Tap Water Quality in Kalka, SA
Postcode 0872 · Supplied by SA Water via Kalka
Quality Score
About Kalka
Kalka is a suburb of 112 residents in South Australia (postcode 0872). The median age is 26. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Pipalyatjara, Kanpi, Murputja, Nyapari.
Most residents rent (88%), while 0% own their home with a mortgage, while 0% own outright. The median household income is $69,524 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are New Zealand (100%).
Tap water in Kalka is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Kalka supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Kalka achieves a WaterScore of 9.0 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 366 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.7, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1 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. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 618 mg/L, considered elevated 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: Pipalyatjara , Kanpi , Murputja
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
366/200 mg/L
207% above South Australia avg
329% above national avg
Recommended filters for Kalka
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 Kalka — reduces hardness from 366 mg/L.
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Kalka — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (366 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Kalka's water profile.
Comparison
How Kalka compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Kalka | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 366 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.7 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 618 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 | 318 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.002 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 46.7 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 121 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0148 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 366 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.003 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0005 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 60.5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 23.03 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.7 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 89 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 54.9 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 618 | mg/L | < 600 | Exceeds |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 19 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 2 exceptions: Hardness at 366 PPM or mg/L and Total Dissolved Solids at 618 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
Very hard (366 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
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 1 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Data unavailable
Disinfection
Chlorine data is not currently available for Kalka.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 366 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1 mg/L in Kalka. 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 618 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
Get water quality alerts
We'll email you when Kalka's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Kalka?
How hard is the water in Kalka?
What water utility supplies Kalka?
Does Kalka water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Kalka?
What is the population of Kalka?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Kalka
- 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 8.0 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Kalka'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 Kalka
Cite
Cite this page
Free to quote and reuse with a credit to WaterScore and a link to this page. Journalists and researchers can find key figures and contacts on our press and data page.
WaterScore. (2026). Tap water quality in Kalka, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/kalka-sa/
Embed
Add Kalka, SA water data to your website
For plumbers, filter suppliers, cafés and real estate agents. Paste this code into your page to show the badge below, which links back to this report.
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Kalka, SA
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.