Tap Water Quality in Russell Vale, NSW
Postcode 2517 · Supplied by Sydney Water via Illawarra
Quality Score
About Russell Vale
Russell Vale is a suburb of 1,593 residents in New South Wales (postcode 2517). The median age is 39. It falls within the Sydney Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Woonona, Woonona East, Corrimal, Bulli Tops.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (43%), while 36% own outright, while 22% rent. The median household income is $89,180 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (30%), New Zealand (10%), and United States (6%).
Tap water in Russell Vale is supplied by Sydney Water. The suburb receives water via the Illawarra supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Russell Vale achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 32.6 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.8, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.03 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 1.45 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 72.3 mg/L, considered low against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.13 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: Woonona , Woonona East , Corrimal
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Russell Vale
Products matched to your water profile
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Russell Vale — removes fluoride (currently 1.03 mg/L).
Geekpure
5-Stage Under-Sink RO (75 GPD)
4.4 · 400 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Russell Vale — removes fluoride (currently 1.03 mg/L), removes chlorine taste and odour.
Nakii
Water Filter Pitcher (WQA Certified, 150 Gallons)
4.4 · 6,827 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Russell Vale — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Russell Vale compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Russell Vale | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 32.6 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.8 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 1.03 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1.45 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.13 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 72.3 mg/L | 116.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.011 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.033 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.0012 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Copper | 0.008 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Ammonia | 0.001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.13 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 103 | % saturation | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 72.3 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Sulfate | 2.1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Hardness | 32.6 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| pH | 7.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 20 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | orgs/100 mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Free Chlorine | 1.45 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 0.07 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Fluoride | 1.03 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.06 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Ndma | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 0.004 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Pfos Pfhxs | 0.0001 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
| PFOA | 0.0001 | µg/L | < 0.56 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 23 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 (32.6 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 7.8 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 1.03 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 1.45 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 Vale's chlorine level is 1.45 mg/L. An activated carbon jug filter or benchtop unit can noticeably reduce chlorine taste and odour from tap water.
Soft Water Advantage
Russell Vale's water is soft at 32.6 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1.03 mg/L in Russell Vale. 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 Vale?
How hard is the water in Russell Vale?
What water utility supplies Russell Vale?
Does Russell Vale water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Russell Vale?
What is the population of Russell Vale?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Sydney Water
- Supply Zone
- Illawarra
- Data Source
- Sydney Water — quarterly illawarra q2 202425, quarterly illawarra q3 202425, quarterly illawarra q4 202425
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.6 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Russell Vale'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 Sydney
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Russell Vale
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Russell Vale, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
32.6 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Sydney Water
Water utility
Compare with Woonona
Russell Vale vs Woonona
Compare with Woonona East
Russell Vale vs Woonona East
Compare with Corrimal
Russell Vale vs Corrimal
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 Sydney 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.
