Tap Water Quality in Cape Douglas, SA
Postcode 5291 · Supplied by SA Water via Port MacDonnell
Quality Score
About Cape Douglas
Cape Douglas is a suburb of 68 residents in South Australia (postcode 5291). The median age is 50. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Allendale East, Blackfellows Caves, Burrungule, Caroline.
Most residents own outright (47%), while 16% own their home with a mortgage, while 16% rent. The median household income is $60,632 per year.
Tap water in Cape Douglas is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Port MacDonnell supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Cape Douglas achieves a WaterScore of 9.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 22 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. 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 1.1 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 693 mg/L, considered elevated against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.14 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: Allendale East , Blackfellows Caves , Burrungule
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Cape Douglas
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Cape Douglas — 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 Cape Douglas's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Cape Douglas — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Cape Douglas compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Cape Douglas | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 22 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 80.3 mg/L |
| pH | — | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.8 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.14 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 693 mg/L | 341.5 mg/L | 267.4 mg/L |
Full Results
Detailed water quality data
All values compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 354 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.002 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 2.36 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 166 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.035 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.8 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 22 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0043 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 3.96 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.13 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Sodium | 253 | mg/L | < 180 | Exceeds |
| Sulfate | 22.1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 693 | mg/L | < 600 | Exceeds |
| Turbidity | 0.14 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 20 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 2 exceptions: Sodium at 253 mg/L and Total Dissolved Solids at 693 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 (22 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.
Data unavailable
pH Level
pH data is not currently available for Cape Douglas.
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 1.1 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
Reduce Chlorine Taste
Cape Douglas's chlorine level is 1.1 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Cape Douglas's water is soft at 22 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 Cape Douglas. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Consider a Filter for TDS
Total dissolved solids measure 693 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Cape Douglas?
How hard is the water in Cape Douglas?
What water utility supplies Cape Douglas?
Does Cape Douglas water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Cape Douglas?
What is the population of Cape Douglas?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Port MacDonnell
- 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 8.3 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Cape Douglas'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 Cape Douglas
Cite
Cite this page
Free to quote and reuse with a credit to WaterScore and a link to this page. Journalists and researchers can find key figures and contacts on our press and data page.
WaterScore. (2026). Tap water quality in Cape Douglas, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/cape-douglas-sa/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Cape Douglas, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
22 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
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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.