Tap Water Quality in Owen, SA
Postcode 5460 · Supplied by SA Water via Swan Reach
Quality Score
About Owen
Owen is a suburb of 509 residents in South Australia (postcode 5460). The median age is 42. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Pinery, Stockyard Creek, Alma, Salter Springs.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (44%), while 34% own outright, while 14% rent. The median household income is $56,472 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (62%), Netherlands (10%), and Germany (8%).
Tap water in Owen is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Swan Reach supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Owen achieves a WaterScore of 8.9 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 82 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 8.8, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.7 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 0.1 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 275 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: Pinery , Stockyard Creek , Alma
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Owen
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 Owen's water profile.
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 Owen'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 Owen's water profile.
Comparison
How Owen compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Owen | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 82 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 8.8 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.7 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 275 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 | 67 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.029 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 16 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 70 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 3.7 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0048 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.7 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 82 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0014 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0002 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 10.21 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0032 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.7 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 8.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 59.5 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 49.5 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 275 | 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 8.8 pH units. 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 (82 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.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 8.8 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 0.7 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.1 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 Owen measures 0.1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Owen's water is moderately hard at 82 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.7 mg/L in Owen. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Alkaline Water
pH measures 8.8 in Owen, which is above the ADWG guideline range. This may cause a slightly bitter taste but is generally not a practical concern.
Get water quality alerts
We'll email you when Owen's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Owen?
How hard is the water in Owen?
What water utility supplies Owen?
Does Owen water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Owen?
What is the population of Owen?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Swan Reach
- 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 7.9 and 9.9
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Owen'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 Owen
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Owen, SA
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.