Tap Water Quality in Silver Sands, SA
Postcode 5173 · Supplied by SA Water via Myponga metro (supplying outer southern Adelaide)
Quality Score
About Silver Sands
Silver Sands is a suburb in South Australia, Australia (postcode 5173). It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Aldinga Beach, Port Willunga, Aldinga, Sellicks Beach.
Tap water in Silver Sands is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Myponga metro (supplying outer southern Adelaide) supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Silver Sands achieves a WaterScore of 8.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 136 mg/L, classified as hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 8.6, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.7 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 0.1 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 468 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.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Aldinga Beach , Port Willunga , Aldinga
Recommended filters for Silver Sands
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 Silver Sands — reduces hardness from 136 mg/L.
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Silver Sands — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (136 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Silver Sands's water profile.
Comparison
How Silver Sands compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Silver Sands | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 136 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 8.6 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.7 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 468 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 | 76 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.051 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 28.7 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 156 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 2.8 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0111 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.7 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 136 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0026 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0002 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 15.5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0014 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.93 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 8.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 106.4 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 70.1 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 468 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 20 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 8.6 pH units.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Hard (136 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is classified as hard. Expect noticeable limescale on heating elements, showerheads, and taps. Soap and shampoo may not lather as freely, requiring more product. Some residents report drier skin or hair. Periodic descaling of kettles and hot water systems is recommended to maintain efficiency.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 8.6 is outside 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 0.7 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.1 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 Silver Sands measures 0.1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Watch for Limescale
Silver Sands has hard water at 136 mg/L. Wipe taps and showerheads periodically with vinegar to prevent limescale buildup on fixtures.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.7 mg/L in Silver Sands. 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 468 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
Alkaline Water
pH measures 8.6 in Silver Sands, which is above the ADWG guideline range. This may cause a slightly bitter taste but is generally not a practical concern.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Silver Sands?
How hard is the water in Silver Sands?
What water utility supplies Silver Sands?
Does Silver Sands water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Silver Sands?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Myponga metro (supplying outer southern Adelaide)
- 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 7.6 and 9.6
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Silver Sands'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 Silver Sands
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Silver Sands, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
136 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Aldinga Beach
Silver Sands vs Aldinga Beach
Compare with Port Willunga
Silver Sands vs Port Willunga
Compare with Aldinga
Silver Sands vs Aldinga
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.