Tap Water Quality in Buchanan, NT
Postcode 0852 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation via Mataranka
Quality Score
About Buchanan
Buchanan is a suburb of 80 residents in Northern Territory (postcode 0852). The median age is 23. It falls within the Power and Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Arnold, Baines, Barunga, Beswick.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (0%), while 0% own outright, while 0% rent. The median household income is $117,000 per year.
Tap water in Buchanan is supplied by Power and Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Mataranka supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024 water quality reports, Buchanan achieves a WaterScore of 9.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 302 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.5, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.27 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 1 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 20.5 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 1.2 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
302/200 mg/L
191% above Northern Territory avg
255% above national avg
Recommended filters for Buchanan
Products matched to your water profile
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Buchanan — reduces hardness from 302 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Buchanan — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (302 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
iSpring
Counter-top Drinking Water Filter
4.4 · 1,108 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Buchanan — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Buchanan compares
Compared to Northern Territory and national averages
| Metric | Buchanan | NT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 302 mg/L | 103.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.5 | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.27 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 1.2 NTU | 1.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 20.5 mg/L | 35.5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.1 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.27 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 26 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 302 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.5 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.003 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 20.5 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.2 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.0048 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 340 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.00034 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 7.7 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 28 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 19 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: Hardness at 302 mg/L CaCO3.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Very hard (302 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.5 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 0.27 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1 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 Buchanan measures 1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 302 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.27 mg/L in Buchanan. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Sediment Filtration
Turbidity is 1.2 NTU in Buchanan. A sediment pre-filter on your main line can help reduce fine particles and improve water clarity at the tap.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Buchanan?
How hard is the water in Buchanan?
What water utility supplies Buchanan?
Does Buchanan water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Buchanan?
What is the population of Buchanan?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Mataranka
- Data Source
- Power and Water Corporation — 2017 Power and Water Corporation Drinking Water Quality Report, Drinking Water Quality Report 2019 WEB, 2024 Power and Water Drinking Water Quality Report
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.4 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Buchanan'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 Darwin and the NT
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Buchanan
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Buchanan, NT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
302 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Northern Territory water quality
State coverage
Power and Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Arnold
Buchanan vs Arnold
Compare with Baines
Buchanan vs Baines
Compare with Barunga
Buchanan vs Barunga
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 Power and Water Corporation (2024 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.