Tap Water Quality in Sawtell, NSW
Postcode 2452 · Supplied by Coffs Harbour Council via Prospect East
Quality Score
About Sawtell
Sawtell is a suburb of 3,788 residents in New South Wales (postcode 2452). The median age is 47. It falls within the Coffs Harbour Council area. Neighbouring suburbs include Bayldon, Boambee East, Toormina.
Most residents own outright (42%), while 33% rent, while 23% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $73,060 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (39%), New Zealand (13%), and South Africa (6%).
Tap water in Sawtell is supplied by Coffs Harbour Council. The suburb receives water via the Prospect East, Coffs Harbour System supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on 2024-25 water quality reports, Sawtell achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 51.8 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.9, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.01 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 0.04 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 137 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: Bayldon , Boambee East , Toormina
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Sawtell
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 Sawtell — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Sawtell — removes fluoride (currently 1.01 mg/L).
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Sawtell's water profile.
Comparison
How Sawtell compares
Compared to New South Wales and national averages
| Metric | Sawtell | NSW Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 51.8 mg/L | 45.9 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.9 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 1.01 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.04 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 137 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 | 0.008 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.014 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.0021 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Copper | 0.014 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.002 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Ammonia | 0.3 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 4 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 108.5 | % saturation | No limit | Measured |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 137 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Sulfate | 8.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Hardness | 51.8 | mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| pH | 7.9 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Temperature | 19.5 | degrees C | No limit | Measured |
| E. coli | 0 | orgs/100 mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Free Chlorine | 0.04 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Monochloramine | 1.74 | mg/L | < 3 | Good |
| Fluoride | 1.01 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.09 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Ndma | 0.0001 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 0.004 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Pfos Pfhxs | 0.0014 | µg/L | No limit | Measured |
| PFOA | 0.0002 | 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 (51.8 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 7.9 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 1.01 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.04 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 Sawtell measures 0.04 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Sawtell's water is soft at 51.8 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 1.01 mg/L in Sawtell. 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 Sawtell?
How hard is the water in Sawtell?
What water utility supplies Sawtell?
Does Sawtell water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Sawtell?
What is the population of Sawtell?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Coffs Harbour Council
- Supply Zone
- Prospect East
- Data Source
- Coffs Harbour Council — quarterly prospect east q2 202425, quarterly prospect east q3 202425, quarterly prospect east q4 202425
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Sawtell'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.
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Sawtell, NSW
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
51.8 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
New South Wales water quality
State coverage
Coffs Harbour Council
Water utility
Compare with Bayldon
Sawtell vs Bayldon
Compare with Boambee East
Sawtell vs Boambee East
Compare with Toormina
Sawtell vs Toormina
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 Coffs Harbour Council (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.