Tap Water Quality in Otago, TAS
Postcode 7017 · Supplied by TasWater via Southern Midlands Greater Hobart
Quality Score
About Otago
Otago is a suburb of 596 residents in Tasmania (postcode 7017). The median age is 51. It falls within the TasWater area. Neighbouring suburbs include Grasstree Hill, Honeywood, Old Beach, Risdon.
Most residents own outright (51%), while 38% own their home with a mortgage, while 4% rent. The median household income is $100,724 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (21%), Italy (9%), and Germany (9%).
Tap water in Otago is supplied by TasWater. The suburb receives water via the Southern Midlands Greater Hobart supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on recent water quality reports, Otago achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 49 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 8.073952, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.913333 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 0.414032 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 78.285714 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.292016 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: Grasstree Hill , Honeywood , Old Beach
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Otago
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 Otago'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 Otago'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 Otago's water profile.
Comparison
How Otago compares
Compared to Tasmania and national averages
| Metric | Otago | TAS Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 49 mg/L | 34.8 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 8.073952 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.913333 mg/L | 0.9 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.414032 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.292016 NTU | 0.3 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 78.285714 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 | 26.142857 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.036667 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Ammonia | 0.003571 | 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 | 17.666667 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 9.666667 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.414032 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.305 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Chromium | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Colour | 2 | Pt-Co | < 15 | Good |
| Conductivity | 135.714286 | uS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 0.001 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.913333 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 49 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 1.433333 | 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 | 0.051143 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Nitrite | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 8.073952 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 4.666667 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 23 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Temperature | 13.65 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Coliforms | 0 | MPN/100ml | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 78.285714 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.057 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.292016 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.002333 | 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
Soft (49 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 8.073952 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 0.913333 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.414032 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 Otago measures 0.414032 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Otago's water is soft at 49 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.913333 mg/L in Otago. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Get water quality alerts
We'll email you when Otago's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Otago?
How hard is the water in Otago?
What water utility supplies Otago?
Does Otago water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Otago?
What is the population of Otago?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- TasWater
- Supply Zone
- Southern Midlands Greater Hobart
- Data Source
- TasWater — Southern Midlands Greater Hobart
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.6 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Otago'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 Otago
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Otago, 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.