Tap Water Quality in Mount Compass, SA
Postcode 5210 · Supplied by SA Water via Mt Compass
Quality Score
About Mount Compass
Mount Compass is a suburb of 1,580 residents in South Australia (postcode 5210). The median age is 40. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Mount Magnificent, Nangkita, Willunga South, Dingabledinga.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (57%), while 28% own outright, while 11% rent. The median household income is $86,060 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (57%), South Africa (7%), and Germany (5%).
Tap water in Mount Compass is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Mt Compass supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Mount Compass achieves a WaterScore of 9.1 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 56 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 0.05, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.2 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 1.2 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 242 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: Mount Magnificent , Nangkita , Willunga South
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Mount Compass
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Mount Compass — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
A reliable tsa under-sink filter (fluoride + pfas) suitable for Mount Compass's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Mount Compass — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Mount Compass compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Mount Compass | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 56 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.2 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.2 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 242 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 | 108 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 11.79 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 57 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.2 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0106 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.2 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 56 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0025 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0006 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 6.29 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.48 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 62.4 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 8.6 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 242 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 0.05 µg/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
Soft (56 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.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 0.05 is outside 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 0.2 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.2 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
Reduce Chlorine Taste
Mount Compass's chlorine level is 1.2 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Mount Compass's water is soft at 56 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.2 mg/L in Mount Compass. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in Mount Compass, which is slightly acidic. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking can flush any metals that dissolve more readily in acidic water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Mount Compass?
How hard is the water in Mount Compass?
What water utility supplies Mount Compass?
Does Mount Compass water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Mount Compass?
What is the population of Mount Compass?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Mt Compass
- 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 8.1 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Mount Compass'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 Mount Compass
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Mount Compass, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
56 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Mount Magnificent
Mount Compass vs Mount Magnificent
Compare with Nangkita
Mount Compass vs Nangkita
Compare with Willunga South
Mount Compass vs Willunga South
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.