Tap Water Quality in Bowhill, SA
Postcode 5238 · Supplied by SA Water via Cowirra
Quality Score
About Bowhill
Bowhill is a suburb of 127 residents in South Australia (postcode 5238). The median age is 54. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Angas Valley, Bonython, Claypans, Coolcha.
Most residents own outright (37%), while 27% own their home with a mortgage, while 25% rent. The median household income is $60,112 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (85%).
Tap water in Bowhill is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Cowirra supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Bowhill achieves a WaterScore of 9.1 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 82 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. Fluoride levels are very low at 0.1 mg/L, indicating the water is not significantly fluoridated. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.8 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 252 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: Angas Valley , Bonython , Claypans
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Bowhill
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Bowhill — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (pfas + fluoride + lead, iapmo certified) suitable for Bowhill's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Bowhill — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Bowhill compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Bowhill | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 82 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.8 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 252 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 | 79 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.011 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 16.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 78 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.8 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0265 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 82 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0046 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0002 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 10.05 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0003 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.92 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 53.8 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 16.7 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 252 | 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 (82 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.
Low fluoride
Fluoride
Fluoride at 0.1 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.8 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 Bowhill measures 0.8 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Bowhill's water is moderately hard at 82 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.1 mg/L in Bowhill. 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 Bowhill, 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 Bowhill?
How hard is the water in Bowhill?
What water utility supplies Bowhill?
Does Bowhill water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Bowhill?
What is the population of Bowhill?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Cowirra
- 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 8.1 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Bowhill'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 Bowhill
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Bowhill, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
82 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Angas Valley
Bowhill vs Angas Valley
Compare with Bonython
Bowhill vs Bonython
Compare with Claypans
Bowhill vs Claypans
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.