How many times have you been told that Sydney tap water is “perfectly safe to drink?” If your answer is “quite a lot,” consider this: the word “perfectly” is a pretty strong one! Because while you’re certainly not going to keel over with your next sip of water from the tap, there’s not really any doubt that you can taste chlorine, is there? So today we’re going to probe a critical question: Is Sydney tap water safe to drink?
First, the good news. All of the tap water supplied to homes in this country is subject to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which concerns itself with just how much fiddling with your tap water the authorities can do. These guidelines include specific guideline values for acceptable concentrations of various substances, established based on health risk assessments. The fine print is that the guidelines are in fact “not mandatory,” even though Sydney Water – the statutory supplier of Sydney drinking water – reassures us that the filtering it does is in compliance with the guidelines, making it safe to drink straight from the tap.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Sydney?
The global water advisory authority tapsafe.org, meanwhile, doesn’t quite go along with the ‘perfectly safe’ narrative and tells us that Sydney tap water is actually “generally safe to drink.” And while our water is certainly as good as the safest tap water in the world, the same organisation admits that there’s no guarantee it doesn’t contain “a number of pollutants and contaminants.” Sydney Water, on the other hand, tells us it tests Sydney tap water quality in laboratories for “70 different characteristics” – taste, smell, colour, chemicals and microorganisms. Among those contaminants are ‘forever chemicals’, known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to breaking down. The water analysis is done all the way from the sources, like lakes and rivers, all the way to your tap – and according to NSW Health, “there is no such thing as naturally pure water.” That’s true. In those rivers and dams and other water sources, NSW Health says Sydney’s water “dissolves or absorbs a range of substances” – most of which are “harmless.” Even so, the fact that some of them may not be perfectly harmless is precisely why Sydney tap water is chlorinated before it gets into your glass in the kitchen.
Sydney Water Treatment Processes
Sydney’s water treatment involves several stages to ensure safety and quality. Filtration plants play a big role in this process, particularly in addressing the presence of PFAS chemicals in water sources. The process includes screening to remove solid objects, flocculation to clump fine particles, filtration through sand or anthracite, and disinfection using chlorine and ammonia. Fluoride is also added to promote dental health. The Cascade water filtration plant is a significant location for PFAS chemical testing results, with high levels found there compared to other filtration plants. The Kurnell desalination plant supplements the water supply when dam levels are low, using reverse osmosis to extract freshwater from saltwater.
Is Sydney Water Hard or Soft?
Sydney’s water is generally “soft”, meaning low concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions. This is because of the city’s reliance on surface water sources like dams and reservoirs, and the treatment processes used by Sydney Water. Soft water is gentle on skin, hair and household appliances, and reduces scale build-up in kettles and hot water systems. The exact hardness may vary slightly across suburbs, but Sydney’s water is generally soft.
Regular Testing and MonitoringWaterNSW monitors both surface and groundwater sources, tracking physical, chemical, biological, radiological, hydrological and meteorological parameters. This ensures any issues are detected early and addressed quickly. The results are reported in annual and quarterly reports.
Forever Chemicals (PFAS/PFOS) in Sydney Tap Water
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), sometimes called “forever chemicals”, are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment. One of the primary substances of concern is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). WaterNSW conducts targeted, risk-based investigations and rigorous testing for PFAS across the Greater Sydney catchment and dams, following strict sampling and laboratory protocols. WaterNSW is highly regulated and adheres to the highest standards to manage any risks from PFAS. Current monitoring shows Sydney’s water supply is compliant with safety standards, but ongoing testing and regulatory oversight will continue as science and technology evolves.
Microplastics and New Contaminants
Recent studies have found microplastics in wastewater in the greater Sydney region, with levels varying depending on treatment processes. Wastewater treatment plants are being monitored for microplastic content and research is ongoing to assess the effectiveness of removal and the impact on drinking water supplies. While the risk to human health is still being studied, Sydney Water and regulatory agencies are monitoring for these and other emerging contaminants and adapting treatment processes as needed.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
When it comes to ensuring the safety and quality of our drinking water, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) are the benchmark. Developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, these guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for managing drinking water quality across Australia.
