Kowen vs Macarthur

Name: Water Quality Comparison: Kowen vs Macarthur
Creator: WaterScore
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Side-by-side tap water quality comparison

Macarthur, ACT

7.8

Quality Score

Supplied by Icon Water

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Which suburb has better water?

Kowen has better water quality with a score of 8.3/10 compared to Macarthur's 7.8/10. Kowen has softer water (38 vs 39 mg/L).

Based on ADWG compliance across all measured parameters. Both suburbs receive treated, safe drinking water.

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Recommended for this suburb

Chlorine in Kowen is 0.69 mg/L — above the taste threshold. That pool smell in every glass is real.

Chlorine is added on purpose (kills bugs in the pipes), but by the time it reaches your tap it ruins everything you taste. Tea takes on a medicinal edge. Kids turn down water and drink juice or soft drink instead. The usual family fix is bottled water, but a simple carbon filter is the cleaner daily habit. Worse, many filter pitchers go in the fridge and get ignored because they're slow.

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Visual comparison

Kowen, ACT

Macarthur, ACT

Key metrics comparison

Hardness (mg/L)

Kowen

38 Lower

Macarthur

39 Higher

pH Level

Kowen

7.78 Normal

Macarthur

7.92 Normal

Fluoride (mg/L)

Kowen

0.8 Same

Macarthur

0.8 Same

Chlorine (mg/L)

Kowen

0.69 Higher

Macarthur

0.64 Lower

Full water quality comparison

All parameters compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)

Parameter	Kowen	Macarthur	Unit	ADWG Guideline
Alkalinity	37 Measured	38 Measured	mg/L CaCO3	No limit
Aluminium	28 Exceeds	30 Exceeds	mg/L	< 0.2
Antimony	3 Measured	3 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Cadmium	0.05 Measured	0.05 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Calcium	12.61 Measured	13.29 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Chloride	4.3 Good	4.4 Good	mg/L	< 250
Chromium	2 Measured	2 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Colour	1 Good	1 Good	HU	< 15
Conductivity	103 Measured	104 Measured	µS/cm	No limit
Copper	21 Exceeds	17 Exceeds	mg/L	< 2
Cyanide	0.004 Measured	0.004 Measured	mg/L	No limit
E. coli	0 Compliant	0 Compliant	MPN/100mL	< 0
Fluoride	0.8 Good	0.8 Good	mg/L	< 1.5
Free Chlorine	0.69 Good	0.64 Good	mg/L	< 5
Hardness	38 Good	39 Good	mg/L CaCO3	< 200
Iron	0.01 Good	0.01 Good	mg/L	< 0.3
Lead	0.5 Exceeds	0.2 Exceeds	mg/L	< 0.01
Magnesium	1.5 Measured	1.36 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Manganese	0.005 Good	0.001 Good	mg/L	< 0.1
Monochloramine	0.1 Good	0.1 Good	mg/L	< 3
Nickel	1 Measured	1 Measured	mg/L	No limit
Nitrate	0.1 Good	0.1 Good	mg/L	< 50
pH	7.78 Normal	7.92 Normal	pH units	6.5 – 8.5
Sodium	3.8 Good	3.8 Good	mg/L	< 180
Sulfate	5.5 Good	5.1 Good	mg/L	< 500
Temperature	16.7 Measured	16.8 Measured	°C	No limit
Total Chlorine	0.79 Good	0.74 Good	mg/L	< 5
Total Coliforms	0 Compliant	10 Detected	MPN/100mL	< 0
Total Dissolved Solids	72 Good	73 Good	mg/L	< 600
Trihalomethanes	0.039 Good	0.041 Good	mg/L	< 0.25
Turbidity	0.3 Good	0.4 Good	NTU	< 5
Zinc	5 Measured	5 Measured	mg/L	No limit

Explore further

Kowen

Macarthur

Disclaimer: This comparison is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional guidance. Data is sourced from Icon Water. Values shown are based on the most recent published water quality reports and may not reflect real-time conditions at your tap. Water quality can vary due to local plumbing, seasonal changes, and other factors. For specific health concerns, consult a qualified health professional or contact your local water utility. See our Terms of Use.