What term describes the volume of water that flows through a pipe or fixture, typically measured in GPM or LPM?

The term that describes the volume of water flowing through a pipe or fixture, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM), is flow rate. Flow rate quantifies how quickly water moves through a system over a given period of time, which is crucial in applications involving plumbing, irrigation, and various industrial processes. It provides essential information for designing systems to ensure they operate efficiently and meet demand.

For example, understanding flow rate allows engineers to select appropriate pipe sizes, pumps, and other components to prevent issues such as water stagnation or inadequate supply pressure. This concept is foundational in fluid dynamics, as it relates directly to the performance and reliability of hydraulic systems.

In contrast, water velocity refers to the speed at which the water moves through the pipe, while water volume denotes the actual amount of water present, without referencing time. Pressure flow typically relates to the force applied to move water, but it doesn't specifically quantify the volume of water over time.