The ADWG is based on the latest scientific research and is reviewed regularly to stay current and effective. These guidelines set out acceptable levels for various water quality parameters – pH, turbidity, bacteria – and provide detailed guidance on treatment processes to remove contaminants from drinking water and monitoring requirements to ensure ongoing safety.
In short, the ADWG covers everything from acceptable levels of different substances in our water to best practice treatment and monitoring. This thorough approach means the drinking water flowing from our taps is safe and of high quality, giving us all peace of mind.
Chemicals in Sydney Tap Water
Water has disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine to kill pathogens. Public health warnings often highlight the presence of blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, which can affect water safety especially during flooding and advise to boil water as a precaution in affected areas. Boiling water is a critical precaution during incidents that compromise drinking water quality to ensure safety from pathogens and contaminants. Fluoride is added for dental health. Trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, copper, cadmium and arsenic can also be present due to old plumbing systems. While these are generally within safe limits, home filtration systems can further reduce their presence.
Why Does Sydney Water Taste Like Chlorine?
Chlorine is added to Sydney’s water to keep it safe from bacteria and viruses as it travels through the distribution system. While necessary for public health, this can result in a taste or smell if you’re sensitive to it. Running your tap for a short time or using a filter can help reduce chlorine taste.
Where does Sydney get its water from?
Rainwater in five catchment areas of Sydney (Warragamba, Shoalhaven, Upper Nepean, Woronora and Blue Mountains) flows into many creeks and rivers that supply 11 major dams. The combined capacity is 2.6 million megalitres! More than 80% of Sydney’s water comes from natural sources, mainly the massive Warragamba Dam and is treated at the Prospect water filtration plant which meets the standards set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Sydney’s drinking water comes from five main catchment areas: Warragamba, Shoalhaven, Upper Nepean, Woronora, and the Blue Mountains. Rainwater flows into creeks and rivers, supplying 11 major dams. Over 80% of Sydney’s water is sourced from Warragamba Dam and treated at the Prospect Water Filtration Plant before distribution. When dam levels are low, the Kurnell desalination plant supplements supply using reverse osmosis.
Incidents and Warnings
Even with the robust framework provided by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, incidents affecting drinking water quality can still occur. Natural events and accidents can introduce contaminants into our water supply and we need to act quickly to protect public health.
PFAS chemicals, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, fail to break down in the environment, highlighting their persistence and potential risks. These chemicals can remain in various products and the environment for an extended period without decomposing, raising concerns about their impact on health and safety.
For example, flooding can wash contaminants into water sources, algal blooms can produce toxins that affect water quality and chemical spills can introduce harmful substances into our drinking water.
When this happens, authorities issue warnings and take action to protect public health. This may include boil water advisories where residents are advised to boil their water before drinking to kill any harmful microorganisms. In more severe cases, authorities may issue “do not drink” advisories or provide alternative water supplies to affected areas.
Please heed these warnings and follow the advice of the relevant authorities to ensure your drinking water is safe. Stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential health risks.
What to Do If a Water Warning Is Issued
Sometimes natural events like flooding or algal blooms or incidents like chemical spills can affect water quality. When this happens, authorities may issue boil water advisories or “do not drink” warnings.
If you receive a warning:
- Follow all official advice immediately.
- Boil water before drinking, cooking or brushing teeth if advised.
- Use bottled or alternative water sources if a “do not drink” warning is issued.
- Even low levels of contaminants can be a concern and should be addressed by following official advice.
- Stay updated via your local council, water utility or NSW Health.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Drinking tap water instead of bottled water reduces plastic waste and energy consumption associated with production and transportation. Fluoride in water helps prevent tooth decay, contributes to dental health. Tap water is cost effective, promotes dental health due to fluoride content and is subject to strict quality controls that often exceed those for bottled water.
