Faucets

 

The aerator—the screw-on tip of the faucet—ultimately determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. Typically, new kitchen faucets come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 8.3 lpm (litres per minute), while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates from 5.7 to 1.9 lpm.

 

Aerators are inexpensive to replace and they can be one of the most cost-effective water conservation measures. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 3.8 lpm.

 

Showerheads

For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 9.5 lpm.

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 and don't create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one.

If you have fixtures that pre-date 1992 (when some showerheads had flow rates of 20.9 lpm), you might want to replace them if you're not sure of their flow rates.

Here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:

1. Place a bucket—marked in litre increments—under your shower head.
2. Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
3. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 3.8 litre mark.

If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 3.8L mark, you could benefit from a low-flow shower head.