Tap Water Quality in Palmerston, NT
Postcode 0830 · Supplied by Power and Water Corporation via Darwin
Quality Score
About Palmerston
Palmerston is a suburb in Northern Territory, Australia (postcode 0830). It falls within the Power and Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Farrar, Yarrawonga, Marlow Lagoon, Shoal Bay.
Tap water in Palmerston is supplied by Power and Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Darwin supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024 water quality reports, Palmerston achieves a WaterScore of 9.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 39 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.3, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.79 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 3 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 6.64 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 1.3 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Farrar , Yarrawonga , Marlow Lagoon
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 Northern Territory and national averages
| Metric | Palmerston | NT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 39 mg/L | 103.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.3 | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.79 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 3 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 1.3 NTU | 1.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 6.64 mg/L | 35.5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.3 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.79 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 7 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 3 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Hardness | 39 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.09 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.032 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.3 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sulfate | 0.008 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 6.64 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.3 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.025 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Alkalinity | 35 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 6 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Conductivity | 0.023 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| Magnesium | 0.426 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 19 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Soft (39 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 7.3 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 0.79 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 3 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
Reduce Chlorine Taste
Palmerston's chlorine level is 3 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Palmerston's water is soft at 39 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.79 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.
Sediment Filtration
Turbidity is 1.3 NTU in Palmerston. A sediment pre-filter on your main line can help reduce fine particles and improve water clarity at the tap.
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We'll email you when Palmerston's water data is updated.
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?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Power and Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Darwin
- Data Source
- Power and Water Corporation — 2017 Power and Water Corporation Drinking Water Quality Report, Drinking Water Quality Report 2019 WEB, 2024 Power and Water Drinking Water Quality Report
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.3 and 10.0
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 Darwin and the NT
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Palmerston
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Palmerston, NT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
39 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Northern Territory water quality
State coverage
Power and Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Farrar
Palmerston vs Farrar
Compare with Yarrawonga
Palmerston vs Yarrawonga
Compare with Marlow Lagoon
Palmerston vs Marlow Lagoon
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 Power and Water Corporation (2024 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.