said. Lintell suggested seeking alternative ways to unwind and also advocated measures such as fitting a flow regulator or simply reducing water flow while lathering.
Technology and entertainment have also found their way into bathrooms, with the survey noting that 25% of adults listen to music while showering, and 10% opt for podcasts. In contrast, 11% said they use the time to relish the quiet, and 16% admitted to mulling over personal matters during their shower.
Despite the push for efficiency, some figures are alarming. On average, a UK adult showers five times per week, with 12% going more than once daily. Many make the costly mistake of running the shower for nearly 90 seconds before stepping in, wasting more than seven minutes worth of water each week. Additionally, 17% confessed to occasionally forgetting to turn off the shower once finished, inadvertently compounding water usage.
Nevertheless, the self-perception of British adults appears more eco-friendly than the statistics suggest. An overwhelming 81% consider themselves environmentally conscious, and a vast majority reported undertaking other green actions, including recycling, using reusable bags, and installing energy-efficient bulbs. However, when asked about the actual financial impact of their showering routines, about a third admitted to being unsure or unaware of how much money they were letting slip down the drain.
The findings indicate a disconnect between environmental intentions and daily action, with many participants citing cost-savings as their primary motivator for change. Nearly half noted that saving money would encourage them to take shorter showers.
A spokesperson for Triton Showers reiterated the dual importance of water conservation: “Not only is there a clear environmental reason to change our habits, but the financial savings can add up rapidly as well. With average showering currently costing around 6p per minute, many households could stand to save a substantial sum simply by reducing shower time and avoiding leaving water running unnecessarily.”
As water management and energy efficiency continue to grow in importance, it remains to be seen whether Britons will heed this advice and adopt more sustainable showering practices—not only for the sake of the planet, but for their own pockets.