Model
Delta 1.5 gpm H2OKinetics Head
Showerhead Buying Guide
A quick guide to strategic product selection

Showers use 16 - 20% of an average U.S. home’s water. When you start to calculate water use in terms of gallons per minute, the numbers really start adding up. A measly five-minute shower that uses a standard 2.5 gpm showerhead requires 12.5 gallons of water. That’s enough to run a 4 gpc dishwasher 3 times!
The best way to cut water use (by up to 70%) and save money when it comes to showerheads is simply to buy and install a low-flow one. Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. So if you have showerhead(s) that pre-dates 1992, your best bet would be to replace it.
Here's a quick test courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:
- Place a bucket marked in gallon increments under your showerhead
- Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use
- Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark
- If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow showerhead
Low-flow
Low-flow showerheads are the way to go. They will save you water and money.
There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water.
Quality low-flow showerheads do not compromise performance.
Gallons per minute (gpm)
Look for showerheads with low Gallons per Minute (gpm) ratings (1 - 2 gpm). Products with such ratings function just as well as the 2.5 gpm conventional/federal standard showerheads, are available in a variety of styles and most importantly, will save you water and money.
► Eco-rate's Consumption Rating for showerheads is based on gpm. The higher the Consumption Rating, the lower the gpm of the showerhead and the more water-efficient it is.
Buy local
To reduce carbon emissions associated with product transportation and to support your local economy, we encourage you to buy your showerhead from a local manufacturer.
► Eco-rate features where a showerhead is made and how far it must travel from its manufacturing location to you.
How are showerheads rated on Eco-rate?
Please click here to discover our showerhead rating system.
Questions? Feedback?
Visit our Forum to ask questions and share your thoughts about water-efficient bathroom fixture products.
This product is eligible for 2 points under the LEED for Homes Credit WE 3: Indoor Water Use, Very High-Efficiency Fixtures and Fittings (6 points maximum).
For more information on LEED product compliance, contact Eco-rate's LEED Accredited Professional:
Brycelaine Self, MS, LEED AP
E-mail: bself@eco-innovations.com
Phone: 206.708.7464