Tap Water Quality in Palmerston, ACT
Postcode 2913 · Supplied by Icon Water via North Canberra and Gungahlin
Quality Score
About Palmerston
Palmerston is a suburb of 5,579 residents in Australian Capital Territory (postcode 2913). The median age is 36. It falls within the Icon Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Crace, Taylor, Ngunnawal, Ginninderra Village.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (42%), while 28% own outright, while 28% rent. The median household income is $120,432 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are China (12%), India (12%), and United Kingdom (8%).
Tap water in Palmerston is supplied by Icon Water. The suburb receives water via the North Canberra and Gungahlin supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Palmerston achieves a WaterScore of 8.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 37 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.77, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.8 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 0.76 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 74 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.4 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 Palmerston
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Palmerston — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
A reliable tsa under-sink filter (fluoride + pfas) suitable for Palmerston's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Palmerston — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Palmerston compares
Compared to Australian Capital Territory and national averages
| Metric | Palmerston | ACT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 37 mg/L | 37.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.77 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.8 mg/L | 0.8 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.76 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.4 NTU | 0.4 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 74 mg/L | 72.6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Coliforms | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Conductivity | 96 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 7.77 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 16.8 | °C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 74 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.4 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Alkalinity | 38 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 31 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Exceeds |
| Calcium | 12.72 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 4.4 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 0.11 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.76 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.86 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.003 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Fluoride | 0.8 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 37 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Magnesium | 1.17 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nitrate | 0.1 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Sodium | 3.6 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 4.9 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Antimony | 3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.05 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chromium | 2 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 19 | mg/L | < 2 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.6 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Exceeds |
| Manganese | 0.011 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nickel | 1 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Zinc | 5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.039 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 32 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Aluminium (31 mg/L), Copper (19 mg/L), Lead (0.6 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
Soft (37 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 7.77 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 0.8 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.76 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 Palmerston measures 0.76 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Palmerston's water is soft at 37 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.8 mg/L in Palmerston. 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 Palmerston?
How hard is the water in Palmerston?
What water utility supplies Palmerston?
Does Palmerston water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Palmerston?
What is the population of Palmerston?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Icon Water
- Supply Zone
- North Canberra and Gungahlin
- Data Source
- Icon Water — Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 25, Icon Water Drinking Water Quality Report 2015 2016
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 7.3 and 9.3
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Palmerston'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 Canberra
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Palmerston
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Palmerston, ACT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
37 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Australian Capital Territory water quality
State coverage
Icon Water
Water utility
Compare with Crace
Palmerston vs Crace
Compare with Taylor
Palmerston vs Taylor
Compare with Ngunnawal
Palmerston vs Ngunnawal
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 Icon Water (2024-25 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.