Tap Water Quality in Oak Valley, SA
Postcode 5690 · Supplied by SA Water via Oak Valley
Quality Score
About Oak Valley
Oak Valley is a suburb of 96 residents in South Australia (postcode 5690). The median age is 44. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Nullarbor, Yalata, Watarru, Chundaria.
Most residents rent (68%), while 0% own their home with a mortgage, while 0% own outright. The median household income is $68,224 per year.
Tap water in Oak Valley is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Oak Valley supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Oak Valley achieves a WaterScore of 9.8 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 7 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.3, 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. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 25 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Recommended filters for Oak Valley
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 Oak Valley's water profile.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Oak Valley'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 Oak Valley's water profile.
Comparison
How Oak Valley compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Oak Valley | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 7 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.3 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.13 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 25 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 | 12 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.002 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 2.43 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 5 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.4811 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 7 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0043 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0025 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 0.29 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0027 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 3.57 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.3 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 3.3 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 25 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.13 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 19 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 (7 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 7.3 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.
Data unavailable
Disinfection
Chlorine data is not currently available for Oak Valley.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Soft Water Advantage
Oak Valley's water is soft at 7 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 Oak Valley. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Flush After Absence
If your home has been unoccupied for several days, run the kitchen tap for 30 seconds before drinking. This clears stale water that has been sitting in pipes.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Oak Valley?
How hard is the water in Oak Valley?
What water utility supplies Oak Valley?
Does Oak Valley water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Oak Valley?
What is the population of Oak Valley?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Oak Valley
- 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 8.8 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Oak Valley'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 Oak Valley
Related
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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.