What is the maximum flow rate allowed for a shower head not used for safety reasons?

The maximum flow rate allowed for a shower head, not associated with safety reasons, is 2.5 gallons per minute. This regulation is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the WaterSense program, which promotes water conservation.

The standard is aimed at reducing water waste while still providing adequate water pressure and comfort for showering. Flow rates higher than this could lead to excessive water consumption, which is not sustainable for water resources.

While 1.5 and 2 gallons per minute figures represent options that reflect a movement toward water conservation, they are not the established maximum standard for shower heads. The option of 3 gallons per minute exceeds regulatory limits and would not be compliant with modern conservation efforts. Thus, the correct maximum flow rate for a shower head is recognized as 2.5 gallons per minute.