Tap Water Quality in Donovans Forest, NSW
Postcode 2250 · Supplied by Central Coast Council via Central Coast System
Quality Score
About Donovans Forest
Donovans Forest is a suburb in New South Wales, Australia (postcode 2250). It falls within the Central Coast Council area. Neighbouring suburbs include Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, Erina Fair.
Tap water in Donovans Forest is supplied by Central Coast Council. The suburb receives water via the Central Coast System supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Donovans Forest achieves a WaterScore of 9.1 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 49 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.6, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.79 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 1.19 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 46 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.56 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: Bucketty , Calga , Central Mangrove
Recommended filters for Donovans Forest
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Donovans Forest — 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 Donovans Forest's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Donovans Forest — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Donovans Forest compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Donovans Forest | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 49 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.79 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.19 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.56 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 46 mg/L | 116.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Free Chlorine | 1.19 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.4 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.018 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.006 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.79 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 115 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Exceeds |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Turbidity | 0.56 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 49 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 46 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.04 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.01 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| PFOS | 0.001 | µg/L | < 0.07 | Good |
| Pfhxs | 0.001 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
| PFOA | 0.001 | µg/L | < 0.56 | Good |
| Pfbs | 0.001 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Iron | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Pfos Pfhxs | 0.002 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: Trihalomethanes at 115 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 (49 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.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.6 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 0.79 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.19 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
Donovans Forest's chlorine level is 1.19 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Donovans Forest's water is soft at 49 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.79 mg/L in Donovans Forest. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Donovans Forest?
How hard is the water in Donovans Forest?
What water utility supplies Donovans Forest?
Does Donovans Forest water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Donovans Forest?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Central Coast Council
- Supply Zone
- Central Coast System
- Data Source
- Central Coast Council — quarterly summary of drinking water quality october december 2024, Quarterly 20summary 20of 20drinking 20water 20quality 20Jul 20 20Sept 202025, annual drinking water quality report 2024 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
Donovans Forest'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.
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Donovans Forest, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
49 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Central Coast Council
Water utility
Compare with Bucketty
Donovans Forest vs Bucketty
Compare with Calga
Donovans Forest vs Calga
Compare with Central Mangrove
Donovans Forest vs Central Mangrove
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 Central Coast Council (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.