Tap Water Quality in Porky Flat, SA
Postcode 5222 · Supplied by SA Water via Penneshaw
Quality Score
About Porky Flat
Porky Flat is a suburb of 16 residents in South Australia (postcode 5222). The median age is 38. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Antechamber Bay, Browns Beach, Cuttlefish Bay, Hungerford.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (0%), while 0% own outright, while 0% rent. The median household income is $149,448 per year.
Tap water in Porky Flat is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Penneshaw supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Porky Flat achieves a WaterScore of 9.1 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 67 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 0.05, which is outside 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. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 218 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: Antechamber Bay , Browns Beach , Cuttlefish Bay
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Recommended filters for Porky Flat
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Porky Flat — 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 Porky Flat's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Porky Flat — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Porky Flat compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Porky Flat | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 67 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.9 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 218 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 | 66 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.017 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 23.7 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 79 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.014 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 67 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0016 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 1.51 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.014 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 45.4 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 2.6 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 218 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 0.05 µg/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
Moderately hard (67 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 0.05 is outside 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 Porky Flat measures 0.9 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Porky Flat's water is moderately hard at 67 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.1 mg/L in Porky Flat. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in Porky Flat, which is slightly acidic. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking can flush any metals that dissolve more readily in acidic water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Porky Flat?
How hard is the water in Porky Flat?
What water utility supplies Porky Flat?
Does Porky Flat water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Porky Flat?
What is the population of Porky Flat?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Penneshaw
- 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 8.1 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Porky Flat'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 Porky Flat
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Porky Flat, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
67 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Antechamber Bay
Porky Flat vs Antechamber Bay
Compare with Browns Beach
Porky Flat vs Browns Beach
Compare with Cuttlefish Bay
Porky Flat vs Cuttlefish Bay
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.