Tap Water Quality in Macquarie University, NSW
Postcode 2109 · Supplied by Sydney Water via Prospect North
Quality Score
About Macquarie University
Macquarie University is a suburb in New South Wales, Australia (postcode 2109). It falls within the Sydney Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include West Pymble, North Ryde, Blenheim Road, East Ryde.
Tap water in Macquarie University is supplied by Sydney Water. The suburb receives water via the Prospect North supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Macquarie University achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 49.9 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.9, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.01 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 0.04 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 137 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.11 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: West Pymble , North Ryde , Blenheim Road
Recommended filters for Macquarie University
Products matched to your water profile
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (IAPMO Certified: PFOA/PFOS + Lead)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Macquarie University — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Macquarie University — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Macquarie University's water profile.
Comparison
How Macquarie University compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Macquarie University | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 49.9 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 1.01 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.04 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.11 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 137 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.006 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.013 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.0017 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Copper | 0.019 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Ammonia | 0.226 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.11 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 3 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 102.7 | % saturation | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 137 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Sulfate | 8.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Hardness | 49.9 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| pH | 7.9 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 19 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | orgs/100 mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Free Chlorine | 0.04 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 1.74 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Fluoride | 1.01 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.09 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Ndma | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 0.004 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| PFOS + PFHxS | 0.0014 | µg/L | PFOS < 0.008, PFHxS < 0.03 | Good |
| PFOA | 0.0002 | µg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 23 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 (49.9 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 7.9 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 1.01 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.04 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 Macquarie University measures 0.04 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Macquarie University's water is soft at 49.9 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1.01 mg/L in Macquarie University. 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 Macquarie University?
How hard is the water in Macquarie University?
What water utility supplies Macquarie University?
Does Macquarie University water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Macquarie University?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Sydney Water
- Supply Zone
- Prospect North
- Data Source
- Sydney Water — quarterly prospect north q2 202425, quarterly prospect north q3 202425, quarterly prospect north q4 202425
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Macquarie University'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 Sydney
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Macquarie University
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 Macquarie University, NSW [Data set]. Compiled from Sydney Water data (2024-25 annual report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/macquarie-university-nsw/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Macquarie University, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
49.9 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Sydney Water
Water utility
Compare with West Pymble
Macquarie University vs West Pymble
Compare with North Ryde
Macquarie University vs North Ryde
Compare with Blenheim Road
Macquarie University vs Blenheim Road
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 Sydney Water (2024-25 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.