Nebia Shower is an upgraded shower head that saves both water and heat without sacrificing comfort. According to the developers, such a shower consumes only 2-3 liters of water per minute, while a regular nozzle uses about 9-10.
Once, the famous designer and architect Richard Fuller proposed using 90% compressed air and only 10% water in the form of atomized droplets in the shower. Thus, he claimed that only 1 liter of water per hour would be used. 50 years have passed, but we still use the same thing and all its developments remained on paper. 
And so in 2015, the young Nebia set out to create a revolutionary shower that uses similar technology, albeit without the compressed air component, to radically save water in the shower. 
There is no compressed air canister here, everything happens much simpler, the Nebia nozzle sprays water into tiny droplets that cover “10 times more area"than drops of water from a conventional nozzle, which allows you to wash more efficiently, since more water comes into contact with the body. The air around the droplets is also heated more efficiently. They call it a “warm and cozy mist” that not only cleanses your body, but is significantly superior to taking a classic shower in general. Watch the video:
Such a shower consumes only 2-3 liters of water per minute, while a regular nozzle uses about 9-10. If you calculate this for 4 people, you can save about 80,000 liters of water per year, and if you also calculate heating savings, you get a very interesting amount.
Especially these economical shower heads are a good investment for institutions and businesses that use a lot of water in their showers, allowing them to save water and save money on both the cost of water and the cost of heating. No wonder this one was such a success on Kickstarter.
Although you don’t have to wait until such a high-tech nozzle appears on our market, but use a more economical nozzle, for example, from a garden sprayer. Which can be placed in the shower. This will save up to 20% water.
The Monodin-N washbasin faucet is equipped with an aerator that produces a soft stream and allows you to save water (RUB 4,785). Photo: Roca
Today, the majority of plumbing fixtures are from European manufacturers (Grohe, Hansa, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Damixa, Roca, Laufen, Oras, Jacob Delafon, Geberit, Gustavsberg, WasserKRAFT, Mora Armatur, Villeroy & Boch, Keramag, VitrA, Kludi, Plados, etc. ) are “tailored” so that consumers can save water and not experience discomfort. For this purpose, water-saving technologies are being introduced into faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Let's talk about this.
Subway mixer with vertical valve, water flow 7 l/min (from RUB 11,520). Photo: Villeroy & Boch
Faucets
Aleo mixer with sensitive flow pressure limiter, water flow 5 l/min (RUB 4,710). Photo: Jacob Delafon
The least economical are two-valve models, in which it takes longer to “adjust” the flow to the desired temperature and intensity. Design single lever mixer allows you to set the temperature and water flow with a slight movement (provided that the lever moves smoothly, without jerking), as well as change the flow intensity without changing the temperature. Manufacturers have included several ways to save water in single-lever models, including hot water, which, as you know, is more expensive.
In traditional faucets, the water flow rate is approximately 12 l/min, while in faucets with the Eco function it is reduced by almost 60%, to 5 l/min.
Aeration
Talis Select, instead of using a traditional lever, the water flow is turned on and off by pressing a button (RUB 14,800). Photo: hansgrohe
Almost everyone is equipped with an aerator - a device built into the tip of the spout. Mixing it into the air stream at the outlet provides at least 10–15% water savings. At the same time, the restriction of the flow is imperceptible; on the contrary, the stream becomes voluminous, foamy, and more pleasant to the touch.
Z-Line (RUB 8,560). Photo: VitrA
Flow limiter
Nordia model (RUB 6,383). Photo: Oras
There are several ways to limit the flow limit. For example, using an elastic ring or membrane built into the aerator. This reduces water consumption by 60%, that is, up to 5 l/min. Another method is two-stage adjustment of the control lever. Its slight resistance will serve as a signal about the transition from economy mode to mode maximum flow. Manufacturers call this technology differently (Eco-Save - Damixa, Eco-Plus - Kludi, “green” eco-button - Oras, Eco-Disk - Roca), but its goal is the same - 50–60% water savings, that is 5– 7.5 l/min versus 12–13 l/min.
