Tap Water Quality in Russell, ACT
Postcode 2600 · Supplied by Icon Water via South Canberra, Woden and Weston
Quality Score
About Russell
Russell is a suburb in Australian Capital Territory, Australia (postcode 2600). It falls within the Icon Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Canberra, Deakin West, Duntroon, Fairbairn Raaf.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (0%), while 0% own outright, while 0% rent. The median household income is $0 per year.
Tap water in Russell is supplied by Icon Water. The suburb receives water via the South Canberra, Woden and Weston supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Russell achieves a WaterScore of 9.7 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 37 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.51, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.78 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 1.08 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 72 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.3 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: Canberra , Deakin West , Duntroon
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
0.78/1.5 mg/L
3% below Australian Capital Territory avg
11% above national avg
Recommended filters for Russell
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Russell — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Russell's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Russell — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Russell compares
Compared to Australian Capital Territory and national averages
| Metric | Russell | ACT Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 37 mg/L | 36.8 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.51 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.78 mg/L | 0.8 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.08 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.3 NTU | 0.3 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 72 mg/L | 72.6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Total Coliforms | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Conductivity | 123 | µS/cm | No limit | Measured |
| pH | 7.51 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 17.3 | °C | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 72 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.3 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Alkalinity | 36 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 12.12 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 4.1 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 0.06 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1.08 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.14 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Cyanide | 0.004 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Fluoride | 0.78 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 37 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Magnesium | 1.55 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Nitrate | 0.1 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Sodium | 3.8 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 4.6 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Antimony | 0.003 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Cadmium | 0.00005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chromium | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Copper | 0.014 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Iron | 0.01 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.004 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nickel | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Zinc | 0.005 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.035 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 32 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 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
Soft (37 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 7.51 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 0.78 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.08 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
Russell's chlorine level is 1.08 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Russell's water is soft at 37 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.78 mg/L in Russell. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Russell?
How hard is the water in Russell?
What water utility supplies Russell?
Does Russell water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Russell?
What is the population of Russell?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Icon Water
- Supply Zone
- South Canberra, Woden and Weston
- Data Source
- Icon Water — Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 25
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.7 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Russell'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 Canberra
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Russell
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 Russell, ACT [Data set]. Compiled from Icon Water data (2024-25 annual report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/russell-act/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Russell, ACT
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
37 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Australian Capital Territory water quality
State coverage
Icon Water
Water utility
Compare with Canberra
Russell vs Canberra
Compare with Deakin West
Russell vs Deakin West
Compare with Duntroon
Russell vs Duntroon
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 Icon Water (2024-25 annual 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.