Tap Water Quality in Stirling, SA
Postcode 5152 · Supplied by SA Water via Summit
Quality Score
About Stirling
Stirling is a suburb of 3,067 residents in South Australia (postcode 5152). The median age is 48. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Mount Lofty, Crafers, Heathfield, Upper Sturt.
Most residents own outright (46%), while 38% own their home with a mortgage, while 9% rent. The median household income is $123,136 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (53%), South Africa (6%), and United States (5%).
Tap water in Stirling is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Summit supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Stirling achieves a WaterScore of 8.9 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 89 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 8.8, 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 288 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: Mount Lofty , Crafers , Heathfield
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Stirling
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
A reliable marella 2.4l fridge water filter jug (maxtra+) suitable for Stirling's water profile.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Stirling's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Stirling's water profile.
Comparison
How Stirling compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Stirling | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 89 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 8.8 | 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 | 288 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 | 77 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.036 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 18.1 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 81 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 3.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0348 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.7 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 89 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0067 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0011 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 10.76 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0029 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 1.19 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 8.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 59.7 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 41.6 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 288 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: pH at 8.8 pH units. 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
Moderately hard (89 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 8.8 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 Stirling measures 0.1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Stirling's water is moderately hard at 89 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.7 mg/L in Stirling. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Alkaline Water
pH measures 8.8 in Stirling, 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 Stirling?
How hard is the water in Stirling?
What water utility supplies Stirling?
Does Stirling water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Stirling?
What is the population of Stirling?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Summit
- 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 7.9 and 9.9
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Stirling'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 Stirling
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Stirling, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
89 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Mount Lofty
Stirling vs Mount Lofty
Compare with Crafers
Stirling vs Crafers
Compare with Heathfield
Stirling vs Heathfield
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.