Contactless models eliminate wasted water. Photo: Grohe
Temperature limiter
Model Suit U (RUB 8,990). Photo: Noken
If saving is important to you hot water, if you want to protect your loved ones (especially small children and the elderly) from burns, when choosing a mixer, ask whether the model you like has such protection. Its essence lies in the fact that the mixer will never let in hot water without first mixing it with cold water. For example, Gustavsberg faucets are equipped with a built-in Ecotemp lock. A characteristic click will indicate that the water temperature has reached 40 °C. Kludi, Grohe, VitrA, Roca, Hansgrohe, Noken and other manufacturers solve the problem of saving (10–15%) hot water differently. They offer "cold" opening models, in which when opening, the cold water, not mixed. To get warm or hot, you need to turn the knob to the left. Handle movement to the right is blocked.
Model Suit U (RUB 8,990). Photo: VitrA
Contactless controller
Aleo (approx. 8 thousand rubles). Photo: Jacob Delafon
The strictest controller of water consumption is a contactless faucet. Its body is equipped with an optical sensor (infrared sensor) of movement and an electronic module that activates the flow of water. The magnetic valve locks or releases already mixed water into the spout, the temperature of which is set in advance using an external lever regulator on the body or an adjustment screw built into the mixer. Power supply of the mixer from a battery (6 V) or mains alternating current(230 V).
Refined simplicity - Lanta tabletop model for bowl washbasin. Photo: Roca
Take note
These tall, slender design models are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use, they not only allow you to pour water into containers effortlessly, but are also equipped with advanced water-saving technologies that ensure minimal water consumption (5 l/min) without compromising user comfort: X-Line faucets (8060 rub.). Photo: VitrA
Often, the user does not assume that water can be saved by simply reconfiguring the cartridge (however, this is only included in single-lever models). Often, the economy mode is preset at the factory, but the user can adjust it independently during installation and even during operation to suit his needs. The lever and the protective plate must be removed. Then, using a screwdriver, tighten the screw that passes through the cartridge rod, which will limit the movement of the cartridge and, accordingly, the flow of water. For some manufacturers, reconfiguring the cartridge can also solve the problem of saving hot water.
It is estimated that 12 minutes of washing in the shower consumes 100 liters of water, but usually we spend half as much time and, accordingly, water on a hygienic morning shower. While we spend 140–200 liters of water to take a bath.
Bath/shower mixer Monodin-N (RUB 6,368) Photo: Roca
Economical shower solutions
Aquita bath/shower mixer, maximum water flow 20 l/min (RUB 7,703). Photo: Oras
Looking at the ceiling watering can, you involuntarily ask the question: how much water do you need to use to feel the beauty of a real tropical downpour? When designing ceiling-mounted faucets, the same technologies are used as in faucets: mixing air, integrating devices into the shower head and even the hose (at Kludi) to regulate the flow of water. Thus, it is possible to save water by 60%.
For example, the huge Rainshower Jumbo (Grohe), whose diameter is 400 mm and the number of nozzles is 252, needs only 8.5 l/min to function and give the user the pleasure of water. Characteristic feature models of the Sensum (Roca) collection is the NightRain function: water is mixed with air, resulting in savings of 25–35% (compared to Rain mode).
Another device that allows you to reduce water consumption is an eco-jet. To operate the mechanism, the rotary ring on the watering can must be set to the Eco indicator. The water-saving mechanism in the shower head will block part of the water supply channels inside the latter. As a result, the flow volume will be reduced by 50%.
Anti-burn systems
Coloric Blue (RUB 13,970). Photo: Gustavberg
The best way ensuring comfort and saving water and energy - a thermostatic mixer (thermostat). The thermostat control valve is equipped with a temperature limiter that prevents accidental water supply above 38 °C. If you want to take a hotter shower, you just need to release the lock by pressing a button. It is noteworthy that in the event of a sudden shutdown of cold water, the hot water supply will be blocked. When the supply is resumed, the mixer will immediately dispense water at the programmed temperature. This type of faucet is primarily relevant in the shower.
Thermostatic mixers: Objekta (RUB 14,304. Photo: Kludi
Water saving toilets
Thermostatic mixer with eco mode Safira - reliable protection from burns and saving water (from RUB 11,921). Photo: Oras
Most require 6 liters of water for complete cleaning. This is only for one flush, and even a small family flushes the toilet many times during the day. There is an exit.
Toilet bowls with a dirt-repellent, perfectly smooth surface (each manufacturer has its own secrets of cleanliness) can reduce the use of chemicals by 80–90%, reduce the time for cleaning the device and save water.
