Tiled from floor to ceiling, this open bathing area blends a doorless shower, water-resistant materials, and a soothing color palette to create an at-home retreat.

SAVING WATER
Water consumption is higher in bathrooms than any other room in a home, according to greenhomeguide.com—a national resource with advisory boards composed of professional ecological experts. While the term “water-saving wet room” may sound like an oxymoron, there are numerous ways that home-owners can add water-saving features to wet rooms and bathrooms alike, whether they are new or remodels. Here are some suggestions:

Toilets: “Toilets are the single largest user of water in the home, accounting for up to 28 percent of water use,” notes the Web site. Consider a dual-flush toilet, which offers two flush modes that use either .8 gallons or 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf). Or choose a 1.6-gpf toilet that is estimated to cut water consumption in half over that of a standard toilet, which can range from 3.5 to 7 gpf (depending on the age of the fixture). Incorporating a gray-water system that recirculates water from shower or sink drains into the toilet bowl is another idea.

Faucets: When shopping for a new faucet, look for models that dispense
.5 to 1 gallon of water per minute (gpm). Touchless faucets also are available. These designs will shut off automatically when not in use, thanks to built-in sensors. For older fixtures, install aerators to reduce water flow without restricting water pressure. You also can save water with such simple steps as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.

Showers: Purchase shower heads that use 1.5 to 2 gpm. For additional water savings, consider placing a recirculating hot-water pump on the fixture farthest from the water heater. This device will take cold water from the pipes and run it back through the heater before traveling to the faucet or shower head.

LONG-TERM SOLUTION
Universal design, or aging-in-place, is an approach that is garnering more recognition as people live longer, healthier lives. AARP features a Bathroom Checklist on its Web site that outlines a number of universal design concepts, such as installing a non-slip floor and a walk-in shower with a hand-held nozzle. For some homeowners, wet rooms offer an ideal way to blend universal design with spa-like amenities.
Business owner Ken Tims sees the benefits of incorporating both applications in a single space and points out one example in particular—the bathtub. He notes savvy choices that range from a leakproof door built into a tub wall to deck-top models with stairs and handrails for easy access. Another feature to consider is the built-in bench found in some models. “A bathtub design that incorporates a sitting ledge built into the side could be ‘just what the doctor ordered,’” he says. This design benefits users of all ages, he adds, explaining that the benches are ideal for parents to use while bathing their children.