Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Ross, NT?
Postcode 0873 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation · Current data · 2024 report
Yes, safe to drink
Tap water in Ross meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines across all tested parameters. The water is safe to drink straight from the tap.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Arumbera , Connellan , Heavitree Gap Cpa
ADWG compliance check
Each parameter tested against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.1 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.61 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 71 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 217 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.007 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.004 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 71.8 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.85 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.023 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 240 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.0013 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 8.1 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 18 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Contaminant check
Parameters that exceed or approach ADWG limits
Hardness — 217 mg/L CaCO3
Exceeds ADWG guideline of < 200 mg/L CaCO3.
What's in your water
Key parameters explained in plain English
Water Hardness
At 217 mg/L, Ross'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 7.8 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 0.61 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine (Disinfection)
Chlorine at 1 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 Ross.
About your water supply
- Water Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Alice Springs
Frequently asked questions
Is Ross tap water safe?
What contaminants are in Ross water?
Should I filter my tap water in Ross?
Guides for Darwin and the NT
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Ross
Learn more about water in Ross
Is tap water safe in nearby suburbs?
Safety assessments for suburbs on the same water supply
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Ross'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 Ross
Based on Ross'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 Ross — reduces hardness from 217 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ross — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (217 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Nakii
Water Filter Pitcher (WQA Certified, 150 Gallons)
4.4 · 6,827 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ross — 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.