A water delivery system includes a mixing valve operable for delivering a water flow of adjustable temperature from a water source to a dispensing device downstream from the mixing valve; a thermochromic thermal indicator, fluidly coupled between the mixing valve and the dispensing device, that provides a visible indication of the water flow having achieved a predetermined temperature; and a diverter valve, fluidly coupled between the mixing valve and the dispensing device, and operable to direct the water flow selectively either to the dispensing device or back to the water source. The thermal indicator may be a thermochromic PVC conduit, or it may be a fitting having an inlet, an outlet, a thermochromic PVC element therebetween, and a barrier located between the inlet and the outlet so as to define a flow path that includes an interior surface of the thermochromic element.