Is Adelaide Tap Water Safe to Drink?
If you've lived in Adelaide or the Adelaide Hills for long enough, you've almost certainly had someone visiting from interstate ask you "Is Adelaide tap water safe to drink?" It's a question many visitors and even locals ask, given our water's slightly saltier taste and the reputation for hard water in South Australia.
Collected from natural water sources like the River Murray and Myponga Reservoir, Adelaide’s drinking water is treated to ensure it’s safe to consume. The state’s main water body SA Water conducts regular testing to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines so it’s safe for your family.
Yes, some may prefer filtered water to improve taste or reduce impurities. That being said, Adelaide’s tap water is drinkable, perfectly safe, and a reliable and sustainable alternative to bottled water. Let’s look into its quality and just what makes it safe.
A Dive Into Adelaide Tap Water Quality
Adelaide’s tap water is influenced by its natural sources and geography. The main water supply comes from the River Murray, with contributions from local reservoirs like the Myponga Reservoir. Here in Mount Barker, we’re supplied by the Summit drinking water system that uses water from the Murray River.
Due to longer water distribution systems and surface water sources, Adelaide’s water is slightly salty and has higher minerals, making it “hard water”. The hardness of water is classed by its concentration of calcium and magnesium ions.
SA Water manages these challenges to ensure safe drinking water for residents. Bore water also supplements Adelaide’s supply and adds to its unique characteristics. While it’s perfectly drinkable, some residents choose to filter their water to address specific preferences, like taste.
The Water Treatment Process in South Australia
SA Water uses different methods to treat tap water in Adelaide depending on the water source. With more than 80 sources of water across South Australia, including Myponga and Happy Valley reservoirs as well as the Murray River, treatment methods vary and include:
- Chlorine – Used to destroy bacteria and other present pathogens in the source water.
- Chloramine – Serves the same purpose as chlorine, but is more effective at penetrating longer pipes so is used in South Australia’s longer water distribution systems.
- Desalination – Involves a process called reverse osmosis that removes salt content and other impurities in the water before undergoing further treatment to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- Fluoride – As per SA Health guidelines, this trace mineral is added to our drinking water supplies due to its significant public health benefits. Fluoride does not affect the taste of drinking water.
- Other treatment methods – These include membrane filtration and ultraviolet light among others.
These various treatment processes give South Australians the high-quality water for drinking and household use we need. They ensure our water is safe to drink and put us in good health.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines set the necessary benchmarks for safe and good drinking water across the country, including Adelaide. These guidelines ensure the water supplied to residents meets essential health, aesthetic and operational standards.
Testing is a key part of this framework, with tests for bacteria, organic compounds and other potential contaminants. Adelaide’s tap water, managed by SA Water, meets these guidelines so it’s safe to drink and good for your health. The guidelines also cover treatment processes like chlorine and fluoride to ensure water safety and quality.
By following these standards South Australia provides drinkable and safe water to households so you can have peace of mind with every sip.
Common Concerns with Adelaide Water Quality
To reiterate, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Adelaide. That being said, some residents and visitors from over the border often share qualms about certain aspects of its quality and taste.
While there are no specific health concerns with our drinking water supplies, here are a few common problems:
- Water taste and smell: The slightly salty taste and higher minerals can be noticeable, particularly from hard water that has come from the River Murray.
- Water hardness: Magnesium and calcium in the water can cause hard water which can leave residue on plumbing fixtures.
- Organic compounds: Surface water sources can have natural organic matter that can affect taste and clarity.
- Contaminants: While rare, old pipes can introduce impurities and potentially other pathogens into household water supplies.
When you hear people labelling Adelaide drinking water as “poor quality” or claiming that it “tastes bad”, it’s important to understand that these are mostly aesthetic issues. The water quality does not pose health risks. Any issues about taste, odour or general quality can typically be solved with water filters.
Tap Water vs Bottled Water: Which is Better?
When deciding between tap water and bottled water, consider cost, convenience and environmental impact.
Adelaide’s tap water is drinkable, accessible and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. You can certainly rest assured that it’s good for your health and safety. While many people will claim that bottled water has a better taste, it does come with a higher price tag and environmental impact from plastic waste.
If you’re sensitive to taste or concerned about impurities, one way to improve tap water quality is by installing a water filter system. It also negates the ongoing cost of bottled options. But the short answer is that Adelaide’s tap water is the sustainable and cost-effective choice for daily hydration.
Do You Need a Water Filter System?
A water filter system can be a good solution for those who want to improve their tap water in Mount Barker. While Adelaide’s tap water is drinkable, and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, some residents prefer filtered water to address specific issues.
Filters can remove chemicals like chlorine, organic compounds and sediments to improve the taste and clarity of water. They can also reduce the impact of hard water by removing calcium and magnesium ions that cause water hardness. If you have old pipes in your plumbing a water filter can give you extra peace of mind by minimising potential contaminants.
For a customised solution, consider a system that suits your household’s water supply needs.
The Bottom Line on Adelaide’s Tap Water
So, to come back to the original question, is Adelaide tap water safe to drink?
The short answer is yes, our tap water is drinkable and sustainable, whether you get it straight from the tap or have a plumbed fridge that chills and dispenses it for you. Thanks to the treatment process and Australian Drinking Water Guidelines you can be sure the water coming out of your taps is good for your health and free of contaminants. It may not taste the same for everyone due to natural minerals and longer water distribution systems but options like water filter systems can improve it.
Whether you drink tap water as is or put it through a filtration system first, Adelaide’s drinking water is a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. So fill up and drink with confidence!
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