Tap Water Quality in Watarru, SA
Postcode 0872 · Supplied by SA Water via Murputja
Quality Score
About Watarru
Watarru is a suburb in South Australia, Australia (postcode 0872). It falls within the SA Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Kanpi, Nyapari, Murputja, Pipalyatjara.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (0%), while 0% own outright, while 0% rent. The median household income is $0 per year.
Tap water in Watarru is supplied by SA Water. The suburb receives water via the Murputja supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2025 water quality reports, Watarru achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 90 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 7.8, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.6 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. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 292 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Recommended filters for Watarru
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 Watarru's water profile.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (pfas + fluoride + lead, iapmo certified) suitable for Watarru'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 Watarru's water profile.
Comparison
How Watarru compares
Compared to South Australia and national averages
| Metric | Watarru | SA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 90 mg/L | 119.3 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.8 | 3.2 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.6 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU | 0.1 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 292 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 | 101 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.006 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Calcium | 14.5 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Chloride | 71 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Copper | 0.022 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Fluoride | 0.6 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 90 | PPM or mg/L | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.0036 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0008 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Magnesium | 13 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Manganese | 0.0001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Nitrate | 6.22 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| pH | 7.8 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 58.9 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 16.8 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 292 | mg/L | < 600 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.1 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 19 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
Moderately hard (90 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.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.8 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 0.6 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Data unavailable
Disinfection
Chlorine data is not currently available for Watarru.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Soft Water Advantage
Watarru's water is moderately hard at 90 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.6 mg/L in Watarru. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Flush After Absence
If your home has been unoccupied for several days, run the kitchen tap for 30 seconds before drinking. This clears stale water that has been sitting in pipes.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Watarru?
How hard is the water in Watarru?
What water utility supplies Watarru?
Does Watarru water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Watarru?
What is the population of Watarru?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- SA Water
- Supply Zone
- Murputja
- 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 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Watarru'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 Watarru
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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.