Is Sydney’s Tap Water Drinkable?

Since we were toddlers, we have been taught the importance of water—from conservation to human consumption. This essential compound quenches one’s thirst and regulates body temperature to maintain optimal bodily functions. 

Of course, not all water can be consumed outright. Some harbour illnesses that could potentially lead to life-threatening risks. Potable water should be accessible in all nooks and crannies of Sydney to ensure everybody gets enough water daily. 

Who Regulates Sydney’s Drinking Water Quality?

Now, that is a pretty generic statement that rings proper in all angles. Clean drinking water is a basic human right and should be available to everybody in a heartbeat. However, the statement itself has layers, where each act of peeling results in a deeper question. 

“How does it become accessible?”

“How do you define potable?”

“Who sets the definition of potable water?”

“Who approves all of these drinking water regulations?”

Those four are just the tip of the iceberg, especially if you’re imaginative and curious enough to interject every question with another. However, drinking water is more than just drinking water. It undergoes a thorough process, both technical and legal before it can be deemed as such—before you can safely take a sip. 

Let’s tackle the two bottom questions—the guidelines we follow and the organisation behind Sydney’s Drinking Water Industry. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) established the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (the Guidelines). This publication, which undergoes a rolling revision, controls the quality of water supplied in all of Australia.

While not mandatorily enforced, the Guidelines are still being used by the respective involved parties. In New South Wales (NSW), NSW Health routinely monitors public drinking water. Not only does it track infectious diseases potentially attributed to contaminated water, but it also promotes transparency in water quality through reports from suppliers like Sydney Water. 

The other two questions can then be answered using the same guidelines. But to truly visualize how this system works, we must track where our drinking water comes from.  

The Source: Where Drinking Water Comes From

There are two main sources for our drinking water: (1) rainwater in catchbasins and (2) water stored in lakes surrounded by some of the most unspoilt native bushland. 

Of course, they are not as portable as they are. Through partners of Sydney Water like WaterNSW, they oversee protecting and monitoring areas around lake sources. They can choose the best water for Sydney Water to filter. 

When water from common sources is scarce due to drought and the like, oceans are also tapped. This is where desalination plants come in. 

Water Downrange: How Utilities Transport Water to You

Like your homes, Sydney contains a plumbing system engineered specifically to transport large quantities of water safely. After filtration and other processes, water travels through pipes to secure covered reservoirs in your area. From these reservoirs, smaller pipes ensure water arrives at your taps at home.  

Filtration Ensures Water Safety

We briefly passed through the filtration process our water undergoes above. But it is as uncomplicated as it sounds. 

Nature is bound to be harmonious in lakes, rivers, and other catchments. Leaves, twigs, and other natural debris will be present. And that’s the first step. 

• Our water flows through fine screens to eliminate said natural debris.
• Our filtration plants produce smaller particles that cannot stick together through screens. They activate this by adding a solution (a coagulant), which allows for better filtration.
• To remove microbiological parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, they let the water pass through tightly packed beds of sand and anthracite.

Once passed for a successful filtration, our water can easily travel through pipe systems to our homes.

Sydney Tap Water vs. Bottled Water

A debate in itself – this common comparison is still prevalent. But their sources, quality testings, and impacts all differ. 

Sydney’s tap water comes from lakes, rivers, and catchments protected and regulated by accredited agencies. On the other hand, bottled waters come from multiple sources whose specific origins are not quite documented (not required by the code). More tests tap water undergo to ensure safety and potability – around 70 tests to be exact!

The most obvious comparison is the environmental impact. Bottled water is encased in plastic bottles, and 64% end up as litter. The biggest irony in producing bottled water is that it requires three litres of water (and 250 mL of oil). Tap water, naturally, has its systemic barriers but is still a sustainable choice. 

What to Do if Tap Water Looks, Smells, or Tastes Funky/Metallic

Normally, tap water is tasteless, odourless, and colourless. But if you encounter anything unusual, it could be due to contamination. It could be large-scale pollution or soiling from undetected leaks in the system. However, there are cases where the root cause lies in your property’s plumbing system. 

Due to aging and corroded pipes, tap water can look, smell, and taste funky/metallic. While some do not indicate health risks, some can lead to adverse health risks. You may need to pause the tap water and contact a plumbing professional. This way, you can ensure how this occurrence came to be. 

For taps, toilets, and water heater repairs, it is best to trust certified and experienced plumbers. Fortunately, Sydney has Link Plumbing. Our team specialises in timely repairs and high-grade solutions to your plumbing needs. We also collaborate and empathise with you. 

Call our team on 0412 056 027, email us, or request an appointment online, and we’ll get the job done.