Tap Water and Your Appliances Sydney’s soft water is gentle on appliances, reducing scale build-up in kettles, dishwashers and hot water systems. This can extend the life of your appliances and reduce maintenance needs. However if you notice residue or build-up it may be due to other factors like sediment or plumbing materials not water hardness.
Discoloured or Odd Tasting Water
Discolouration is usually caused by sediment being stirred up by changes in water flow or pressure. Running a garden tap for a few minutes can clear this. If discolouration persists contact local authorities for assistance. For unusual tastes or odours consider using a home filtration system to improve water quality. Using filtered water can eliminate traces of contaminants and provide safer and better tasting water especially in areas with water quality issues.
Should You Filter Sydney Tap Water?
While Sydney’s water is safe, home filtration can give you extra peace of mind. Filters can:
- Remove chlorine and improve taste.
- Reduce trace metals from old plumbing.
- Lower the presence of microplastics or PFAS (depending on filter type).
- Provide an extra layer of protection for vulnerable populations.
Monitoring and managing PFAS levels in drinking water is crucial, and local water utilities play a key role in ensuring transparency by making testing results available on their websites.
Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are popular choices for comprehensive filtration. Consider your household’s needs, plumbing age and taste preferences before choosing a system.
Thinking about Water Filter Installation?
Heard enough? Sure, you could go your whole life drinking tap water Sydney wide and never have a problem – but on the other hand you could play it safe by filtering tap water to remove contaminants and improve taste and order the best water filter installation known to man! In Australia that just so happens to be reverse osmosis water filter technology – and here are 4 reasons to get one fitted asap:
- No tap water is pure: Your water may look pure but isn’t necessarily. The pipes could be full of contaminants – a filter removes them at point-of-use.
- Save money: If you’re worried about contaminants and solved it by drinking bottled water, a filter will pay for itself quickly while reducing plastic waste.
- Bye-bye chlorine: Chlorine disinfects but isn’t designed for consumption! A filter removes chlorine before you drink it.
- Better taste: Say goodbye to chlorine or metallic tastes with a filter.
Why Some People Don’t Drink Tap Water
Despite Sydney’s high water quality some residents don’t drink tap water because:
- Chlorine taste or odour.
- Concerns about old pipes leaching metals.
- Worries about emerging contaminants like microplastics or PFAS.
- Concerns about synthetic chemicals like PFAS, which are used in various industrial and consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment.
- Preference for bottled or filtered water for taste or perceived safety.
Education about water treatment and regular testing can help address these concerns.
Check Your Local Water Quality
Sydney Water publishes daily, quarterly and annual water quality reports which show testing results for various parameters including chlorine, heavy metals and microorganisms. You can find these reports on the Sydney Water website or ask for specific info about your suburb. For the most up to date info, contact your local water utility or check your water bill.
Acceptable contaminant concentrations in drinking water are measured in micrograms per litre (µg/L).
Resources and Contact Info
If you have concerns about your drinking water or want to learn more about the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines there are many resources to help you.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) website is a good place to start. It has info on the ADWG and other health related topics. The Australian Government Department of Health website also has useful info on drinking water quality and public health.
For specific info about your local water supply, your local water utility is the best source. They can tell you about the quality of your drinking water and any incidents that may affect it. You can find their contact info on your water bill or by contacting your local council.
Here are the contact numbers:
- NHMRC: 02 6217 9000
- Australian Government Department of Health: 02 6289 1555
- Your local water utility: Check your water bill or contact your local council
By using these resources you can stay informed about your drinking water and make sure it meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Whether you live in older suburbs like Double Bay, Birchgrove and Lane Cove or newer estates of Greenacre, Wahroonga or Gymea Bay – old pipes to your house and contaminants are a real issue. If you’re concerned about your water, did you know Rapid Service Plumbing can get the latest water filter technology installed at your place this week? Don’t take any chances and call our friendly team of Sydney plumbers today.
