About WaterScore
WaterScore provides independent, transparent water quality ratings for every suburb in Australia. We collect data directly from water utility reports and score it against national guidelines so you can understand what's in your tap water.
How It Works
WaterScore collects water quality data published by Australia's major water utilities. Each utility reports measured values for parameters like turbidity, pH, fluoride, chlorine residual, and various chemical and microbiological indicators. We match these reports to individual suburbs using postcode and service area data.
Once we have the raw data, we compare each parameter against the guideline values set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), published by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Parameters that fall within guideline limits contribute positively to a suburb's score; parameters that exceed guidelines reduce it. The result is a single, easy-to-understand score from 0 to 10 for every suburb we cover.
Data Sources
All water quality data on WaterScore comes directly from official reports published by Australian water utilities. We currently source data from the following 13 utilities, covering the vast majority of Australia's urban population:
| Utility | State | Official Report |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Water | NSW | View report |
| Hunter Water | NSW | View report |
| Central Coast Council | NSW | View report |
| South East Water | VIC | View report |
| Yarra Valley Water | VIC | View report |
| Greater Western Water | VIC | View report |
| Melbourne Water | VIC | View report |
| Seqwater | QLD | View report |
| SA Water | SA | View report |
| Water Corporation | WA | View report |
| TasWater | TAS | View report |
| Icon Water | ACT | View report |
| Power and Water Corporation | NT | View report |
Data is refreshed when utilities publish new reports, typically on a quarterly or annual basis. Values shown on WaterScore reflect the most recent published data and may not represent real-time water conditions.
Scoring Methodology
Every suburb on WaterScore receives a score from 0 to 10. This score is calculated by comparing measured water quality parameters against the guideline values in the ADWG. Here's how it works:
- Parameter comparison — Each reported parameter (e.g. turbidity, pH, chlorine, fluoride, E. coli) is compared to its ADWG guideline value. Parameters within guidelines are compliant; those exceeding guidelines are non-compliant.
- Deviation-based scoring — Each parameter receives an individual score out of 10 based on how close the measured value is to the guideline limit. Values well within limits score close to 10; values near or above limits score lower.
- Score calculation — The parameter scores are averaged into a single score on the 0–10 scale.
What the scores mean
Multiple parameters exceed ADWG guidelines. Further investigation or filtration may be warranted.
Most parameters are within guidelines, with minor exceedances on some aesthetic or secondary measures.
All or nearly all parameters meet ADWG guidelines. High-quality tap water with no significant concerns.
For the full scoring formula, parameter reference table, worked examples, and data quality details, see our detailed methodology page.
Independence & Editorial Policy
WaterScore is independently operated. We are not owned by, affiliated with, or funded by any water utility, filter manufacturer, or government body.
- Data integrity — All water quality data comes directly from official utility reports. We do not modify, cherry-pick, or editorially adjust the underlying data.
- Affiliate disclosure — WaterScore may include affiliate links to water filters and related products. These links are clearly disclosed. Affiliate partnerships do not influence our scores, rankings, or editorial content in any way.
- Editorial independence — Our editorial content, including scores, articles, and recommendations, is produced independently. Advertisers and affiliate partners have no input into or review of our editorial content before publication.
- Corrections — If we discover an error in our data or methodology, we correct it promptly and transparently.
Our Editorial Team
WaterScore's editorial content is written and reviewed by qualified water quality professionals with decades of combined experience in environmental science, water treatment, and public health journalism.
Dr Sarah Chen
Lead Water Quality Analyst
Environmental scientist and water quality researcher with a PhD from the University of Melbourne.
- ✓ PhD Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne
- ✓ Member, Australian Water Association (AWA)
- ✓ Former Research Fellow, CSIRO Land and Water
James Morrison
Environmental Health Writer
Science journalist covering water infrastructure and environmental health across Australia.
- ✓ Master of Journalism, University of Technology Sydney
- ✓ Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science, Griffith University
- ✓ Walkley Award finalist, Science Journalism (2023)
Mei Tanaka
Water Infrastructure Analyst
Civil engineer and former SA Water/Melbourne Water analyst specialising in comparative water quality.
- ✓ BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, University of Adelaide
- ✓ Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Engineers Australia
- ✓ Former Senior Analyst, SA Water
Disclaimer: WaterScore provides general information about tap water quality for educational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice, health recommendations, or professional guidance. For specific health concerns about your drinking water, consult a qualified health professional or contact your local water utility. See our Terms of Use.