What is Potamoi?
Potamoi is more than just a flow meter—it’s a smart shower companion that actually cuts off the water once a preset limit is reached. Imagine a device that installs easily between your faucet and showerhead hose, using simple adhesive Velcro, and then takes charge of your water consumption. It’s energy autonomous, connected, and configurable via a dedicated web application. Users can set maximum water volumes and shower durations, including a reserve amount accessible after a brief pause. Once the total water allowance is used, Potamoi shuts off the water completely, encouraging more mindful water use. Plus, it enforces a 3-minute waiting period before the next shower can start, helping to prevent back-to-back showers. This clever device was born in 2015 when Sarah and Christian Lozano, tired of their eldest son’s long showers, decided to create a practical solution to control water consumption at home.
Main Benefits of Using Potamoi
Potamoi offers some pretty impressive benefits that go beyond just saving water. Here are the key figures and facts that make it stand out:
- Average shower in France uses between 60 and 80 liters of hot water.
- By cutting down 30 liters per shower, you save about 11,000 liters (or 11 m³) of hot water per person annually.
- This water saving translates to roughly €140 in savings per person per year (based on early 2024 prices).
- The device is easy to install and use, requiring just a few minutes to set up.
- Potamoi is energy autonomous, meaning it doesn’t rely on external power sources.
- It’s designed with no planned obsolescence, making it a sustainable choice.
The Story Behind Potamoi
The idea for Potamoi came from a very relatable family challenge: long showers. Sarah and Christian Lozano noticed their eldest son’s lengthy showers and decided to take action. They designed a device that would help control water consumption in a simple, effective way. The name “Potamoi” is inspired by Greek mythology—the river gods who personify waterways, sons of the Titans Ocean and Tethys, and brothers to the Oceanids. This connection highlights the device’s mission to respect and protect water, a precious natural resource.
How Potamoi Works
Potamoi operates in several smart stages during your shower. First, it measures the water flow and displays the remaining water volume on a screen. Users can program the maximum water amount and shower time through the web app, dividing the total into a main quantity and a reserve. When the main quantity is nearly used up, a 15-second reserve kicks in, signaling the shower is almost over. Once the total programmed volume is reached, Potamoi cuts off the water supply entirely. Then, there’s a mandatory 3-minute wait before the next shower can start, encouraging water conservation and preventing wasteful back-to-back showers.
Remote Control and Customization
One of Potamoi’s coolest features is its connectivity. Through a web application, users can remotely set and monitor their water consumption. You can even manage multiple devices—up to 10 or more—under the same account, tailoring each one to specific needs or goals. This flexibility makes Potamoi perfect for families, shared housing, or even small businesses looking to reduce water usage. The app lets you adjust water volumes and shower times easily, making water-saving habits more manageable and fun.
Potamoi’s Environmental Impact
- Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by promoting responsible water use.
- Contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through reducing water and energy waste.
- Aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action by lowering energy consumption related to heating water.
- Encourages SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by fostering eco-friendly daily habits.
- Promotes SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by being energy autonomous and reducing energy demand.
Installation Made Simple
Setting up Potamoi is straightforward and quick. First, pair the device with the web app on your mobile phone and connect it to your Wi-Fi. Then, unscrew the existing shower hose from the faucet and attach it to the Potamoi. Next, connect the Potamoi hose back to the faucet. Finally, secure the device to your shower wall using the included Dual-Lock™️ mounting system. The pack includes everything needed: the Potamoi device, a 50cm hose, the mounting system, an installation and usage guide, and access to the mobile app for programming. In just a few minutes, you’re ready to start saving water and energy effortlessly.
