Tap Water Quality in Gawler South, SA
Postcode 5118 · Supplied by SA Water via Barossa (supplying Gawler and surrounds)
Quality Score
About Gawler South
Gawler South is a suburb of 2,618 residents in South Australia (postcode 5118). The median age is 46. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Gawler, Gawler East, Evanston Park, Gawler West.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (37%), while 31% own outright, while 31% rent. The median household income is $64,376 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (68%), New Zealand (5%), and Germany (4%).
Tap water in Gawler South is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Barossa (supplying Gawler and surrounds) supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Gawler South achieves a WaterScore of 8.9 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 129 mg/L, classified as 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. The water is fluoridated at 0.6 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 0.4 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 396 mg/L, considered moderate 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: Gawler , Gawler East , Evanston Park
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Gawler South
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 Gawler South — reduces hardness from 129 mg/L.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Gawler South — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (129 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Berkey
Royal 3.25 Gal (with Fluoride Filters)
4.5 · 1,628 ratings on Amazon
A reliable royal 3.25 gal (with fluoride filters) suitable for Gawler South's water profile.
Comparison
How Gawler South compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Gawler South | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 129 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.6 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.4 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 396 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 | 0.029 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 25.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 117 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.4 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.5 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0069 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.6 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 129 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0099 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0003 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 15.8 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0024 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.22 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 71.6 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 54.7 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 396 | 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
Hard (129 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is classified as hard. Expect noticeable limescale on heating elements, showerheads, and taps. Soap and shampoo may not lather as freely, requiring more product. Some residents report drier skin or hair. Periodic descaling of kettles and hot water systems is recommended to maintain efficiency.
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.
Fluoridated
Fluoride
Fluoride at 0.6 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.4 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 Gawler South measures 0.4 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Watch for Limescale
Gawler South has hard water at 129 mg/L. Wipe taps and showerheads periodically with vinegar to prevent limescale buildup on fixtures.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.6 mg/L in Gawler South. 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 396 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 Gawler South, 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 Gawler South?
How hard is the water in Gawler South?
What water utility supplies Gawler South?
Does Gawler South water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Gawler South?
What is the population of Gawler South?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Barossa (supplying Gawler and surrounds)
- 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 7.9 and 9.9
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Gawler South'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 Gawler South
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Gawler South, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
129 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Gawler
Gawler South vs Gawler
Compare with Gawler East
Gawler South vs Gawler East
Compare with Evanston Park
Gawler South vs Evanston Park
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.