Is Adelaide Tap Water Safe to Drink?

When moving to or living in South Australia, some of the most common questions homeowners ask are about Adelaide tap water. Many wonder: Is Adelaide tap water safe to drink? Why does it taste different compared to other cities? And can you improve the quality for your family?

As local plumbing experts servicing the Adelaide CBD and suburbs, we hear these concerns daily. In this guide, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Adelaide drinking water, explain why it sometimes gets a bad reputation, and share professional solutions for improving water quality in your home.

Is Adelaide Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, Adelaide tap water is safe to drink.

SA Water manages Adelaide’s supply and ensures it meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). These national standards are among the strictest in the world, setting limits for bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals.

So, if you’re asking, “Is it safe to drink tap water in Adelaide?” or “Can I drink Adelaide tap water straight from the tap?”—the official answer is yes. It is regularly tested, treated, and monitored.

However, safety isn’t the whole story. Many locals still say Adelaide water tastes bad or feels harsh on skin and appliances. That’s where quality and perception come into play.

Adelaide Water Quality: Why the Taste & Feel Can Be Different

While Adelaide’s water is technically safe, it has received past criticism for its taste, odour, and hardness. Compared to cities like Melbourne or Sydney, Adelaide’s water can taste noticeably different.

Here’s why:

Source of Supply: Adelaide relies heavily on the River Murray for its drinking water—up to 90% in some years. By the time water reaches Adelaide, it has travelled hundreds of kilometres, picking up minerals and organic matter along the way.
Water Hardness: Adelaide has a harder mouthfeel than most other states, meaning it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Hard water leaves scale build-up in kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems, and can shorten appliance lifespan.
Chlorine & Treatment: To keep water safe, SA Water adds chlorine as a disinfectant. Chlorine is used in the treatment process to protect public health, destroying harmful bacteria that can be present in source water. While essential for safety, chlorine can give water a strong taste or smell.
Seasonal Changes: During hot summers or low-rainfall years, the River Murray can become more saline (salty), which impacts Adelaide tap water quality.

So while Adelaide water is safe to drink, its taste and mineral content are what lead some long-term residents to believe that Adelaide water tastes bad, and therefore is bad for you.

How Adelaide’s Water Compares to Other Cities

Adelaide often ranks lower than other capital cities for water taste and hardness:

Melbourne – Water comes from mountain catchments, giving it a softer taste.
Sydney – Sourced mainly from Warragamba Dam, producing softer water with fewer minerals.
Adelaide – Relies on long-distance river water, resulting in higher mineral content and hardness.

For most healthy adults, drinking Adelaide tap water is safe. But there are some situations where homeowners may want to consider extra precautions:

Families with young children – Babies and toddlers can be more sensitive to minerals in water.
People with health conditions – Those with weakened immune systems may prefer extra protection.
Homes with old plumbing – Older pipes can leach metals such as lead.
Taste and odour concerns – Even if safe, unpleasant-tasting water often drives families to buy bottled water, adding unnecessary cost and waste.

The good news? Professional water filter installation can dramatically improve Adelaide tap water quality—removing unwanted chemicals, reducing hardness, and delivering fresh, clean water from every tap in your home.

Professional Solutions for Better Adelaide Tap Water

If you’re concerned about Adelaide's drinking water quality, a professional plumber can help improve your home’s water in practical, lasting ways:

1. Whole-House Filtration Systems

Filters water at the main entry point to your home.
Removes chlorine, sediment, and odours.
Protects appliances and improves taste in every tap and shower.

2. Under-Sink Water Filters

Provides purified water from one tap.
Removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities.

3. Water Softener Systems

Reduces hardness in tap water.
Prevents limescale build-up in hot water systems, dishwashers, and kettles.
Helps cleaning products work more effectively.

Our licensed Adelaide plumbers specialise in water filter installation and maintenance. We can assess your water, recommend the right Puretec system, and ensure long-term performance.

Why Choose Level Plumbing Adelaide for Water Filtration?

At Level Plumbing Adelaide, we’re more than just plumbers—we’re water quality specialists. We understand Adelaide’s unique water challenges and provide expert solutions tailored to your home.