Tap Water Quality in Emungalan, NT
Postcode 0850 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation via Katherine
Quality Score
About Emungalan
Emungalan is a suburb of 254 residents in Northern Territory (postcode 0850). The median age is 42. It falls within the Power and Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Katherine, Katherine South, Katherine East, Cossack.
Most residents rent (68%), while 17% own their home with a mortgage, while 6% own outright. The median household income is $92,612 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are New Zealand (40%).
Tap water in Emungalan is supplied by Power and Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Katherine supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024 water quality reports, Emungalan achieves a WaterScore of 9.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 110 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 7.7, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.67 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 2 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 5 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 1.4 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Katherine , Katherine South , Katherine East
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Emungalan
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Emungalan — 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 Emungalan's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Emungalan — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Emungalan compares
Compared to Northern Territory and national averages
| Metric | Emungalan | NT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 110 mg/L | 103.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.7 | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.67 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 2 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 1.4 NTU | 1.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 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 | 2 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.1 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.67 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 7 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 110 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.7 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.039 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 5 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.4 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.025 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 70 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.003 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 7.4 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 15 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 19 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Moderately hard (110 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.7 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 0.67 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 2 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
Emungalan's chlorine level is 2 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Emungalan's water is moderately hard at 110 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.67 mg/L in Emungalan. 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 1.4 NTU in Emungalan. 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 Emungalan?
How hard is the water in Emungalan?
What water utility supplies Emungalan?
Does Emungalan water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Emungalan?
What is the population of Emungalan?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Katherine
- 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
Emungalan'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 Emungalan
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Emungalan, NT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
110 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Northern Territory water quality
State coverage
Power and Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Katherine
Emungalan vs Katherine
Compare with Katherine South
Emungalan vs Katherine South
Compare with Katherine East
Emungalan vs Katherine East
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.