What is the maximum flow rate of a showerhead in Quebec?
In Quebec, showerheads are regulated by water efficiency standards:
Maximum flow rate:
- 2.5 GPM (9.5 L/min) at 80 PSI — legal maximum per CSA B125.1 standard
- WaterSense (US) or Water Efficient certified showerheads: 2.0 GPM (7.6 L/min) or less
- Some municipalities (like Montreal) require low-flow showerheads during renovations
Potential savings:
- Switching from 2.5 GPM to 1.5 GPM saves about 10,000 to 15,000 litres of water per year (for a family of 4)
- Water bill savings: $50 to $100/year
- Water heating savings: $30 to $60/year (less hot water used)
Installation: Showerhead replacement — simple and doable without a plumber. Unscrew the old head (use a wrench if stuck with Teflon tape). Install the new head with thread seal tape. Time: 15 minutes. Cost of a WaterSense showerhead: $20 to $60.