Melbourne is widely regarded as the arts and culture capital of Australia. The city is famous for its beautiful landscapes, world-class coffee, and high quality of life – but what about its water?
The Victorian capital is a popular destination for tourists, and any experienced traveller knows that the quality of a city’s drinking water is one of the most important things to know before visiting. Whether you are flying to Melbourne from the other side of the world or just taking an interstate holiday, Melbourne tap water quality should definitely be part of your research before leaving home.
So, is Melbourne tap water safe to drink? Broadly speaking, yes; every capital city in Australia has tap water that has been treated in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) to make sure harmful bacteria and pollutants are dealt with. However, there are several other factors to consider when assessing the quality of tap water in Melbourne.
Whether you are a prospective visitor or a lifelong local, if you are wondering, “Just how good is Melbourne tap water”, this article will provide the information you are looking for.
Is tap water drinkable in Melbourne?
Usually, yes. Melbourne actually has a reputation for having some of the best-tasting tap water in Australia. Other cities have higher concentrations of chemicals like chlorine or sediments that impact the taste and smell of their water, but the comparatively low levels of these impurities make tap water Melbourne residents’ claim to fame among other Australians.
Melbourne’s tap water is sourced from protected catchments in the Yarra Ranges and Thomson River areas. These areas are largely free from agricultural and industrial activity, so there are unlikely to be many artificial pollutants in the water before it begins the state’s multi-stage treatment and filtration process.
However, even treated water can pick up impurities as it travels through ageing pipes, so additional filtration can lend important peace of mind.
Tap water quality Melbourne: Common Contaminants
While tap water quality in Melbourne is generally high, some contaminants can still find their way into your home’s water supply. The ADWG regulations prioritise harmful bacteria and dangerous waterborne pathogens, so certain chemicals and impurities are permitted for the sake of maximising protection against these priority contaminants on a large scale.
Is tap water in Melbourne drinkable? Yes. Is it free from impurities and contaminants? Definitely not:
Chlorine, Chloramine, and Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
Chlorine is used to disinfect Melbourne’s water, but that disinfection process involves a chemical reaction with organic matter that can form harmful DBPs. While the concentration of DBPs in Melbourne’s water is within safe levels, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health concerns from liver damage to several kinds of cancer.
Chlorine also has a distinct and unpleasant taste and odour, making chlorinated tap water less palatable for many Melbourne residents. Depending on the suburb/region, a chemical compound called chloramine may be used instead of chlorine. This compound is stronger, combining chlorine with ammonia to form a particle that remains intact through longer pipelines and is not removed by ordinary carbon filters.
Lead from Older Plumbing
Homes with old pipes and plumbing, particularly those built before the 1980s, may have lead pipes or solder, which can leach lead into the water. Even trace amounts of lead pose health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women.
Although Melbourne tap water quality is high at the source, ageing infrastructure can compromise that quality by the time it reaches your taps.
Microplastics
Microplastics are a growing concern around the world. Recent studies show that these tiny plastic particles can be found even in high-quality drinking water, often not being fully filtered out during traditional water treatment or entering the water supply further down the pipeline.
While scientists are still studying the long-term effects of microplastics on human health, many Melbourne residents are opting for filtration systems to reduce their exposure.
Sediment and Rust
Even pipes that do not contain any toxic substances or heavy metals can be an issue for tap water quality Melbourne residents may encounter. As water travels through old pipes, particularly in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, it may pick up rust, silt, sediment, and other particles.
While these impurities are not necessarily harmful, they can affect the appearance and taste of your tap water. Mineral stains and sediment build-up can also cause issues for pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances. Installing a whole-home filtration system helps prevent rust and sediment from affecting both your water and your appliances.
Does Melbourne have the best tap water in Australia?
Melbourne may be near the front of the pack when it comes to water quality, but it is impossible to give any city the tap water quality crown. There are so many factors and variables that can influence water quality that even two homes within the same suburb could have drastically different water conditions.
When it comes to tap water Melbourne drinkable standards may be higher than those in other states, but there are several areas around Hobart, Sydney, and Darwin that could give the city a run for its money.
Water quality has an enormous impact on so many different facets of our lives. Melbourne’s famously high quality of life can likely be partially attributed to its water quality, but there is still room to invest in making that quality even better. The question is not so much, “Is Melbourne tap water drinkable”, but rather, “How can I make sure my tap water is as good as it can be”?
Getting the most out of your Melbourne tap water
Even though tap water in Melbourne is considered safe, a whole-home water filtration system offers extra protection and quality of life improvements, letting your family enjoy the cleanest, purest water possible. Whole house water filters can reduce or remove chlorine, DBPs, lead, microplastics, and other potential contaminants – not just from your tap water, but from every water outlet in your home.
Filtering your whole home gives you better water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. Removing sediment and rust extends the life of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters that connect directly to your water pipes rather than being filled from a separate filtered jug or tank.
The taste and smell improvements also eliminate the need to buy bottled water. This helps reduce both your plastic waste and microplastic exposure, encouraging a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Complete Home Filtration offers a high-quality filtration system that removes unwanted chemicals and contaminants from Melbourne tap water (and other taps all over the country). Their premium systems have dedicated filters for chlorine, chloramine, DBPs, heavy metals, sediments, and even limescale for the outer Melbourne suburbs that may have issues with limescale or mineral stains.
To find out more about how these systems work or speak with an expert about your home’s tap water, fill out our contact form below or call our team on 1300 693 458.
