Tap Water Quality in Frome Downs, SA
Postcode 5440 · Supplied by SA Water via Leigh Creek
Quality Score
About Frome Downs
Frome Downs is a suburb of 9 residents in South Australia (postcode 5440). The median age is 38. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Lake Frome, Wooltana, Quinyambie, Wertaloona.
Most residents rent (100%), while 0% own their home with a mortgage, while 0% own outright. The median household income is $71,500 per year.
Tap water in Frome Downs is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Leigh Creek supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Frome Downs achieves a WaterScore of 9.2 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 6 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. 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 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 134 mg/L, considered low 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.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Lake Frome , Wooltana , Quinyambie
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Recommended filters for Frome Downs
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Frome Downs — 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 Frome Downs's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Frome Downs — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Frome Downs compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Frome Downs | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 6 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 | 1.1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 134 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 | 66 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.022 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 2.73 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 36 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.005 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 6 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0031 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 0.25 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.61 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 50 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 13.7 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 134 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 0.05 µg/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 (6 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 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 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
Frome Downs'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
Frome Downs's water is soft at 6 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.1 mg/L in Frome Downs. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in Frome Downs, 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 Frome Downs?
How hard is the water in Frome Downs?
What water utility supplies Frome Downs?
Does Frome Downs water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Frome Downs?
What is the population of Frome Downs?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Leigh Creek
- 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 8.2 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Frome Downs'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 Frome Downs
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Frome Downs, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
6 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Lake Frome
Frome Downs vs Lake Frome
Compare with Wooltana
Frome Downs vs Wooltana
Compare with Quinyambie
Frome Downs vs Quinyambie
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.