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A student in FroSoCo demonstrated how a showerhead was modified for higher water flow following the recent installation of low-flow versions. #gallery http://daily.stanford.edu/image/full/8525
John Shen

A student in FroSoCo demonstrated how a showerhead was modified for higher water flow following the recent installation of low-flow versions.

The complaints may not be flowing in anymore, but students are still struggling to adjust to the new low-flow showerheads installed in all campus residences last month.

At a meeting last week, Resident Assistants (RAs) from across campus came up with a way to ease residents’ showering woes — install either one high-flow showerhead or one handheld showerhead in each dormitory bathroom.

The decision, however, was not an easy one.

“It was fairly contentious because there are lots of complaints about the showerheads and whether they meet the standards of the students,” said Branner RA Fagan Harris ‘09. “After a little bit of debate, we decided that it is important to look for alternate means to satiate student needs.”

Student Housing has been working closely with residents throughout the showerhead retrofit process and has agreed to take action on the RAs’ proposal.

“Student Housing is very appreciative of the RAs and other students who have shared their feedback and suggestions with regard to the new showerheads,” Chief Housing Officer Rodger Whitney wrote in an email to The Daily. “We are happy to hear a strong consensus emerge around the idea of keeping the new low-flow showerheads in order to promote water conservation, in addition to providing the choice of a higher-flow shower head for those who need it.”

The RAs’ plan is unique in that it is the first effort to address both water flow concerns and the old problem of showerhead height.

“[The plan] will address the recent concerns about shower flow as well as a much longer-standing issue of mismatched shower height for taller students where we can accomplish this,” said Sustainability and Utilities Coordinator Nik Kaestner.

Student Housing has high hopes that the plan will quell student discontent with the showers and show that comfort and sustainability can coexist.

“The compromise addresses our mutual concerns of environmental conservation and student well-being,” Whitney said. “It seems like a great step forward.”