Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Caves Beach, NSW?
Postcode 2281 · Supplied by Hunter Water · Current data · 2026 report
Yes, safe to drink
Tap water in Caves Beach meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines across all tested parameters. The water is safe to drink straight from the tap.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Blacksmiths , Cams Wharf , Catherine Hill Bay
ADWG compliance check
Each parameter tested against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 0.93 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.78 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.004 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Lead | 0 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.003 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.113 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| PFOS | 0.002 | µg/L | < 0.008 | Good |
| PFOA | 0.002 | µg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| PFHxS | 0.002 | µg/L | < 0.03 | Good |
| PFBS | 0.002 | µg/L | < 1 | Good |
| Iron | 0.017 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.049 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.003 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.2 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 5 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| pH | 7.5 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
What's in your water
Key parameters explained in plain English
Water Hardness
Hardness data is not currently available for Caves Beach.
pH Level
pH of 7.5 is within the safe range of 6.5–8.5. Water outside this range may taste metallic or cause pipe corrosion.
Fluoride
Fluoride measured at 0.93 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine (Disinfection)
Chlorine at 0.78 mg/L (ADWG limit: 5 mg/L). Used to kill harmful bacteria and ensure water stays safe in the pipes. May affect taste — a carbon filter or refrigerating water can reduce chlorine.
E. coli
E. coli data is not currently available for Caves Beach.
About your water supply
- Water Utility
- Hunter Water
- Supply Zone
- Grahamstown
Frequently asked questions
Is Caves Beach tap water safe?
What contaminants are in Caves Beach water?
Should I filter my tap water in Caves Beach?
Learn more about water in Caves Beach
Is tap water safe in nearby suburbs?
Safety assessments for suburbs on the same water supply
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Caves Beach's water meets ADWG standards at the source, but old pipes, roof tanks, and ageing plumbing can add lead, copper or bacteria before the water reaches your tap. These won't show up in your utility report.
Check your own tap before buying a filter or assuming the suburb average matches your home.
Tetra
EasyStrips 6-in-1 Water Test (100 strips)
4.6 · 8,650 ratings on Amazon
Tests 6 parameters in 60 seconds: hardness, chlorine, pH, nitrate, nitrite, alkalinity. Cheapest way to verify your utility data.
Test my tap →Sponsored Amazon link. Check Amazon for current price and availability.
Heavy Metals
Drinking Water Test Kit (Lead, Copper, Iron, Mercury)
4.2 · 250 ratings on Amazon
20 tests. Detects lead, copper, iron, mercury — the things utility reports miss. Mobile-app results, EPA-standard thresholds.
Check metals kit →Sponsored Amazon link. Check Amazon for current price and availability.
Recommended water filters for Caves Beach
Based on Caves Beach's water profile — matched to the parameters tested above
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Caves Beach — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (IAPMO Certified: PFOA/PFOS + Lead)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (iapmo certified: pfoa/pfos + lead) suitable for Caves Beach's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Caves Beach — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Important disclaimer: The safety assessment on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, health recommendations, or a guarantee of water safety. Our assessment is based on comparison against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) using data from Hunter Water (2026 report). This data reflects conditions at the time of utility testing and may not reflect real-time water quality at your specific tap. Water quality can be affected by local plumbing, building age, seasonal variations, and other factors not captured in utility reports. If you have health concerns about your drinking water, please consult a qualified health professional or contact your local water utility directly. See our Terms of Use.