The Highest Allowed Showerhead GPM per State

Last updated on October 9, 2023

Here’s a list of the highest GPM possible for showerheads in every state of the US. Read on for the full list and to find out what showerhead you’re allowed to get.

The amount of water that leaves your showerhead each minute is called the flow rate, and it’s measured by gallons per minute (GPM).

In 1992 federal government mandated a maximum of 2.5 GPM flow rate for new showerheads. This has changed the world of showers forever. Since then, no more than 2.5 gallons of water should leave each minute by law.

Over time the flow rate for showerheads has gone down. If your shower head was made in the 1980s or 1990s, you could get a flow rate of 3.5 GPM.

Even though 2.5 GPM is the federal mandate rate, in some states, it is even lower.

According to EPA, we could save more than 260 billion gallons of water a year if every household in the US switched to a 2.0 GPM WaterSense labeled shower. They say that showering accounts for about 17% of indoor residential water use.

73% of the models on the market already meet Water Sense standards.

This article lays out the maximum GPM for showerheads per state. Most states have kept the federal 2.5 GMP requirement. We list only the states that have a lower than 2.5 maximum.

California

Since July 1, 2018, the standard for showerheads sold in California is 1.8 GPM.

Colorado

Showerheads cannot exceed 2.0 GPM.

Hawaii

The state requires a maximum of 1.8 GPM.

Maine

The rules of the state require that showerheads’ maximal flow rate does not exceed 2.0 GMP at 60 PSI.

Massachusetts

The showerhead flow rate cannot be greater than 2.0 GPM at 80 PSI by law in MA.

New York

Showerheads cannot exceed 2.0 GPM at 80 PSI.

Vermont

The showerhead flow rate cannot exceed 2.0 GPM.

Washington

The state requires a maximum of 1.8 GPM.

Community Incentives

Many communities offer incentives to residents who install low-flow showerheads. These are usually offered through local utility companies. Check with your utility company about their incentive programs.

Flow Rate

Water flow rates vary widely among different models. Some showerheads deliver up to 2.5 gallons per minute, which is enough to fill two bathtubs simultaneously. Others provide less than half this amount. If your budget permits it, go for a higher-flow shower head.

Energy Savings

Showering takes a lot of power. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, showering uses as much energy as running an electric clothes dryer. The average American family spends $1,000 annually to heat water. That means they spend nearly twice as much heating water as they do washing clothes!

If you’re looking to cut back on your home’s monthly bills, consider installing a high-efficiency showerhead. A typical shower can waste between 10 percent and 20 percent of its total water usage. With a high-efficiency showerhead, you can reduce those numbers significantly.

FAQ

What shower head has the highest GPM?

2.5 GPM is the highest flow rate any showerhead can offer in the US by federal mandate. No certified showerhead will exceed that amount.

Are there showerheads greater than 2.5 GPM?

Yes, but most manufacturers don’t make them anymore because they will not get the government’s approval or certification.

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