Tap Water Quality in Nicholson, NT
Postcode 0862 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation via Borroloola
Quality Score
About Nicholson
Nicholson is a suburb of 57 residents in Northern Territory (postcode 0862). The median age is 23. It falls within the Power and Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Ranken, Calvert, Tablelands, King Ash Bay.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (0%), while 0% own outright, while 0% rent. The median household income is $87,724 per year.
Tap water in Nicholson is supplied by Power and Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Borroloola supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024 water quality reports, Nicholson achieves a WaterScore of 9.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 52 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 6.8, 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 11 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 1.1 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Ranken , Calvert , Tablelands
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Recommended filters for Nicholson
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Nicholson — 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 Nicholson's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Nicholson — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Nicholson compares
Compared to Northern Territory and national averages
| Metric | Nicholson | NT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 52 mg/L | 103.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 6.8 | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 1.1 NTU | 1.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 11 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 | 0.02 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 10 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 52 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.064 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 6.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.014 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 11 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.012 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 56 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 0.013 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 7.8 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 14 | 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 (52 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 6.8 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 Nicholson 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
Nicholson's water is soft at 52 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 Nicholson. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Sediment Filtration
Turbidity is 1.1 NTU in Nicholson. A sediment pre-filter on your main line can help reduce fine particles and improve water clarity at the tap.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Nicholson?
How hard is the water in Nicholson?
What water utility supplies Nicholson?
Does Nicholson water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Nicholson?
What is the population of Nicholson?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Borroloola
- 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 8.4 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Nicholson'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 Nicholson
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Nicholson, NT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
52 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Northern Territory water quality
State coverage
Power and Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Ranken
Nicholson vs Ranken
Compare with Calvert
Nicholson vs Calvert
Compare with Tablelands
Nicholson vs Tablelands
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.