Brisbane Water Quality Analysis: What It Means for Your Home & Health
Brisbane’s tap water is clean and safe, but periodic water testing helps us understand water quality trends and their impact on health, plumbing systems, and home appliances. Below, we break down the latest test results and explain what they mean for you.
Brisbane’s Water Quality Report (as of Feb 27 2025)
The latest analysis of Brisbane's mains water supply and rainwater tanks shows most parameters are within safe drinking levels. However, a few readings indicate areas where filtration or treatment may be beneficial.
Mains Water Quality
Here’s how Brisbane’s tap water measures up against national drinking water standards:
| Parameter | Average Reading | Highest Recorded | Safe Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.77 | 7.90 | 5.5 - 8.5 |
| Turbidity (cloudiness) | 0.02 NTU | 0.02 NTU | 0 - 5 NTU |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 202.26 mg/L | 305 mg/L | 0 - 600 mg/L |
| Total Hardness | 89.33 mg/L | 143 mg/L | 0 - 200 mg/L |
| Iron | 0.03 mg/L | 0.03 mg/L | 0 - 0.3 mg/L |
| Manganese | 0.012 mg/L | 0.018 mg/L | 0 - 0.5 mg/L |
| Sodium | 25 mg/L | 38 mg/L | 0 - 180 mg/L |
| Chloride | 38 mg/L | 61 mg/L | 0 - 250 mg/L |
| Sulphate | 24 mg/L | 42 mg/L | 0 - 250 mg/L |
| Alkalinity | 69 mg/L | 95 mg/L | Optimal |
| Nitrate | 0.48 mg/L | 0.9 mg/L | 0 - 11.3 mg/L |
| Copper | 0.41 mg/L | 0.73 mg/L | 0 - 2 mg/L |
| Silica | 4.07 mg/L | 4.3 mg/L | 0 - 80 mg/L |
| Fluoride | 0.54 mg/L | 0.74 mg/L | 0 - 1.5 mg/L |
| Conductivity | 316 uS/cm | 477 uS/cm | Optimal |
Rainwater Tank Water Quality
Rainwater quality varies depending on collection and storage conditions.
| Parameter | Recorded Reading | Safe Range |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.34 | 5.5 - 8.5 |
| Turbidity (cloudiness) | 0.02 NTU | 0 - 5 NTU |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 11.63 mg/L | 0 - 600 mg/L |
| Total Hardness | 8 mg/L | 0 - 200 mg/L |
| Iron | 0.03 mg/L | 0 - 0.3 mg/L |
| Manganese | 0.009 mg/L | 0 - 0.5 mg/L |
| Sodium | 1 mg/L | 0 - 180 mg/L |
| Chloride | 1 mg/L | 0 - 250 mg/L |
| Sulphate | 0 mg/L | 0 - 250 mg/L |
| Alkalinity | 13 mg/L | Moderate |
| Nitrate | 0.72 mg/L | 0 - 11.3 mg/L |
| Copper | 2.24 mg/L | 0 - 2 mg/L (exceeds limit) |
| Silica | 0.1 mg/L | 0 - 80 mg/L |
| Fluoride | 0.59 mg/L | 0 - 1.5 mg/L |
| Conductivity | 18.17 uS/cm | Optimal |
What Do These Readings Mean for Your Home?
Health Considerations
✔ pH Levels:
- Mains water (avg. 7.77) is well-balanced.
- Rainwater (6.34) is more acidic, which can corrode pipes and cause metal leaching into drinking water.
⚠ Copper in Rainwater (2.24 mg/L – exceeds safe limit):
- High levels may cause metallic taste, blue-green stains, and potential health concerns with prolonged exposure.
⚠ Fluoride in Water:
- While within limits, fluoride remains controversial, with studies linking excess intake to dental fluorosis, thyroid issues, and neurotoxicity.
- Want to remove fluoride? Consider a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System.
✔ Turbidity & TDS:
- Low levels indicate clean water but rainwater is still at risk of contamination from dust, debris, and roof runoff.
Plumbing & Home Appliance Impact
✔ Total Hardness (8 mg/L in rainwater – very soft water):
- Soft water is great for appliances but can be corrosive to plumbing, causing metal leaching.
✔ Iron & Manganese:
- Low in both mains and rainwater but can cause sediment buildup over time.
⚠ High Copper in Rainwater:
- Likely caused by corroding pipes or metal roofing. Filtering is strongly recommended.
Do You Need a Water Filtration System?
Whether you rely on mains water or rainwater, water filtration can help remove contaminants and improve taste, health, and plumbing longevity.
Best Water Filters for Brisbane Homes
✔ For Rainwater Users:
- Puretec Hybrid G Series – Removes sediment, bacteria & chlorine (if rainwater is treated).
- Puretec Reverse Osmosis (RO) System – Best for removing copper, fluoride & dissolved contaminants.
- Puretec Filter Wall System – Ideal whole-house filtration solution.
✔ For Mains Water Users:
- Puretec X3 or Z1 Series – Best for drinking water filtration.
- Puretec Reverse Osmosis (RO) System – Removes fluoride & heavy metals.
- Puretec Softrol S2 Water Softener – If water hardness increases in your area.
Improve Your Water Quality Today!
Want cleaner, healthier drinking water? Explore our Puretec Water Filtration Solutions at Installed Today! 🚰💧
