Tap Water Quality in McLaren Flat, SA
Postcode 5171 · Supplied by SA Water via Southern metro Adelaide suburbs
Quality Score
About McLaren Flat
McLaren Flat is a suburb of 1,625 residents in South Australia (postcode 5171). The median age is 40. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Pedler Creek, Mclaren Vale, Blewitt Springs, The Range.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (54%), while 32% own outright, while 11% rent. The median household income is $110,708 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (71%), Germany (4%), and New Zealand (4%).
Tap water in McLaren Flat is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Southern metro Adelaide suburbs supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, McLaren Flat achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 92 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The water is fluoridated at 0.4 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.3 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 280 mg/L, considered low 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: Pedler Creek , McLaren Vale , Blewitt Springs
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for McLaren Flat
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
A reliable marella 2.4l fridge water filter jug (maxtra+) suitable for McLaren Flat's water profile.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (IAPMO Certified: PFOA/PFOS + Lead)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (iapmo certified: pfoa/pfos + lead) suitable for McLaren Flat's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for McLaren Flat's water profile.
Comparison
How McLaren Flat compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | McLaren Flat | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 92 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 80.3 mg/L |
| pH | — | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.4 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.3 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 280 mg/L | 341.5 mg/L | 267.4 mg/L |
Full Results
Detailed water quality data
All values compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 64 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.038 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 19.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 91 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.4 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0103 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.4 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 92 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.004 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 10.6 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.49 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Sodium | 54.2 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 29.2 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 280 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 20 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
Moderately hard (92 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
Data unavailable
pH Level
pH data is not currently available for McLaren Flat.
Fluoridated
Fluoride
Fluoride at 0.4 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.3 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 McLaren Flat measures 0.3 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
McLaren Flat's water is moderately hard at 92 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.4 mg/L in McLaren Flat. 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 McLaren Flat?
How hard is the water in McLaren Flat?
What water utility supplies McLaren Flat?
Does McLaren Flat water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for McLaren Flat?
What is the population of McLaren Flat?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Southern metro Adelaide suburbs
- 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 8.6 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
McLaren Flat'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 McLaren Flat
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 McLaren Flat, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/mclaren-flat-sa/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for McLaren Flat, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
92 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Pedler Creek
McLaren Flat vs Pedler Creek
Compare with Blewitt Springs
McLaren Flat vs Blewitt Springs
Compare with Ashbourne
McLaren Flat vs Ashbourne
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.