Tap Water Quality in Gunns Plains, TAS
Postcode 7315 · Supplied by TasWater via Penguin
Quality Score
About Gunns Plains
Gunns Plains is a suburb of 195 residents in Tasmania (postcode 7315). The median age is 39. It falls within the TasWater area. Neighbouring suburbs include Abbotsham, Castra, Gawler, Leith.
Most residents own outright (40%), while 36% own their home with a mortgage, while 25% rent. The median household income is $61,048 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (28%), New Zealand (17%), and India (10%).
Tap water in Gunns Plains is supplied by TasWater. The suburb receives water via the Penguin, Ulverstone supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on recent water quality reports, Gunns Plains achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 57.416667 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.246875, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.85 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 1.168438 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 91.916667 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.412125 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
Recommended filters for Gunns Plains
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Gunns Plains — 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 Gunns Plains's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Gunns Plains — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Gunns Plains compares
Compared to Tasmania and national averages
| Metric | Gunns Plains | TAS Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 57.416667 mg/L | 34.8 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.246875 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.85 mg/L | 0.9 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.168438 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.412125 NTU | 0.3 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 91.916667 mg/L | 93.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 26.428571 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.0325 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Ammonia | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Antimony | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Arsenic | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.0002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 19.25 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 11 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.168438 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.361429 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Chromium | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Colour | 2.083333 | Pt-Co | < 15 | Good |
| Conductivity | 172.142857 | uS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 0.001875 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.85 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 57.416667 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0125 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 2.15 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001625 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Mercury | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nickel | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nitrate | 0.1855 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Nitrite | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 7.246875 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 5.075 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 30.928571 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Temperature | 14.54375 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Coliforms | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 91.916667 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.027 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.412125 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.004 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 35 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 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 (57.416667 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 7.246875 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 0.85 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.168438 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
Gunns Plains's chlorine level is 1.168438 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Gunns Plains's water is soft at 57.416667 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.85 mg/L in Gunns Plains. 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 Gunns Plains?
How hard is the water in Gunns Plains?
What water utility supplies Gunns Plains?
Does Gunns Plains water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Gunns Plains?
What is the population of Gunns Plains?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- TasWater
- Supply Zone
- Penguin
- Data Source
- TasWater — Penguin, Ulverstone
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.6 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Gunns Plains'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 Hobart and Tasmania
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Gunns Plains
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Gunns Plains, TAS
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
57.416667 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Tasmania water quality
State coverage
TasWater
Water utility
Compare with Abbotsham
Gunns Plains vs Abbotsham
Compare with Castra
Gunns Plains vs Castra
Compare with Gawler
Gunns Plains vs Gawler
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 TasWater (annual 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.