Tap Water Quality in Horsfield Bay, NSW
Postcode 2256 · Supplied by Central Coast Council via Central Coast System
Quality Score
About Horsfield Bay
Horsfield Bay is a suburb of 501 residents in New South Wales (postcode 2256). The median age is 46. It falls within the Central Coast Council area. Neighbouring suburbs include Phegans Bay, Woy Woy Bay, Woy Woy, Blackwall.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (49%), while 40% own outright, while 11% rent. The median household income is $108,316 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (37%), South Africa (8%), and Ireland (7%).
Tap water in Horsfield Bay 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, Horsfield Bay 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: Phegans Bay , Woy Woy Bay , Woy Woy
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Horsfield Bay
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Horsfield Bay — 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 Horsfield Bay's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Horsfield Bay — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Horsfield Bay compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Horsfield Bay | 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
Horsfield Bay'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
Horsfield Bay'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 Horsfield Bay. 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 Horsfield Bay?
How hard is the water in Horsfield Bay?
What water utility supplies Horsfield Bay?
Does Horsfield Bay water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Horsfield Bay?
What is the population of Horsfield Bay?
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
Horsfield Bay'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 Horsfield Bay, 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 Phegans Bay
Horsfield Bay vs Phegans Bay
Compare with Woy Woy Bay
Horsfield Bay vs Woy Woy Bay
Compare with Woy Woy
Horsfield Bay vs Woy Woy
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.