Tap Water Quality in Orford, TAS
Postcode 7190 · Supplied by TasWater via Orford
Quality Score
About Orford
Orford is a suburb of 685 residents in Tasmania (postcode 7190). The median age is 62. It falls within the TasWater area. Neighbouring suburbs include Triabunna, Kellevie, Apslawn, Buckland.
Most residents own outright (60%), while 21% own their home with a mortgage, while 16% rent. The median household income is $57,720 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (34%), New Zealand (13%), and Nepal (7%).
Tap water in Orford is supplied by TasWater. The suburb receives water via the Orford, Triabunna supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on recent water quality reports, Orford achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 84 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 7.492266, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.833333 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 0.596172 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 304.444444 mg/L, considered moderate against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.277109 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
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Orford
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Orford — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (pfas + fluoride + lead, iapmo certified) suitable for Orford's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Orford — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Orford compares
Compared to Tasmania and national averages
| Metric | Orford | TAS Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 84 mg/L | 34.8 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.492266 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.833333 mg/L | 0.9 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.596172 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.277109 NTU | 0.3 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 304.444444 mg/L | 93.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 56.047619 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.024167 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Ammonia | 0.0034 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Antimony | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Arsenic | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.0002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 18.333333 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 116.5 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.596172 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.696667 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Chromium | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Colour | 2.380952 | Pt-Co | < 15 | Good |
| Conductivity | 508.333333 | uS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 0.006167 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.833333 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 84 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.010833 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.00125 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 12 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Mercury | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nickel | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nitrate | 0.0737 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Nitrite | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 7.492266 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 41.0005 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 30.52381 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Temperature | 14.907031 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Coliforms | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 304.444444 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.1415 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.277109 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.006333 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 35 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 (84 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.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.492266 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 0.833333 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.596172 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 Orford measures 0.596172 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Orford's water is moderately hard at 84 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.833333 mg/L in Orford. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Consider a Filter for TDS
Total dissolved solids measure 304.444444 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Orford?
How hard is the water in Orford?
What water utility supplies Orford?
Does Orford water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Orford?
What is the population of Orford?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- TasWater
- Supply Zone
- Orford
- Data Source
- TasWater — Orford, Triabunna
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
Orford'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 Hobart and Tasmania
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Orford
Related
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Related pages for Orford, TAS
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 TasWater (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.