Tap Water Quality in Banks, ACT
Postcode 2906 · Supplied by Icon Water via Tuggeranong
Quality Score
About Banks
Banks is a suburb of 5,100 residents in Australian Capital Territory (postcode 2906). The median age is 35. It falls within the Icon Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Conder, Gordon, Calwell, Theodore.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (60%), while 21% own outright, while 18% rent. The median household income is $125,788 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (18%), India (12%), and Philippines (7%).
Tap water in Banks is supplied by Icon Water. The suburb receives water via the Tuggeranong supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Banks achieves a WaterScore of 7.8 out of 10, rated good overall. Water hardness measures 39 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.92, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.8 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 0.64 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Some residents may notice a slight taste, which can be reduced by refrigerating water or using a carbon filter. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 73 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.4 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Banks
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Banks — 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 Banks's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Banks — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Banks compares
Compared to Australian Capital Territory and national averages
| Metric | Banks | ACT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 39 mg/L | 37.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.92 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.8 mg/L | 0.8 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.64 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.4 NTU | 0.4 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 73 mg/L | 72.6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Coliforms | 10 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Detected |
| Conductivity | 104 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 7.92 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 16.8 | °C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 73 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.4 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Alkalinity | 38 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 30 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Exceeds |
| Calcium | 13.29 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 4.4 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 0.1 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.64 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.74 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.004 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Fluoride | 0.8 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 39 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Magnesium | 1.36 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nitrate | 0.1 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Sodium | 3.8 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 5.1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Antimony | 3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.05 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chromium | 2 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 17 | mg/L | < 2 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.2 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Exceeds |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nickel | 1 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Zinc | 5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.041 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 32 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Total Coliforms (10 MPN/100mL), Aluminium (30 mg/L), Copper (17 mg/L), Lead (0.2 mg/L). 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 (39 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 7.92 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 0.8 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.64 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 Banks measures 0.64 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Banks's water is soft at 39 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.8 mg/L in Banks. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Get water quality alerts
We'll email you when Banks's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Banks?
How hard is the water in Banks?
What water utility supplies Banks?
Does Banks water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Banks?
What is the population of Banks?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Icon Water
- Supply Zone
- Tuggeranong
- Data Source
- Icon Water — Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 25, Icon Water Drinking Water Quality Report 2015 2016
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 6.8 and 8.8
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Banks'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 Canberra
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Banks
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Banks, ACT
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 Icon 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.