Water Quality in Australia

Every capital city, covered. Lab-verified data on what's really in your tap water — from chlorine and hardness to PFAS and microplastics.

8 capital cities All states & territories Official authority data 2026 verified

Quick comparison

Key water quality metrics at a glance. Click any city for the full breakdown.

City Authority Disinfection Hardness PFAS
Sydney Sydney Water Chloramine
Soft (~43 mg/L)
 Detected → Melbourne Melbourne Water Chlorine
Very soft (~12 mg/L)
 Trace → Brisbane Urban Utilities Chloramine
Moderate (~80 mg/L)
 Detected → Perth Water Corporation Chlorine
Hard (~185 mg/L)
 Low → Adelaide SA Water Chloramine
Moderate (~95 mg/L)
 Not detected → Canberra Icon Water Chlorine
Soft (~43 mg/L)
 Not detected → Darwin Power & Water Chlorine
Soft
 Environmental → Hobart TasWater Chlorine + UV
Very soft (<10 mg/L)
 Not detected →

Explore by city

Detailed water quality guides for every Australian capital.

Sydney
New South Wales
Chloramine Soft PFAS detected
10 dams feeding one of Australia's most complex water networks. Chloramine-treated with trace PFAS and microplastics detected.
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Melbourne
Victoria
Chlorine Very soft Trace contaminants
Protected mountain catchments deliver some of the purest tap water in the world. Minimal treatment needed.
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Brisbane
Queensland
Chloramine Moderate PFAS detected
Three treatment plants serving 1.5M people. Chloramine-disinfected with moderate hardness and PFAS from QLD contamination sites.
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Perth
Western Australia
Chlorine Hard Low PFAS
Australia's hardest water — 40% desalinated, 10% recycled groundwater. Scale buildup is a common household complaint.
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Adelaide
South Australia
Chloramine Moderate PFAS not detected
River Murray-fed with desalination backup. Moderate hardness, chloramine-treated, with no PFAS detected in drinking supply.
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Canberra
Australian Capital Territory
Chlorine Soft PFAS not detected
Some of Australia's softest, cleanest tap water. Mountain catchments, chlorine-only, and no PFAS detected.
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Darwin
Northern Territory
Chlorine Soft Environmental PFAS
Tropical water supply with seasonal quality changes between wet and dry. PFAS contamination near RAAF Base, not in drinking water.
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Hobart
Tasmania
Chlorine + UV Very soft PFAS not detected
Award-winning taste. Softest water in Australia from pristine mountain sources. Aging pipes can cause occasional discolouration.
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What's in your water?

Deep dives into specific contaminants and concerns.

Fluoride in Australian Water
National guide
0.6–1.0 mg/L Most filters can't remove RO removes >99%
Most Australian cities add fluoride. Learn what it is, which areas have it, and which water filters actually remove it. Lab-tested data inside.
Read guide →

Coming soon

More deep dives on the way.

Coming soon

PFAS & Forever Chemicals

Where they are, what filters remove them

Coming soon

Hard Water Australia

City-by-city hardness map and solutions

Coming soon

Microplastics in Tap Water

Latest research and what it means

Coming soon

Chlorine vs Chloramine

Which your city uses and why it matters

Not sure which filter is right for your water?

Every Tappwater filter is tested against Australian water conditions. Find the one that matches your city.

Explore filters →