Mains drinking water

We regulate your town's mains water quality to ensure it is safe for you and your household to drink and use. Your drinking water is supplied by TasWater.

They are responsible for providing, testing and monitoring safe drinking water that meets the requirements of the:

• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

• Tasmanian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

TasWater's drinking water quality management plans are externally audited. If you have questions or concerns about your water quality, please visit TasWater.

Boil water alerts

• At times of microbial contamination, a temporary boil water alert is issued via our online health alerts.
• Boiling water effectively kills the pathogens and renders it safe for drinking.
• Boiling of water does not remove chemical contamination. 

How to disinfect raw water by boiling

It may be necessary to treat a raw water supply that is used for drinking and cooking.

• Bring water to a rolling boil. Most electric kettles will do this.
• Allow the water to cool. 
• Boiled water can then be stored in your fridge.

Who should boil water?

• The risk of illness is higher for people with lower immune response.
• This includes very young children, older people and people with a chronic illness.
• These people should always boil tank water used for drinking, cooking and washing food.

When should I use boiled water?

Cooled boiled water should be used for: 

• drinking 
• washing raw foods (such as seafood or salads) 
• making ice 
• pet’s drinking water 
• cleaning teeth. 

Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. 

Learn about precautions for commercial establishments serving food or drink to the public

Public health alerts

If chemical contamination poses a significant risk to public health, a temporary public health alert may be issued by TasWater and the Director of Public Health.

• A public health alert means that the water cannot be consumed, even after boiling.
• TasWater will provide an alternate supply of safe clean drinking water to residents

Plumbing issues

TasWater is responsible for providing safe drinking water to the customer water meter.

All sampling is from within the reticulation network. They do not extend onto private property.

Private residence plumbing maintenance and management is the responsibility of the property owner.

Internal plumbing deterioration

• Sometimes old internal plumbing can deteriorate water quality and make it unsafe to drink.
• If you have concerns about your internal plumbing, contact your local council plumbing section or book a qualified plumber.

Flush your taps

• Only use water taken straight from the cold water tap inside the home for drinking or cooking.
• Never drink from a hot water tap as water in hot water systems generally contains more dissolved minerals and metals due to the heating process.
• Water that has been standing in your home's plumbing for extended periods can dissolve metals such as copper and traces of lead from these pipes and taps.
• When taps have not been used in the house overnight, you should flush the water before drinking or cooking for at least 10 seconds.
• Flush water for at least two minutes if the taps have not been used for a while such as returning from a holiday.
• Flushing water will lower the levels of copper and other metals that may be present in the water.
• View more information on reducing your exposure to plumbing-related metals.