What Is the Ideal GPM for a Low Flow Shower Head?
GPM stands for gallons per minute—the amount of water your shower head releases each minute. For example, a 2.5 GPM shower head delivers 2.5 gallons of water every 60 seconds. This number directly affects water consumption, utility bills, and environmental impact.
In the U.S., federal regulations cap shower heads at a maximum of 2.5 GPM. However, the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program promotes products with a flow rate of 2.0 GPM or lower. These are considered low flow and are designed to perform efficiently without wasting water.
Switching to a shower head with a lower GPM greatly reduces water usage. A standard shower head can use over 20 gallons of water for an 8-minute shower, while a low flow model using 1.5 GPM may use only 12 gallons. That difference adds up significantly over time.
Using less water means lower monthly bills—not only for water but also for energy used to heat it. For families or multi-person households, a low flow shower head GPM can result in hundreds of dollars saved annually.
Thanks to advancements in shower head technology, low flow no longer means low pressure. Most modern models incorporate air infusion or pressure-compensation technology to deliver strong, steady spray even at lower GPMs.
The most common low flow shower heads on the market today are rated at 2.0 GPM. This is the maximum for a WaterSense-certified product. It delivers a good balance between water conservation and shower comfort for the average household.
For users who want even more water savings without compromising experience, 1.5 to 1.75 GPM is often considered the sweet spot. These rates reduce water use by up to 40% compared to older 2.5 GPM models, while still offering sufficient pressure and coverage.
If your goal is maximum conservation, consider ultra-low flow options at 1.25 GPM or below. However, be aware that performance may feel softer—especially in homes with lower water pressure. These are ideal for eco-conscious individuals or households in drought-prone areas.
Before purchasing, test the water pressure in your home. Low pressure combined with a low GPM may result in an unsatisfactory experience. If your water pressure is strong, a 1.5 GPM shower head should still feel powerful.
Consider the number of people in your home and how often showers are taken. More users mean more cumulative water usage, making a lower GPM more valuable over time. A single user might not see a major impact, while a large family certainly would.
Some people prefer a more forceful spray and might find 2.0 GPM more suitable. Others are content with a gentle flow and can comfortably go down to 1.25 GPM. Trying different models with adjustable settings can help you find your preferred balance.
These mix air with water to produce a misty, full spray. Aerated models feel softer and can cool water slightly due to air mixing, which might be preferable in warm climates.
These produce solid water streams without mixing air. They're quieter, retain water temperature better, and work well in colder environments.
This ensures consistent flow regardless of fluctuations in home water pressure. With these models, a 1.5 GPM shower head can feel nearly as strong as a standard one.
Look on your existing shower head for a stamp or label indicating GPM. It's often printed on the face or side.
To measure your current shower head's flow rate: Place a gallon-sized container beneath your shower head. Turn on the water to full blast. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the container. Divide 60 by the number of seconds. The result is your current GPM.
For example, if it takes 20 seconds to fill one gallon, your GPM is 3.0, which is higher than the recommended low flow range.
Even with a low flow GPM, longer showers increase water use. Try to keep showers under 10 minutes for the best savings.
Pair your low flow shower head with water-saving faucets and toilets to maximize efficiency throughout your home.
A dripping shower head can waste hundreds of gallons per year. Ensure all fixtures are properly sealed and maintained.
The ideal low flow shower head GPM depends on your specific needs and preferences, but most households will benefit from models rated between 1.5 and 2.0 GPM. This range provides the best balance between comfort, water conservation, and energy savings. As long as you choose a modern, high-quality product—especially one with pressure-compensating or aerating technology—you can enjoy a luxurious shower while making a responsible environmental choice.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
What can Wisconsinites keep and what should they throw away after a flood?
