Australian tap water is thought of to be one of the safest waters available to drink in the world. That's because of our high water quality standards and thorough treatment processes: but is it as drinkable as they say?
To help you decide whether or not you want to drink tap water in Australia, we've put together this detailed guide on everything you need to know about tap water.
What is tap water?
It's the water that flows from the faucet in your home or office, supplied by your local public water system. In Australia, tap water is managed and distributed by state-specific water companies, and regulated by each state government. Some people love the taste, others can't stand it, and you'll likely have your own opinion on it, too.
Is Australian tap water safe to drink?
Generally speaking, Australian tap water is safe to drink because it's treated to meet particular safety guidelines. However, it can still carry heavy metals, chemicals and other contaminants that can affect the quality of the water and your health.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) were created to give water suppliers and regulators information and guidance on how to best monitor and manage the quality of drinking water. This scientifically-based framework isn't mandatory, so each state and territory can decide whether or not (and how) to implement any or all of the guidelines.
What's in your tap water?
Understanding what's naturally in water, as well as what's added to water from the tap, can give you a better picture of why it looks and tastes the way it does. There's a reason why some tap water tastes weirder than others and it comes down to what's inside.
Sediment and soil
Water naturally has soil, sediment and other substances it picks up on its journey from evaporation to rain. Treatment processes remove a lot of this, but not all.
Chlorine and heavy metals
To get rid of bacteria and other contaminants, chlorine and other chemicals are often added to drinking water in Australia. While there are benefits, it can impact the taste and cause skin irritation and dryness if you're sensitive to it.
Microplastics and PFAS
Drinking water can carry contaminants that aren't good for our health, like microplastics and PFAS.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of ‘forever chemicals’ found in many everyday products. In Australia, PFAS are monitored closely and supplies are treated to meet the national guidelines. Research into long-term exposure is ongoing, but if you're concerned about PFAS in tap water, here's what you can do to protect your family.
How to spot signs of poor water quality
Despite our safe drinking water in Australia, there may be times when there's a water quality issue happening. Here's how you can keep an eye on water quality:
Do a visual inspection
Fill a glass with water from the tap. If it's drinkable, it should be clear with no sediment. If there's an issue, it can also look:
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White or cloudy: This can happen from extra aeration in the water supply system, which should naturally clear up (go clear from the bottom up) if the water is left to settle. Cloudy water (not white) can come from erosion to copper pipes.
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Rusty or brown: Rusting or ageing iron pipes can make tap water turn yellow or a brown colour, so too can sediment after a storm or weather event. It should go away if you let your water run for a few minutes.
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Blue or green tinge: If you see this colour, it may be a sign of corroded copper pipes or something more complex going on. Reach out to your water company to let them know.
Smell and odour
One of the fastest ways to assess the quality of water at home is by how it smells. Poor a glass of water from a faucet and see if you may smell:
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Rotten eggs: Very unpleasant, this may be caused by elevated levels of hyrdrogen sulfide. If you have asthma or are sensitive to some chemicals, you may notice it more.
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A 'swimming pool' scent: Chlorine helps disinfect the water, but some people notice it affects taste or that their skin feels drier, particularly if they are sensitive to additives.
Change in taste
If there's a metallic or stale taste to the water, it could be from galvanised iron or copper pipes. Run the water for a minute or so and it should disappear. But if it doesn't, or if you're worried about the overall quality of your tap water, contact your local water company for advice and support.
Is tap water better than bottled water in Australia?
When comparing tap water and bottled water, it's important to take other factors into consideration, like production costs and environmental impact, not just how water tastes or looks.
While drinking tap water is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than bottled water, an even more sustainable and convenient way to consume water can be to filter it at home.
Why consider filtering your water
You might be wondering whether you need to filter your tap water if it's already been treated. Despite Australian tap water being safe to drink, many families and natural health practitioners still choose home water filtration for taste, health and well-being reasons.
At zazen Water, we believe that balanced, alkaline water can transform your health and daily hydration rituals. Our multi-stage filtration water system filters Australian tap water and replenishes it with vital minerals, like magnesium, potassium and sodium. This process gives you fresh-tasting, clean water to support your family’s overall well-being.
Explore zazen Water filter systems for optimal drinking water
Can you drink tap water in Australia? The answer is a resounding yes, but it might not be how you would personally like to drink water. As an alternative, explore our collection of water filtration systems and accessories today.
