Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Australian water quality, how WaterScore works, and what you can do about your tap water.
About WaterScore
What is WaterScore?
WaterScore is a free, independent website that rates tap water quality for suburbs across Australia. We collect data from official water utility reports and compare it against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) to produce an easy-to-understand score from 0 to 10 for every suburb we cover.
How is the water score calculated?
Each measured water quality parameter (such as hardness, pH, fluoride, and chlorine) is compared against its ADWG guideline value. Parameters within limits score close to 10; those exceeding limits score lower. The final suburb score is the unweighted average of all individual parameter scores. For the full formula and worked examples, see our methodology page.
Where does the data come from?
All water quality data comes directly from official reports published by Australian water utilities such as Sydney Water, SA Water, and Water Corporation. We currently source data from 13 major utilities covering the vast majority of Australia's urban population. See our full list of data sources.
How often is data updated?
Data is refreshed when utilities publish new water quality reports, which is typically on an annual basis. Some utilities, like Sydney Water, publish more frequently. The freshness badge on each suburb page shows how recent the data is.
Is WaterScore independent?
Yes. WaterScore is independently operated and is not owned by, affiliated with, or funded by any water utility, filter manufacturer, or government body. We may include clearly disclosed affiliate links to water filters, but these partnerships never influence our scores or editorial content. Read more in our editorial policy.
Water Quality Basics
What is water hardness?
Water hardness measures the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in your water, reported in mg/L. Water below 60 mg/L is considered soft, while above 200 mg/L is very hard. Hard water can cause limescale buildup in kettles and appliances but is not a health risk. You can check your suburb's hardness with our water hardness calculator.
What is a safe pH for drinking water?
The ADWG recommends drinking water have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Most Australian tap water falls within this range. Water outside this range isn't necessarily dangerous, but it may taste different or cause pipe corrosion over time.
What are ADWG guidelines?
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) are published by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). They set guideline values for health-related and aesthetic water quality parameters. WaterScore uses these guidelines as the benchmark for all scoring. Learn more on our methodology page.
Is fluoride in water safe?
Fluoride is added to most Australian water supplies at 0.6–1.1 mg/L to help prevent tooth decay. The ADWG sets a guideline value of 1.5 mg/L. At the levels found in Australian tap water, fluoride is considered safe by Australian health authorities. For more detail, see our article on understanding the ADWG.
Why is chlorine added to water?
Chlorine is added during water treatment to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, keeping water safe as it travels through pipes to your tap. The ADWG guideline is 5 mg/L, and most Australian supplies measure well below this. If you notice a chlorine taste, letting water sit in a jug or using a carbon filter can help.
What is TDS?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of all dissolved minerals, salts, and organic matter in water. The ADWG aesthetic guideline is 600 mg/L. Water with high TDS may taste salty or mineral-rich but is generally safe to drink. TDS varies widely across Australian suburbs.
Your Tap Water
Is my tap water safe to drink?
In most Australian suburbs, tap water meets all ADWG health guidelines and is safe to drink. You can check your suburb's water quality by searching on WaterScore. If any parameters exceed guideline values, the suburb page will highlight them. For specific health concerns, contact your water utility or a health professional.
Why does my water taste different?
Tap water taste can vary due to chlorine levels, mineral content (especially hardness and TDS), temperature, and even the age of your pipes. Seasonal changes and source water blending can also affect taste. If the taste changes suddenly, contact your water utility. Our article on hard vs soft water explains how minerals affect taste.
Should I use a water filter?
Australian tap water is generally safe without a filter. However, a filter can improve taste by reducing chlorine and may be worthwhile if your area has hard water or elevated TDS. Check your suburb's water quality on WaterScore, then see our guide on choosing the best water filter for recommendations.
What causes cloudy tap water?
Cloudy or milky tap water is usually caused by tiny air bubbles trapped in the water, especially during colder months. This is harmless and will clear if you let the water sit for a minute. If cloudiness persists or is accompanied by colour or odour, contact your water utility. High turbidity readings may also cause visible cloudiness.
Can I drink tap water while pregnant?
Australian tap water that meets ADWG guidelines is considered safe to drink during pregnancy. If you have concerns about specific contaminants in your area, check your suburb's results on WaterScore and discuss them with your GP. A quality water filter can provide additional peace of mind.
Filters & Treatment
What type of filter do I need?
It depends on your water quality. A basic carbon filter is great for reducing chlorine taste. For hard water, consider a reverse osmosis (RO) system. For heavy metals or PFAS concerns, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI standards. Read our detailed comparison of reverse osmosis vs carbon filters to help you decide.
Do I need a whole-house filter?
Most households only need a point-of-use filter on the kitchen tap for drinking and cooking water. A whole-house system is worth considering if you have very hard water causing appliance damage or if you want filtered water at every tap. Check your suburb's hardness level to help decide.
How often should I replace my filter?
Most carbon filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and your water quality. Reverse osmosis membranes typically last 2 to 3 years. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. An overdue filter can harbour bacteria and reduce water quality rather than improve it.
Does boiling water remove chemicals?
Boiling water kills bacteria and viruses but does not remove dissolved chemicals like fluoride, heavy metals, or PFAS. It can actually concentrate some contaminants by evaporating the water. For chemical removal, you need a water filter designed for that purpose. See our filter guide for options.
Using WaterScore
How do I find my suburb?
Use the search bar on the WaterScore homepage to type your suburb name. Results appear as you type. You can also browse by state or city from the water quality pages. We cover thousands of suburbs across all states and territories.
Can I compare two suburbs?
Yes. Visit the comparison page and select two suburbs to see a side-by-side breakdown of their water quality parameters, scores, and water utility details. This is handy if you're moving or choosing between areas.
What does the freshness badge mean?
The freshness badge indicates how recent the water quality data is. "Fresh" means data is from the current or previous reporting year. "Aging" means data is about 3 years old. "Stale" means data is 4+ years old and should be treated as indicative only. See our data quality section for more detail.
How do I report incorrect data?
If you believe any data on WaterScore is incorrect, please contact us with the suburb name and the details of the issue. We take data accuracy seriously and will investigate and correct any verified errors promptly.
Still have questions?
Get in touch or explore our water quality glossary for detailed definitions.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, health recommendations, or professional guidance of any kind. For specific health concerns about your drinking water, consult a qualified health professional or contact your local water utility directly. See our Terms of Use.