Tap Water Quality in Poltalloch, SA
Postcode 5259 · Supplied by SA Water via Raukkan
Quality Score
About Poltalloch
Poltalloch is a suburb of 41 residents in South Australia (postcode 5259). The median age is 29. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Ashville, East Wellington, Kepa, Malinong.
Most residents rent (75%), while 25% own outright, while 0% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $74,724 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are Philippines (50%).
Tap water in Poltalloch is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Raukkan supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Poltalloch achieves a WaterScore of 8.1 out of 10, rated excellent overall. The pH level is 8.8, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.1 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 258 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: Ashville , East Wellington , Kepa
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Poltalloch
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 Poltalloch's water profile.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
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A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Poltalloch's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
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A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Poltalloch's water profile.
Comparison
How Poltalloch compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Poltalloch | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | — | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 8.8 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | — | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 258 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 | 46 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Calcium | 11.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Free Chlorine | 0.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 3.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Nitrate | 1.4 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 8.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 258 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 9 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
Data unavailable
Water Hardness
Hardness data is not currently available for this suburb.
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.
Data unavailable
Fluoride
Fluoride data is not currently available for Poltalloch.
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 Poltalloch measures 0.1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Alkaline Water
pH measures 8.8 in Poltalloch, which is above the ADWG guideline range. This may cause a slightly bitter taste but is generally not a practical concern.
Flush After Absence
If your home has been unoccupied for several days, run the kitchen tap for 30 seconds before drinking. This clears stale water that has been sitting in pipes.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Poltalloch?
How hard is the water in Poltalloch?
What water utility supplies Poltalloch?
Does Poltalloch water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Poltalloch?
What is the population of Poltalloch?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Raukkan
- 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 7.1 and 9.1
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Poltalloch'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 Poltalloch
Related
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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.