Tap Water Quality in Padthaway, SA
Postcode 5271 · Supplied by SA Water via Padthaway
Quality Score
About Padthaway
Padthaway is a suburb of 321 residents in South Australia (postcode 5271). The median age is 44. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Bool Lagoon, Keppoch, Marcollat, Spence.
Most residents own outright (42%), while 23% own their home with a mortgage, while 14% rent. The median household income is $65,520 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (22%), Malaysia (14%), and Thailand (8%).
Tap water in Padthaway is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Padthaway supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Padthaway achieves a WaterScore of 8.0 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 602 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.6, 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 0.9 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. Turbidity is 0.12 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: Bool Lagoon , Keppoch , Marcollat
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
602/200 mg/L
405% above South Australia avg
606% above national avg
Recommended filters for Padthaway
Products matched to your water profile
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Padthaway — reduces hardness from 602 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Padthaway — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (602 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Nakii
Water Filter Pitcher (150 Gallons)
4.4 · 6,827 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Padthaway — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Padthaway compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Padthaway | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 602 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.9 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.12 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | — | 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 | 381 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 159 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 662 | mg/L | < 250 | Exceeds |
| Free Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.032 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 602 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.0128 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0007 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 49.7 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.57 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 360 | mg/L | < 180 | Exceeds |
| Sulfate | 78.1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.12 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 19 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Chloride (662 mg/L), Hardness (602 PPM or mg/L), Sodium (360 mg/L). 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
Very hard (602 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.6 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 0.9 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 Padthaway measures 0.9 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 602 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.1 mg/L in Padthaway. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Padthaway?
How hard is the water in Padthaway?
What water utility supplies Padthaway?
Does Padthaway water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Padthaway?
What is the population of Padthaway?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Padthaway
- 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 7.0 and 9.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Padthaway'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 Padthaway
Cite
Cite this page
Free to quote and reuse with a credit to WaterScore and a link to this page. Journalists and researchers can find key figures and contacts on our press and data page.
WaterScore. (2026). Tap water quality in Padthaway, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/padthaway-sa/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Padthaway, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
602 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Bool Lagoon
Padthaway vs Bool Lagoon
Compare with Keppoch
Padthaway vs Keppoch
Compare with Marcollat
Padthaway vs Marcollat
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.