Tap Water Quality in Tarpeena, SA
Postcode 5277 · Supplied by SA Water via Tarpeena
Quality Score
About Tarpeena
Tarpeena is a suburb of 392 residents in South Australia (postcode 5277). The median age is 52. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Nangwarry, Kalangadoo, Krongart, Moerlong.
Most residents own outright (46%), while 41% own their home with a mortgage, while 14% rent. The median household income is $49,920 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (64%), New Zealand (14%), and Netherlands (8%).
Tap water in Tarpeena is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Tarpeena supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Tarpeena achieves a WaterScore of 8.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 418 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.6, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.2 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 1 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 733 mg/L, considered elevated 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: Nangwarry , Kalangadoo , Krongart
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
418/200 mg/L
250% above South Australia avg
390% above national avg
Recommended filters for Tarpeena
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 Tarpeena — reduces hardness from 418 mg/L, removes chlorine taste and odour.
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Tarpeena — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (418 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Carbon Filter (Chlorine + Taste)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Tarpeena — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Tarpeena compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Tarpeena | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 418 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Fluoride | 0.2 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 1 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 733 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 | 362 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.002 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 139 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 188 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 1 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.8 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.0201 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.2 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 418 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.0232 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0262 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Exceeds |
| Magnesium | 17 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.04 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 110 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 15.4 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 733 | mg/L | < 600 | Exceeds |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 21 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Hardness (418 PPM or mg/L), Lead (0.0262 mg/L), Total Dissolved Solids (733 mg/L). 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
Very hard (418 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.6 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 0.2 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 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 Tarpeena measures 1 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 418 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.2 mg/L in Tarpeena. 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 733 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Tarpeena?
How hard is the water in Tarpeena?
What water utility supplies Tarpeena?
Does Tarpeena water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Tarpeena?
What is the population of Tarpeena?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Tarpeena
- 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 7.4 and 9.4
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Tarpeena'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 Tarpeena
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 Tarpeena, SA [Data set]. Compiled from SA Water data (2025 report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/tarpeena-sa/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Tarpeena, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
418 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Nangwarry
Tarpeena vs Nangwarry
Compare with Kalangadoo
Tarpeena vs Kalangadoo
Compare with Krongart
Tarpeena vs Krongart
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.