Tap Water Quality in Caloundra, QLD
Postcode 4551 · Supplied by Seqwater via Sunshine Coast
Quality Score
About Caloundra
Caloundra is a suburb of 3,932 residents in Queensland (postcode 4551). The median age is 58. It falls within the Seqwater area. Neighbouring suburbs include Kings Beach, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach, Golden Beach.
Most residents rent (43%), while 39% own outright, while 15% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $50,960 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (30%), New Zealand (24%), and Nepal (3%).
Tap water in Caloundra is supplied by Seqwater. The suburb receives water via the Sunshine Coast supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on recent water quality reports, Caloundra achieves a WaterScore of 8.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 52.3 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 20.9, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.83 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 1.6 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. 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.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Kings Beach , Moffat Beach , Dicky Beach
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Caloundra
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Caloundra — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
A reliable tsa under-sink filter (fluoride + pfas) suitable for Caloundra's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Caloundra — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Caloundra compares
Compared to Queensland and national averages
| Metric | Caloundra | QLD Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 52.3 mg/L | 74.8 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 20.9 | 23.6 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.83 mg/L | 0.8 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.6 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.4 NTU | 0.3 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | — | — | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 0.83 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.6 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 3.5 | mg/L | < 3 | Exceeds |
| Total Chlorine | 2.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Bromate | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chlorate | 0.085 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Arsenic | 0.0005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chromium | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 0.001 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Lead | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Mercury | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nickel | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | CFU/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Nitrate | 0.052 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Nitrite | 0.004 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Trihalomethanes | 34.3 | µg/L | < 0.25 | Exceeds |
| Chloride | 26.6 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Hardness | 52.3 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Sodium | 16.3 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| pH | 20.9 | mg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Aluminium | 0.008 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.4 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Calcium | 12.6 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 5.25 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 49 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 235.6 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Temperature | 26.7 | °C | No limit | Measured |
| Ndma | 0.003 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 33 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Monochloramine (3.5 mg/L), Trihalomethanes (34.3 µg/L), pH (20.9 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 (52.3 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.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 20.9 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 0.83 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.6 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
Reduce Chlorine Taste
Caloundra's chlorine level is 1.6 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Caloundra's water is soft at 52.3 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.83 mg/L in Caloundra. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Alkaline Water
pH measures 20.9 in Caloundra, which is above the ADWG guideline range. This may cause a slightly bitter taste but is generally not a practical concern.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Caloundra?
How hard is the water in Caloundra?
What water utility supplies Caloundra?
Does Caloundra water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Caloundra?
What is the population of Caloundra?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Seqwater
- Supply Zone
- Sunshine Coast
- Data Source
- Seqwater — Sunshine Coast
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 7.4 and 9.4
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Caloundra'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 the Sunshine Coast and Noosa
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Caloundra
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Caloundra, QLD
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
52.3 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Queensland water quality
State coverage
Seqwater
Water utility
Compare with Kings Beach
Caloundra vs Kings Beach
Compare with Moffat Beach
Caloundra vs Moffat Beach
Compare with Dicky Beach
Caloundra vs Dicky Beach
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 Seqwater (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.