Tap Water Quality in Bowden, SA
Postcode 5007 · Supplied by SA Water via Western metro Adelaide suburbs
Quality Score
About Bowden
Bowden is a suburb of 1,808 residents in South Australia (postcode 5007). The median age is 32. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Brompton, Ovingham, Hindmarsh, North Adelaide Melbourne St.
Most residents rent (58%), while 27% own their home with a mortgage, while 13% own outright. The median household income is $84,656 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (19%), China (13%), and Malaysia (7%).
Tap water in Bowden is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Western metro Adelaide suburbs supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Bowden achieves a WaterScore of 9.0 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 104 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 0.05, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.44 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.3 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 294 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: Brompton , Ovingham , Hindmarsh
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Bowden
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
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A reliable marella 2.4l fridge water filter jug (maxtra+) suitable for Bowden's water profile.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
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A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Bowden's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
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A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Bowden's water profile.
Comparison
How Bowden compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Bowden | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 104 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.44 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.3 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 294 mg/L | 341.5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 63 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 21.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 92 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.4 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0127 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.44 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 104 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0119 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 12.42 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0012 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.42 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 57.3 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 40.3 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 294 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 0.05 µg/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
Moderately hard (104 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 0.05 is outside 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 0.44 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.3 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 Bowden measures 0.3 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Bowden's water is moderately hard at 104 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.44 mg/L in Bowden. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in Bowden, which is slightly acidic. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking can flush any metals that dissolve more readily in acidic water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Bowden?
How hard is the water in Bowden?
What water utility supplies Bowden?
Does Bowden water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Bowden?
What is the population of Bowden?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Western metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data Source
- SA Water — water quality performance results november 2025
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.0 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Bowden'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 Adelaide and SA
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Bowden
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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 SA Water (2025 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.