Tap Water Quality in Pukatja, SA
Postcode 0872 · Supplied by SA Water via Pukatja
Quality Score
About Pukatja
Pukatja is a suburb of 519 residents in South Australia (postcode 0872). The median age is 27. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Ernabella, Ernabella (Pukatja), Umuwa, Yunyarinyi.
Most residents rent (82%), while 4% own outright, while 0% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $64,480 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are Philippines (60%) and United Kingdom (60%).
Tap water in Pukatja is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Pukatja supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Pukatja achieves a WaterScore of 9.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 253 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.6, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.2 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 502 mg/L, considered moderate 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: Ernabella , Ernabella (Pukatja) , Umuwa
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
253/200 mg/L
112% above South Australia avg
197% above national avg
Recommended filters for Pukatja
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 Pukatja — reduces hardness from 253 mg/L, removes fluoride (currently 1.2 mg/L).
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Pukatja — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (253 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Pukatja — removes fluoride (currently 1.2 mg/L).
Comparison
How Pukatja compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Pukatja | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 253 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 1.2 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 502 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 | 332 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.005 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 46.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 65 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0046 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 1.2 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 253 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.0005 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0008 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 33.4 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 4.65 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 103.4 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 45.5 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 502 | mg/L | < 600 | Near limit |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 19 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: Hardness at 253 PPM or 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
Very hard (253 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.6 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 1.2 mg/L. Above recommended range but within ADWG limit of 1.5 mg/L.
Data unavailable
Disinfection
Chlorine data is not currently available for Pukatja.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 253 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1.2 mg/L in Pukatja. 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 502 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 Pukatja?
How hard is the water in Pukatja?
What water utility supplies Pukatja?
Does Pukatja water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Pukatja?
What is the population of Pukatja?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Pukatja
- 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
Pukatja'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 Pukatja
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Pukatja, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
253 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Ernabella
Pukatja vs Ernabella
Compare with Ernabella (Pukatja)
Pukatja vs Ernabella (Pukatja)
Compare with Umuwa
Pukatja vs Umuwa
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.