Tap Water Quality in The Gap, SA
Postcode 5271 · Supplied by SA Water via Naracoorte
Quality Score
About The Gap
The Gap is a suburb of 26 residents in South Australia (postcode 5271). The median age is 37. It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Cadgee, Wild Dog Valley, Lochaber, Binnum.
Most residents own outright (129%), while 0% own their home with a mortgage, while 0% rent. The median household income is $58,500 per year.
Tap water in The Gap is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Naracoorte supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, The Gap achieves a WaterScore of 7.5 out of 10, rated good overall. Water hardness measures 355 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 0.05, which is outside the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 1.1 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 0.9 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. Turbidity is 0.48 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: Cadgee , Wild Dog Valley , Lochaber
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
355/200 mg/L
198% above South Australia avg
317% above national avg
Recommended filters for The Gap
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 The Gap — reduces hardness from 355 mg/L, removes fluoride (currently 1.1 mg/L), removes chlorine taste and odour.
YARNA
Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler (Whole House)
4 · 538 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for The Gap — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (355 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for The Gap — removes fluoride (currently 1.1 mg/L).
Comparison
How The Gap compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | The Gap | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 355 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 0.05 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 1.1 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.9 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.48 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | — | 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 | 317 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 61.2 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 458 | mg/L | < 250 | Exceeds |
| Free Chlorine | 0.9 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.2176 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | cfu/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 1.1 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 355 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.103 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0006 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 49.1 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0233 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 0.12 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 0.05 | µg/L | 6.5 – 8.5 | Outside range |
| Sodium | 326 | mg/L | < 180 | Exceeds |
| Sulfate | 129.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.48 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 19 parameters tested, several exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Chloride (458 mg/L), Hardness (355 PPM or mg/L), pH (0.05 µg/L), Sodium (326 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 (355 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.
Outside Range
pH Level
pH of 0.05 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 1.1 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.9 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 The Gap measures 0.9 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 355 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 1.1 mg/L in The Gap. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Slightly Acidic Water
pH measures 0.05 in The Gap, which is slightly acidic. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking can flush any metals that dissolve more readily in acidic water.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in The Gap?
How hard is the water in The Gap?
What water utility supplies The Gap?
Does The Gap water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for The Gap?
What is the population of The Gap?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Naracoorte
- 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 6.5 and 8.5
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
The Gap'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 The Gap
Related
Explore more
Related pages for The Gap, SA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
355 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
South Australia water quality
State coverage
SA Water
Water utility
Compare with Cadgee
The Gap vs Cadgee
Compare with Wild Dog Valley
The Gap vs Wild Dog Valley
Compare with Lochaber
The Gap vs Lochaber
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.