Tap Water Quality in Ashfield, NSW
Postcode 2131 · Supplied by Sydney Water via Prospect East
Quality Score
About Ashfield
Ashfield is a suburb of 23,012 residents in New South Wales (postcode 2131). The median age is 36. It falls within the Sydney Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Summer Hill, Croydon, Haberfield, Dulwich Hill.
Most residents rent (51%), while 23% own their home with a mortgage, while 22% own outright. The median household income is $98,176 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are China (24%), Nepal (13%), and India (6%).
Tap water in Ashfield is supplied by Sydney Water. The suburb receives water via the Prospect East supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Ashfield achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 51.8 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.9, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.01 mg/L, within the recommended range of 0.6–1.1 mg/L for dental health, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.04 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 137 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.1 NTU, indicating clear water, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU. E. coli was not detected in testing, meeting the ADWG standard for microbiological safety.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Summer Hill , Croydon , Haberfield
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Ashfield
Products matched to your water profile
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ashfield — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
Geekpure
5-Stage Under-Sink RO (75 GPD)
4.4 · 400 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Ashfield — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Ashfield's water profile.
Comparison
How Ashfield compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Ashfield | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 51.8 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.9 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 1.01 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.04 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 137 mg/L | 116.3 mg/L | 275.7 mg/L |
Full Results
Detailed water quality data
All values compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.008 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.014 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.0021 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Copper | 0.014 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Ammonia | 0.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 4 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 108.5 | % saturation | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 137 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Sulfate | 8.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Hardness | 51.8 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| pH | 7.9 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 19.5 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | orgs/100 mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Free Chlorine | 0.04 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 1.74 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Fluoride | 1.01 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.09 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Ndma | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 0.004 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Pfos Pfhxs | 0.0014 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
| PFOA | 0.0002 | µg/L | < 0.56 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 23 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. E. coli was not detected, meeting the ADWG standard for microbiological safety.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Soft (51.8 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is classified as soft, which means minimal limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances. Soap and shampoo will lather easily, and you should notice no drying effects on skin or hair. Hot water systems and kettles are unlikely to suffer scale-related efficiency losses.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.9 is within the ideal range of 6.5–8.5. The ADWG recommends pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for drinking water.
Fluoridated
Fluoride
Fluoride at 1.01 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.04 mg/L, well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Used for disinfection to keep water safe. May affect taste slightly — refrigerating water or using a carbon filter can help.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Chlorine Levels Are Low
Chlorine in Ashfield measures 0.04 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Ashfield's water is soft at 51.8 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1.01 mg/L in Ashfield. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Ashfield?
How hard is the water in Ashfield?
What water utility supplies Ashfield?
Does Ashfield water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Ashfield?
What is the population of Ashfield?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Sydney Water
- Supply Zone
- Prospect East
- Data Source
- Sydney Water — quarterly prospect east q2 202425, quarterly prospect east q3 202425, quarterly prospect east q4 202425
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Ashfield'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.
Guides for Sydney
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Ashfield
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Ashfield, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
51.8 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Sydney Water
Water utility
Compare with Summer Hill
Ashfield vs Summer Hill
Compare with Croydon
Ashfield vs Croydon
Compare with Haberfield
Ashfield vs Haberfield
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, health recommendations, or professional guidance. Water quality data is sourced from Sydney Water (2024-25 annual report) and reflects conditions at the time of utility testing — it may not reflect real-time water quality at your tap. Actual water quality can vary due to local plumbing, seasonal changes, and distance from the treatment plant. For specific health concerns, consult a qualified health professional. For the most current water quality information, contact your local water utility directly. See our Terms of Use.