If you're sorting through your flood-damaged belongings, it may be hard to determine what you can safely keep and what you should probably toss. In general, it's best to dispose of anything you can't properly clean in order to prevent mold growth and damage in your home. But if you're unsure of where to start, here are some tips from health officials on what should be kept and thrown away after a flood: What damaged items can be kept after a flood? If cleaned properly, items that did not soak up water can usually be kept after a flood, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Here are common items you can keep after cleaning, per the EPA: Metal furniture China dishware and ceramics Silverware and other kitchen utensils Plastic furniture Jewelry Glass Here are some items that may be salvaged, but should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the EPA says: Photographs Books Bedding and blankets Solid wood furniture Clothing Appliances and electronic devices If you have precious items you would like the save, the EPA advises seeing a restoration specialist who may be able to properly and safely clean that type of item. What food items can be kept after flood damage? Additionally, the Wisconsin DHS says you can keep the following food items after a flood: Undamaged, commercially canned foods after removing the labels and disinfecting with a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons of water Refrigerated or frozen foods that do not show signs of spoilage and have not been thawed or left at room temperature for more than two hours Baby formula that doesn't require water What damaged items should be thrown away after a flood? The EPA says you should discard items that can't be cleaned and dried, including: Mattresses Leather furniture Medicine Cloth upholstered furniture Cushions and pillows Wood veneer furniture What food items should be thrown away after a flood? The following food items should also be discarded after a flood, the Wisconsin DHS says: Food not stored in waterproof containers Damaged canned foods Home canned foods Food or beverages with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps, twist caps and flip tops Spoiled refrigerated or frozen food Thawed frozen food Perishable foods left at room temperature for more than two hours How can I store or dispose of damaged items? If you've had items damaged by floodwaters, you can drop them off at the city's two drop off centers with waived fees through Sunday, Aug. 17. The centers' regular hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., but hours are extended until 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. They're located at: South: 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. North: 6660 N. Industrial Road, enter from Mill Road You can also request a bulky item pickup from the city by calling 414-286-CITY or online at If you need a dry place to store belongings, U-Haul facilities are offering 30 days of free storage to Milwaukee flood victims. Contact any of the 11 U-Haul locations in the Milwaukee area to arrange storage services. More information about cleaning flooded basements, mold damage: For more information about how to clean a flooded basement and prevent mold damage, check out our guide here. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What items to keep and throw after historic Milwaukee floods
CBS News
31-07-2025
- CBS News
Despite price tag, Colorado town happy to shift to electric lawn equipment under new state regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency has designated the Denver metro area as "severely" out of compliance with ozone air quality standards. The state says emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment account for about 11% of total air pollution across Colorado's Front Range. Colorado typically sees its highest pollution levels in the summer months. It's why the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has adopted a new regulation that will impact communities across the region. The streets in some parts of Colorado are quieter this summer, thanks to a new law restricting the use of small gas-powered lawn equipment on public land. "It's a lot quieter. We get compliments, actually, at our downtown site ... the homeowners there have told us how quiet it is with the backpack blowers," said Bob Maloney, manager of parks operations and maintenance for the town of Castle Rock. Brian Doyle spends his summers on the town of Castle Rock's lawns. "We just blow off the grass after you finish mowing, when it gets on the sidewalks, and help clean up the area. Make it look nice," Doyle said. This summer, he's not using the gas-powered equipment he used to. "It's super loud. And it's, it's, it'll kind of wake up the neighbors," Doyle said. "The electric's a lot nicer." The rule restricts state entities from using gas-powered lawn equipment under 25 horsepower in summer, and in areas that don't meet ozone air quality standards, like the entire metro area and North Front Range. Local and federal government entities face the same restriction for equipment under 10 horsepower. Contractors providing lawn services for government entities must also comply. "Those push lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers and other equipment. They may be small, these types of small equipment, but they produce a shocking amount of pollution," said Kirsten Schatz, advocate with CoPIRG Foundation. The nonprofit CoPIRG worked to pass the policy, which is the first of its kind in the nation. "Exposure to ozone at the levels that we experience here in our region of Colorado are associated with asthma attacks, lung damage, cardiovascular disease and even premature death. So it's important that we do what we can to clean up our air," said Schatz. Towns like Castle Rock had to transition by June 1. "Just on the parks side, we purchased 15 string trimmers, about 15 backpack blowers, a couple edge stick edges for our sidewalks, and four chainsaws and a walk-behind mower," said Maloney. A town spokesperson says the town ordered 104 tools, 190 additional batteries to support use of the tools, and 66 battery chargers. Including those batteries and chargers, the town spent $117,556 on the electric equipment, but a federal grant from the Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program covered the hefty price tag. Castle Rock workers say the equipment is easier to use. "The gas powered, it's difficult. You got to keep fueling up at the gas station. Stuff with this, you just pull a battery in the morning and put it in your truck and you're good to go," said Maloney. "When you're using gas, are you breathing in fumes?" CBS Colorado's Olivia Young asked Doyle. "Yes, yes, always, always. It's like it's dripping on you, or it'll be smelling. It's just, it's kind of just a nuisance. It's kind of not very fun," Doyle responded. The requirement is in place for June through August, the months with the highest ozone violations. "I love it. I think it works great," Doyle said. "I think there's a lot more pluses to the electric than the actual gas." But with Brian's endorsement, the equipment may stick around all year. "I'll be honest, just with the feedback I've gotten from my guys. I think we'll continue just to use the electric here and outside the window of June, July and August," said Maloney. Schatz says this year the state is taking a supportive approach to enforcement. She encourages entities outside of government and individuals to transition to electric equipment as well. "Ultimately, we should stop using equipment that produces such a shocking amount of harmful pollution and harmful noise. But right now, we're at a place where state and local governments are leading the way in cutting this harmful form of pollution, and that's really great to see. And then we have to figure out what the best way is to get there so we can get to the point where we have cleaner and quieter lawn equipment across the board," said Schatz.
Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Composting helps the planet. This is how to do it, no matter where you live
Most of what goes into U.S. landfills is organic waste, ranging from household food scraps to yard trimmings. That's a problem because in that environment, organic waste is deprived of oxygen, which helps break material down. The result: the release of a lot of methane , a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Consumers can curb their environmental impact by composting, which helps break material down in ways that reduce the release of methane. This can be done whether someone lives in a home with a yard or in an apartment without outside space. Composting also alleviates pressure on landfill space and results in a nutrient-rich substance that help soil. Robert Reed, with the recycling and composting company Recology, said that applying compost makes soil better at retaining moisture, which makes it resilient against droughts, wildfires and erosion. For people who want someone else to compost their food scraps, some local governments offer curbside pickup. Otherwise, nonprofits, farmers markets and community gardens often fill that gap. Companies in some areas also will pick up the food waste to be taken away for composting for a fee. For those who want to try composting at home , here's how to get started . If you've got a yard Composting doesn't necessarily require much space. Even 4 square feet — roughly the size of a standard office desk — can do the trick. Common receptacles include open wooden bins or large barrel-shaped tumblers that you can rotate on a metal rod. Free-standing piles also work. Some people follow a strict schedule of turning the pile, often with a hoe or shovel, or adding to it regularly. Backyard composting typically relies on microbes to break down the waste, which can bring a pile's temperature up to 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit (54-71 degrees Celsius). Others follow a more passive approach. Experts break the composting recipe down into four main ingredients: water, oxygen, nitrogen-rich 'greens' (food scraps, grass clippings) and carbon-rich 'browns' (cardboard, dead leaves, shredded paper). Typically compost has two or three times as much 'brown' material as 'green.' The Environmental Protection Agency recommends against meat, bones, dairy, fats and oils in backyard compost piles because they typically don't get hot enough to fully break them down, and because they're more likely to attract pests. The agency also says to steer clear of treated wood, glossy paper, pet waste and compostable dishware or bags. Experts say composters can experiment with what works and what doesn't. Rodale Institute Senior Farm Director Rick Carr said he's tried animal products and just about everything in his household. Hair from the hair brush and fully cotton swabs break down great. Cotton T-shirts? Not at all. 'If you're unsure if it'll break down, put it in there and you'll find out,' he said. The bacteria and fungi feed on the pile of organic waste and turn it into compost. The finished product looks like moist, dark soil. The EPA says a well-tended pile can produce finished compost in three to five months, while a more passive pile that doesn't reach high temperatures may take up to a year. Bob Shaffer, who owns a company called Soil Culture Consulting, said that for him, the process can take closer to nine months, but it's easy to tell when it's finished. 'When you look at compost, what you should not be able to see is, oh, there's a leaf. There's that carrot top that I put in there 10 months ago. You shouldn't be able to discern what the material is,' he said. Common pitfalls Most composting problems happen when the ingredients get out of whack. One way to make sure you've got the right balance of 'greens' and 'browns' is a 'squeeze test,' by reaching into the pile and grabbing a handful then letting it go, said Nora Goldstein, editor of the organics recycling magazine, Biocycle. 'If it just kind of crumbles off your hand, it's too dry. If you squeeze and get a little bit of drips, it's a little wet. But what you want is to squeeze it, let it go, and have kind of a coating on your hand.' When the pile gets too dry, the composting process slows down or stops. The answer: Hose it down or add more food scraps. Another common problem is the opposite: there isn't enough air, or there are too many nitrogen-rich 'greens.' The first sign of trouble is when the compost pile smells. That typically means the microorganisms are dying and the pile is releasing methane, like in a landfill. The solution: stir the pile to get more air inside and allow it to cool down. Then add some cardboard or paper. A pile that's too wet can also attract flies, maggots and rodents. 'As long as you're mixing in enough amendment or browns, you'll stay out of trouble,' Goldstein said. If you lack outdoor space Composting indoors is possible through what's known as vermicomposting, a process that relies on worms. People can buy premade worm bins, make their own out of untreated wood or use plastic storage bins with a few modifications, according to the EPA. The containers should have tight-fitting lids and keep out the light. Only certain types of worms will work, and they can be obtained from a worm grower or a neighbor who's already started vermicomposting. Goldstein said that the process isn't always easy: 'You really have to know what you're doing.' Instead of relying on microbes, worms feed on the carbon- and nitrogen-rich organic matter. They poop out almost-black castings. That's the finished product. The EPA says it takes about three to six months, which can be faster than backyard composting. They can create a more nutritious end product than in traditional compost. But Goldstein said that it can be tricky to ensure conditions are right for the worms. 'You want to make sure those worms are very happy, because if they're not, they will leave the bin. And they're not harmful, it's just a little freaky,' said Goldstein. Traditional composting, whether indoors or outdoors, is typically a process that takes place over months, not days, Goldstein said. Electric countertop devices that promise to break down food in hours or days don't use the same process. Goldstein said those devices produce material that can be used in gardens, but it's 'not completely broken down' and should be mixed with soil. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at .
