Tap Water Quality in Coonawarra, SA
Postcode 5263 · Supplied by SA Water via Nangwarry
Quality Score
About Coonawarra
Coonawarra is a suburb of 135 residents in South Australia (postcode 5263). The median age is 53. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Penola, Comaum, Glenroy, Pleasant Park.
Most residents own outright (43%), while 34% rent, while 27% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $88,816 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United States (16%).
Tap water in Coonawarra is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Nangwarry supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Coonawarra achieves a WaterScore of 8.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 372 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. 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 0.9 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 665 mg/L, considered elevated 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
372/200 mg/L
212% above South Australia avg
337% above national avg
Recommended filters for Coonawarra
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 Coonawarra — reduces hardness from 372 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Coonawarra — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (372 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
iSpring
Counter-top Drinking Water Filter
4.4 · 1,108 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Coonawarra — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Coonawarra compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Coonawarra | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 372 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 | 0.9 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 665 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 | 369 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.003 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 128 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 141 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0158 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 372 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.0009 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0014 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 12.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 7.62 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 82.3 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 24.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 665 | mg/L | < 600 | Exceeds |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 20 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Hardness (372 PPM or mg/L), pH (0.05 µg/L), Total Dissolved Solids (665 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
Very hard (372 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.
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 0.9 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 Coonawarra measures 0.9 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 372 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 0.1 mg/L in Coonawarra. 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 665 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in Coonawarra, 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 Coonawarra?
How hard is the water in Coonawarra?
What water utility supplies Coonawarra?
Does Coonawarra water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Coonawarra?
What is the population of Coonawarra?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Nangwarry
- 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 7.5 and 9.5
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Coonawarra'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 Coonawarra
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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.