Canberra's water quality
The quality of water from the catchment to consumers is evaluated through physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of water samples from the dams, treatment plants, service reservoirs, and garden taps of Canberra residents.
All sampling and analytical work is performed by a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) registered laboratory. The ACT drinking water quality code of practice and the Australian drinking water guidelines are the basis for ActewAGL's water quality operations and monitoring.
ActewAGL publishes an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (PDF, 2.4 MB) which compares Canberra's water quality to Australian water quality guidelines.
Typical physical and chemical composition of Canberra drinking water
Test
|
Typical value
|
Unit
|
|
Note: These values are based on water supplied in 2005–06.
|
|
pH
|
90% of values between 7.5 and 8.5
|
pH units
|
|
Alkalinity (total)
|
35.8
|
mg/L as CaCO3
|
|
Colour (true)
|
2.38
|
Pt-Co units
|
|
Turbidity
|
0.47
|
NTU
|
|
Fluoride
|
0.91
|
mg/L
|
|
Total Hardness
|
39.6
|
mg/L as CaCO3
|
|
Iron
|
0.033
|
mg/L
|
|
Manganese
|
0.010
|
mg/L
|
|
Aluminium
|
0.033
|
mg/L
|
|
Copper
|
0.018
|
mg/L
|
|
Lead
|
0.0004
|
mg/L
|