Tap Water Quality in Macdonnell Range, NT
Postcode 0872 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation via Yulara
Quality Score
About Macdonnell Range
Macdonnell Range is a suburb in Northern Territory, Australia (postcode 0872). It falls within the Power and Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Aherrenge, Ali Curung, Amata, Amoonguna.
Tap water in Macdonnell Range is supplied by Power and Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Yulara supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024 water quality reports, Macdonnell Range achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 5 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7, which is within 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 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 85.1 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.96 NTU, indicating clear water, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Aherrenge , Ali Curung , Amata
Recommended filters for Macdonnell Range
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Macdonnell Range — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Macdonnell Range's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Macdonnell Range — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Macdonnell Range compares
Compared to Northern Territory and national averages
| Metric | Macdonnell Range | NT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 5 mg/L | 103.9 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.96 NTU | 1.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 85.1 mg/L | 35.5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.1 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 29 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.8 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 5 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.003 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 85.1 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.96 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.00071 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 73 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.00025 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 7.5 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 12 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 19 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Soft (5 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 is within 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 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 Macdonnell Range measures 1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Macdonnell Range's water is soft at 5 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 Macdonnell Range. 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 Macdonnell Range?
How hard is the water in Macdonnell Range?
What water utility supplies Macdonnell Range?
Does Macdonnell Range water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Macdonnell Range?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Yulara
- Data Source
- Power and Water Corporation — 2017 Power and Water Corporation Drinking Water Quality Report, Drinking Water Quality Report 2019 WEB, 2024 Power and Water Drinking Water Quality Report
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
Macdonnell Range'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 Darwin and the NT
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Macdonnell Range
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 Macdonnell Range, NT [Data set]. Compiled from Power and Water Corporation data (2024 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/macdonnell-range-nt/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Macdonnell Range, NT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
5 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Northern Territory water quality
State coverage
Power and Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Aherrenge
Macdonnell Range vs Aherrenge
Compare with Ali Curung
Macdonnell Range vs Ali Curung
Compare with Amata
Macdonnell Range vs Amata
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 Power and Water Corporation (2024 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.