How to Test Drinking Water (Australia)

Water in Australia is generally treated and regulated, but testing is the only way to confirm what’s actually in your specific supply.

Contaminants vary by location, plumbing, and environmental exposure.

A structured approach to testing helps you:

• Identify potential risks
• Avoid unnecessary filtration costs
• Target the right solution

Why Test Your Drinking Water?

Water quality can change between the treatment plant and your tap.

Key factors include:

• Local contamination (PFAS, agricultural runoff)
• Old plumbing (lead, copper)
• Rainwater tank contamination
• Bore water variability
• Chlorine and disinfection byproducts

Testing gives actual data, not assumptions.

What Should You Test For?

Not all tests are equal. Focus on the most relevant contaminants.

Core Panel (Recommended for Most Homes)

• pH
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
• Hardness
• Chlorine

Metals

• Lead
• Copper
• Arsenic

More relevant if:

• Older homes
• Brass fittings or legacy pipes

Microbiological Contaminants

• E. coli
• Total coliforms

Critical for:

• Rainwater tanks
• Bore water

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

• PFOS
• PFOA
• Flouride

Relevant near:

• Airports
• Defence bases
• Industrial areas

Microplastics (Optional / Emerging)

Testing exists but is:

• Less standardised
• More expensive
• Not yet routine in Australia

Tap Water vs Tank vs Bore Water

Tap Water (Mains Supply)

• Usually treated and monitored
• Risk comes from pipes and local infrastructure

Rainwater Tanks

• High variability
• Risks include:
  • Bacteria
  • Bird droppings
  • Sediment
• Should be tested regularly

Bore Water

• No treatment unless installed
• Can contain:
  • Heavy metals
  • Nitrates
  • Microbial contamination

👉 Bore water must be tested before drinking use

Can a TDS meter test water quality?

A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter is a simple tool used to estimate the amount of dissolved substances in water.

It measures electrical conductivity and gives a reading in ppm (parts per million).

What a TDS Meter Can Tell You

• General mineral content (calcium, magnesium)
• Changes in water quality over time
• Whether a filter (e.g. reverse osmosis) is working

Typical readings:

• 50–150 ppm → low mineral content
• 150–300 ppm → moderate (common in mains water)
• 300+ ppm → higher dissolved solids

What It Cannot Detect

A TDS meter does not identify specific contaminants.

It cannot detect:

• PFAS
• Bacteria
• Heavy metals (individually)
• Microplastics

👉 A “good” TDS reading does not mean water is safe

When It’s Useful

• Quick screening tool at home
• Comparing tap vs filtered water
• Monitoring filter performance over time

When It’s Not Enough

If you are concerned about:

• PFAS
• Microbial contamination
• Heavy metals

You will need laboratory testing (NATA-accredited)

Practical Takeaway

• TDS meters are useful for trend monitoring, not safety assessment
• Use them as a first check — not a final answer
• Always confirm with proper testing if there are concerns

How to Test Your Water in Australia

1. Home Test Kits (Screening Only)

Available online or hardware stores.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Fast

Limitations:

• Less accurate
• Limited scope
• Not suitable for PFAS or detailed analysis

Best for:

• Basic checks (chlorine, hardness)

2. NATA-Accredited Laboratory Testing (Recommended)

Use certified labs for reliable results.

Look for:

• NATA accreditation (Australia’s testing standard)

They provide:

• Comprehensive reports
• Detection of trace contaminants (including PFAS)

Process:

1. Order kit
2. Collect sample (following instructions)
3. Send to lab
4. Receive report

3. Local Council or Water Authority

Some areas provide:

• Free or subsidised testing
• Public water quality reports

However:

• These reflect system-wide data, not your tap specifically

How Often Should You Test?

Mains Water

• Every 1–2 years
• Or if taste/odour changes

Rainwater Tanks

• Every 6–12 months

Bore Water

• At least annually
• More often if used for drinking

Understanding Your Results

Lab reports can look complex but focus on:

• Levels vs Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
• Presence of:
  • Heavy metals
  • Bacteria
  • PFAS

If levels exceed guidelines:

• Action is recommended
• Filtration or treatment may be required

When You Should Definitely Test

• New home or property
• Using tank or bore water
• Renovations involving plumbing
• Nearby industrial or agricultural activity
• Concerns about PFAS contamination
• Unusual taste, smell, or colour

What Happens After Testing?

Testing is step one.

Next steps:

• Identify contaminants of concern
• Match filtration to the problem
• Avoid “one-size-fits-all” filters

For more information on filtration and plastics, see:

• PFAS in drinking water
• Microplastics in Drinking Water

Practical Takeaways

• Testing is the only way to confirm water quality
• Start with a core panel, expand if needed
• Use NATA-accredited labs for reliable results
• Tank and bore water require regular monitoring
• Results should guide filtration — not guesswork