W+W is a water-saving solution that combines a washbasin with a toilet. Photo: Roca
Dual flush
bath thermostat Grotherm1000 Cosmopolitan New (RUB 16,690). Photo: Grohe
The current EU standard is 6/3 liters of water: 6 liters for main and 3 liters for half. New products from leading manufacturers break stereotypes. For example, in latest models Villeroy & Boch standard 4.5/3 l (including one liter clean water, providing additional reinforcement for flushing beyond the water seal). Gustavsberg products in Scandinavia come with settings of only 4/2 liters of water (regulators there do not require an additional liter of clean water when flushing). The same models are supplied to Russia with a 6/3 liter setting.
Double flush push and touch buttons for toilets with a built-in tank and those mounted using engineering modules (installation systems). They not only provide economical flushing, but also become an interior decoration. Photo: Viega
Without rim
Z-Line (RUB 10,130). Photo: VitrA
The innovative, so-called rimless design of the toilet bowl, which different manufacturers received the names Rimfree (Keramag), Rimless (Laufen), Rim-Ex (VitrA), DirectFlush (Villeroy & Boch), Rimove (Jacob Delafon), Hygienic Flush (Gustavsberg), Clean Rim (Roca), Clean On (Cersanit). Unlike a standard device, in this toilet the open edge (small protrusion) remains, but the inner edge in the bowl is removed). The flushing system with a powerful vortex flow in such toilets covers and cleans the entire toilet bowl. Given its power, this system is more economical. It is easier to keep the device clean, strong chemicals will not be required. It is noteworthy that rimless toilets use 4/2 or 4.5/3 liters for flushing, resulting in water savings of about 30%.
Ecology of consumption. Technologies: In just 10 minutes in the shower, we drain at least 100 liters of water down the drain. With the help of some modern inventions, it is quite possible to reduce this figure.
In just 10 minutes in the shower, we flush at least 100 liters of water down the drain. With the help of some modern inventions, it is quite possible to reduce this figure.
Shower aerator
One of the main reasons for increased water consumption in the shower is ineffective shower heads. The easiest way to reduce consumption is to limit the flow of water. There are special economical watering cans or attachments for existing ones. The principle of operation is extremely simple: air is mixed with water, as a result of which the throughput watering cans, and, accordingly, consumption decreases.
Such devices can save up to 50% of water, and you won’t even feel it. In addition to shower heads, there are also faucet aerators and flow restrictors. They all perform one task - reduce the amount of water used without compromising your comfort.
Shower thermostat
Remember how much water is wasted while you are setting up desired temperature. Scientists have calculated that, on average, we flush 8 liters down the drain while trying not to die or burn ourselves. Moreover, this procedure is repeated by each family member entering the bathroom.
The problem is solved using a shower thermostat. You can set the temperature that is comfortable for you once, and in the future you will no longer have to frantically turn the taps. The system itself will adjust the water to the desired degree, spending no more than 1-2 liters of water.
Water saving package
No matter how hard we try, some amount of water is still wasted when adjusting the temperature. Many tried to find a use for it: they poured it into a bucket or left it in the bathroom, then using it to flush the toilet. But all these methods are either inconvenient or leave very few options for reuse water.
The Spanish company Esferic has come up with a simple and elegant way to save water in the shower. This is a plastic bag with a handle and a hose that is easy to fill and carry. The water collected in this way can easily be used for watering plants and even washing dishes.
Nebia, the economical shower of the future
This invention made a mini-revolution on the Kikstarter crowdfunding platform. To launch production, the Mexican startup needed only $100,000, but raised more than $3 million. Even Tim Cook, Apple CEO, was among the investors. What is so unusual about this shower?
Thanks to its special design, the watering can sprays a stream of water into millions of microscopic droplets. They scatter over a large area, evenly enveloping the entire body in warm fog. At the same time, an economical shower consumes 70% less water than a regular one.
Curtain with spikes
But designer from London, Elisabeth Bucher, took a different route. To save water in the shower, she developed special curtains that normally resemble linen with bags. However, as soon as you hesitate, the pockets fill with water and turn into spikes, literally pushing you out of the bathroom.
You have exactly 4 minutes to take a shower. The invention is perfect for those who are used to combining water treatments with singing or other activities not related to washing.
