Tap Water Quality in Middle Cove, NSW
Postcode 2068 · Supplied by Sydney Water via Ryde
Quality Score
About Middle Cove
Middle Cove is a suburb of 1,327 residents in New South Wales (postcode 2068). The median age is 45. It falls within the Sydney Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Castlecrag, Willoughby North, Willoughby East, North Willoughby.
Most residents own outright (48%), while 42% own their home with a mortgage, while 8% rent. The median household income is $231,192 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (17%), China (16%), and New Zealand (8%).
Tap water in Middle Cove is supplied by Sydney Water. The suburb receives water via the Ryde supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Middle Cove achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 49.3 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.8, 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 0.13 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: Castlecrag , Willoughby North , Willoughby East
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Middle Cove
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 Middle Cove — 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 Middle Cove — 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 Middle Cove's water profile.
Comparison
How Middle Cove compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Middle Cove | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 49.3 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.8 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 1.01 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.04 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.13 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 | 0.0014 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Copper | 0.035 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.009 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Ammonia | 0.177 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.13 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 4 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 107.2 | % saturation | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 137 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Sulfate | 8.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Hardness | 49.3 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| pH | 7.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 19.5 | 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 (49.3 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 7.8 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 Middle Cove 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
Middle Cove's water is soft at 49.3 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 Middle Cove. 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 Middle Cove?
How hard is the water in Middle Cove?
What water utility supplies Middle Cove?
Does Middle Cove water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Middle Cove?
What is the population of Middle Cove?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Sydney Water
- Supply Zone
- Ryde
- Data Source
- Sydney Water — quarterly ryde q2 202425, quarterly ryde q3 202425, quarterly ryde 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
Middle Cove'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 Middle Cove
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 Middle Cove, NSW [Data set]. Compiled from Sydney Water data (2024-25 annual report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/middle-cove-nsw/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Middle Cove, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
49.3 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Sydney Water
Water utility
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Middle Cove vs Castlecrag
Compare with Willoughby North
Middle Cove vs Willoughby North
Compare with Willoughby East
Middle Cove vs Willoughby East
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.