Tap Water Quality in Parilla, SA
Postcode 5303 · Supplied by SA Water via Parilla
Quality Score
About Parilla
Parilla is a suburb of 159 residents in South Australia (postcode 5303). The median age is 40. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Pinnaroo, Karte, Lameroo, Kringin.
Most residents own outright (60%), while 12% own their home with a mortgage, while 9% rent. The median household income is $87,724 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are South Africa (51%), New Zealand (13%), and United Kingdom (13%).
Tap water in Parilla is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Parilla supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Parilla achieves a WaterScore of 9.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 196 mg/L, classified as hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.8, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.4 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 1.3 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 667 mg/L, considered elevated 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
196/200 mg/L
64% above South Australia avg
144% above national avg
Recommended filters for Parilla
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 Parilla — reduces hardness from 196 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Parilla — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (196 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Nakii
Water Filter Pitcher (150 Gallons)
4.4 · 6,827 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Parilla — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Parilla compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Parilla | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 196 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 80.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.8 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.4 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.3 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 667 mg/L | 341.5 mg/L | 267.4 mg/L |
Full Results
Detailed water quality data
All values compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 177 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 46.5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 217 | mg/L | < 250 | Near limit |
| Free Chlorine | 1.3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.3 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0031 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.4 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 196 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Near limit |
| Iron | 0.0039 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 19.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0002 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.014 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 163 | mg/L | < 180 | Near limit |
| Sulfate | 54.5 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 667 | mg/L | < 600 | Exceeds |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: Total Dissolved Solids at 667 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
Hard (196 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is classified as hard. Expect noticeable limescale on heating elements, showerheads, and taps. Soap and shampoo may not lather as freely, requiring more product. Some residents report drier skin or hair. Periodic descaling of kettles and hot water systems is recommended to maintain efficiency.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.8 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 0.4 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.3 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
Parilla's chlorine level is 1.3 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Watch for Limescale
Parilla has hard water at 196 mg/L. Wipe taps and showerheads periodically with vinegar to prevent limescale buildup on fixtures.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.4 mg/L in Parilla. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Consider a Filter for TDS
Total dissolved solids measure 667 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Parilla?
How hard is the water in Parilla?
What water utility supplies Parilla?
Does Parilla water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Parilla?
What is the population of Parilla?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Parilla
- 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 8.3 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Parilla'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 Parilla
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 Parilla, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/parilla-sa/
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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.