“Typically, 20% of the water in time is an absolute loss,” says Jonah Schein, technical coordinator for the WaterSense Homes and Buildings program. This program was developed by the Protection Agency environment USA and aims to promote efficient use of water resources.
The shower accounts for about 17% of the water in the home, and the average American family uses about 160 liters of water per day in the shower. This amounts to 4.8 trillion liters of water annually in the United States alone. According to WaterSense, “this amount is enough to completely supply New York and New Jersey with water for a similar period of time.” If you lose 20% each time, then that’s more than 700 billion liters that are wasted, and somewhere in the world entire countries are suffering from drought and water shortages.
Moreover, we are all accustomed to taking showers, and the shower head only contributes to heat loss, so showering is a very energy-intensive process.
In total, there are three types of losses: water, and, of course, money.
Surprisingly, the reasons for most of these losses are purely behavioral. Before taking a shower, people wait for hot water (which can take a while, especially if the water heater is far away) and so they flush the water. At this point it's a design problem and all we can do is convince people to take cold showers (not such a bad idea), but it won't make much of a difference. The problem is that even after serving hot water, people do not start taking showers immediately and for some time it simply flows in vain. This is a behavioral problem.
Educating people about the consequences of habitual behavior will probably change the situation in some cases, but in reality it is very difficult to change the routine, especially when there is visually no problem.
Therefore, a lot of attention is now being paid to various things. Among them we note the thermostatic shut-off valve.
Thermostatic valves are already used in fashionable versions of shower stalls to regulate water temperature, ensure that the combination of hot and cold water remains constant and prevent scalding if for some reason the cold water stops flowing. But a thermostatic shut-off valve does something else: it allows water to flow until it reaches a certain temperature, and then stops the flow until you reopen the valve.
The valve can be built into the shower head, or it can be removable.
A removable valve must be installed on the pipe in front of the shower head; it automatically records all typical losses during showering, without causing any inconvenience to the user. You will continue to enter the shower with hot water, all you need to do is reopen the valve.
The video below demonstrates the easy installation and use method.
Not long ago, the world oohed and aahed at the sight of Bill Gates sipping from a glass of water obtained after filtering human waste products. The spectacle is creepy and uncomfortable, but it is precisely this that makes one understand the true price of drinking water.
And just recently it became known that the head of Apple was also seriously concerned about the global problem and made a personal financial contribution to the development of Nebia, a prototype of an economical shower for the home. Other famous investors did the same, as did thousands of people on the Kickstarter crowdfunding site. As a result, the startup received more than $2 million, although only 100 thousand were required.
We can safely assume that not all future owners of Nebia are concerned about saving water itself. Rather they care communal payments. And for good reason, because the payback period for a shower is less than two years at a “store” price of $399. According to the developers' calculations, the savings for the average US family will be about $230 per year. And if you pre-order, the benefits will become a little closer.
Where do these numbers come from? Unlike a conventional shower, Nebia sprays into millions of tiny droplets, using 70% less water. Moreover, the area of the surface to be coated increases 10 times.
The plumbing is made of high-quality durable materials. Nebia was created with an eye to visual beauty, convenience and functionality. Striving for perfection, engineers and designers have created hundreds of prototypes and seem to have found the best option.
The benefits of the advanced shower do not end there. It is impossible not to mention that the device promises a completely different level of comfort and satisfaction from the daily water procedure.
A warm and cozy mist envelops your skin, providing just enough water to leave you feeling clean and refreshed. The feeling of Nebia stays with you long after you leave the bathroom. Your skin smells fragrant, your hair shines, and your muscles relax. No the best way start the day.
Nebia
Some foreign bloggers tried out Nebia for themselves and, firstly, agreed that the shower looks very modern and stylish. Secondly, it was considered potentially breakthrough. Thirdly, everyone noted unusual (or rather unusual) sensations that they still liked. Some of the testers were left indescribably delighted. It seems that the words of the creators here do not diverge from the deeds.
Of course, with our water tariffs, even such significant savings will take quite a long time. Therefore, Nebia will most likely be of interest to lovers of unusual gizmos and/or non-standard experiences, as well as business owners whose clients or employees consume a large number of water. For example, Google has already done this.
Are you ready to pay four hundred dollars for a shower?