Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Katherine East, NT?
Postcode 0850 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation · Current data · 2024 report
Yes, safe to drink
Tap water in Katherine East meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines across all tested parameters. The water is safe to drink straight from the tap.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Katherine , Katherine South , Emungalan
ADWG compliance check
Each parameter tested against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 2 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.1 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.67 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 7 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 110 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.7 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.039 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 5 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.4 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.025 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 70 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.003 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 7.4 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 15 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
What's in your water
Key parameters explained in plain English
Water Hardness
At 110 mg/L, Katherine East's water is classified as moderately hard. You may notice some limescale buildup in kettles and appliances. The ADWG aesthetic guideline is 200 mg/L.
pH Level
pH of 7.7 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 0.67 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine (Disinfection)
Chlorine at 2 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 Katherine East.
About your water supply
- Water Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Katherine
Frequently asked questions
Is Katherine East tap water safe?
What contaminants are in Katherine East water?
Should I filter my tap water in Katherine East?
Guides for Darwin and the NT
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Katherine East
Learn more about water in Katherine East
Is tap water safe in nearby suburbs?
Safety assessments for suburbs on the same water supply
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Katherine East'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 Katherine East
Based on Katherine East'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 Katherine East — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Katherine East's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Katherine East — 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 Power and Water Corporation (2024 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.