A: Andy, the first tip I can give you is to make sure your custom shower unit runs as efficient as possible. I take the issue of conserving water very seriously and promote conserving water with speeches across the country.

However, I understand that homeowners have the right to install what they want for plumbing fixtures as long as it meets your local codes. It's all about choice and I'm the guy that can show people that it is possible to have a luxury shower stall and still save water in your home.

My first recommendation is that since you are doing a major remodeling job in your bathroom anyway, make sure you install new water saving faucets and a high-efficiency toilet as well. The water savings from your new "high efficiency" toilet and faucets may offset or exceed the extra water use in your custom shower right there.

But don't stop at that. In the custom shower, you can also use high-efficiency showerheads as well. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. "Performance" showerheads are designed to use 1.75 gpm and can still deliver a very strong spray. That can give you about 25 percent in water savings per showerhead!

So, four performance showerheads may use the same amount of water as three standard heads. Finally, (and here is the big one!) incorporate diverter valves -- or two mixing valves -- into the shower to "zone" the system. A zoned custom shower will allow different parts of the shower to operate independently, and this will save water because all the heads may not be on at the same time. On high-end custom showers, a computerized mixing valve called a "DTV" (digital thermostatic valve) may be used to automatically move the water around multiple zones.

Also, make sure you work with a licensed plumber on your project to ensure proper water pressure and draining for your shower stall. Bottom line when it comes to large shower stalls: If designed properly, you can cut down on custom showering water use, and still have a blast in the shower!