Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Ernabella (Pukatja), SA?
Postcode 0872 · Supplied by SA Water · Current data · 2025 report
ADWG compliance check
Each parameter tested against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 332 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 46.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 65 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0046 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 1.2 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 253 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.0005 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0008 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 33.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 4.65 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 103.4 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 45.5 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 502 | mg/L | < 600 | Near limit |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Contaminant check
Parameters that exceed or approach ADWG limits
Hardness — 253 PPM or mg/L
Exceeds ADWG guideline of < 200 PPM or mg/L.
Total Dissolved Solids — 502 mg/L
Approaching ADWG guideline of < 600 mg/L.
What's in your water
Key parameters explained in plain English
Water Hardness
At 253 mg/L, Ernabella (Pukatja)'s water is classified as very hard. You may notice some limescale buildup in kettles and appliances. The ADWG aesthetic guideline is 200 mg/L.
pH Level
pH of 7.6 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 1.2 mg/L. Above the recommended range but within the ADWG limit of 1.5 mg/L.
Chlorine (Disinfection)
Chlorine data is not currently available for Ernabella (Pukatja).
E. coli
No E. coli detected — the water meets the ADWG standard of zero E. coli per 100 mL. This indicates effective disinfection.
About your water supply
- Water Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Pukatja
Frequently asked questions
Is Ernabella (Pukatja) tap water safe?
What contaminants are in Ernabella (Pukatja) water?
Should I filter my tap water in Ernabella (Pukatja)?
Guides for Adelaide and SA
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Ernabella (Pukatja)
Learn more about water in Ernabella (Pukatja)
Is tap water safe in nearby suburbs?
Safety assessments for suburbs on the same water supply
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Ernabella (Pukatja)'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 Ernabella (Pukatja)
Based on Ernabella (Pukatja)'s water profile — matched to the parameters tested above
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ernabella (Pukatja) — reduces hardness from 253 mg/L, removes fluoride (currently 1.2 mg/L).
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ernabella (Pukatja) — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (253 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ernabella (Pukatja) — removes fluoride (currently 1.2 mg/L).
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 SA Water (2025 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.