Have you ever wondered about the safety of the water coming out of your taps? Of course you have! Across Australia and beyond, savvy homeowners are increasingly aware of water contamination risks – from naturally occurring minerals to pollutants, bacteria, and even chemicals from infrastructure.
While most water supplies meet strict safety standards in our lucky country, issues can arise in the delivery system or on your property. That’s why knowing how to test your home water is a smart step for peace of mind.
So in our exclusive guide, we’re going to explain the basics, outline the main contamination sources, and give you a clear, step-by-step method for testing water at home using reliable, locally relevant methods.
What is water contamination?
Water contamination happens when harmful substances – biological, chemical, or physical – are present at levels that can impact health, taste, or usability. In Australia, these can include:
- Bacteria such as E. coli
- Heavy metals from corroded pipes
- Excess chlorine
- Sediment
- Pesticides
- Industrial pollutants (in rare cases).
Some properties rely on rainwater tanks rather than mains supply, and these can bring unique risks too. For example, water tank wildlife contamination can occur if insects, frogs, birds, or small mammals gain access to the tank or gutters, leaving droppings or carcasses that introduce harmful bacteria or parasites.
History also offers extreme examples and warnings for us – for instance, what caused Camp Lejeune water contamination in the US is a familiar question. Between 1953 and 1987, almost a million people were exposed to drinking water containing toxic chemicals resulting in cancers, diseases, miscarriages, birth defects and more. Luckily, Australia’s regulatory environment is much stricter, but incidents like these show why regular testing really matters.
Common contaminants in Australian homes
Typical issues found in domestic water testing here include:
- Bacteria, such as E. coli or coliforms, often from environmental intrusion or poor storage.
- Heavy metals, like lead or copper, often from older plumbing materials.
- Chlorine & by-products – disinfectants used in mains water that can sometimes affect taste or skin sensitivity.
- Sediment, from corroded pipes or tank debris.
- PFAS chemicals.
What is PFAS water contamination, you may be wondering? It’s ‘per’ and ‘poly’-fluoroalkyl substances – a group of man-made chemicals resistant to breaking down, linked to industrial processes and firefighting foams.
Prevention basics
We’re about to zoom in on testing, but it’s worth noting that how can water contamination be reduced often comes down to prevention. This includes regular maintenance of tanks and filters, replacing old plumbing where needed, keeping roof catchment areas clean, and ensuring backflow prevention devices are working.
It’s also important to know what causes contamination of water on a property:
- Damaged or poorly sealed pipes
- Cross-connection with other water sources
- Neglected tanks
- Environmental runoff.
7 Steps – Testing your home water for contaminants
The great news is that you don’t need a full lab at home or a chemistry degree to get started – but you do need to use reliable tools and methods.
Here’s how to approach it:
1. Identify your water source
Start by confirming whether your water comes from mains supply, a rainwater tank, a bore, or a combination. The risks differ:
- Mains water may have treatment by-products or pipe sediment
- Tanks or bores may have microbial or mineral contamination.
2. Inspect your system visually
Look at all of your taps, aerators, pipes, and tanks for obvious signs of rust, slime, or residue. Also check tanks for signs of wildlife entry, insect nests, or leaf litter.
While not a conclusive test, this step often points to possible contamination sources.
3. Choose the right test kit
In Australia, you can buy good (although basic) water testing kits from hardware stores, specialist suppliers, or online. The best kits test for multiple factors:
- pH
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Chlorine
- Hardness
- Heavy metals
- Bacteria.
Some are DIY strip tests, while others involve collecting samples to send to a certified lab for analysis. For health-critical concerns – like suspected bacteria contamination, always use a proper lab service.
4. Follow testing instructions exactly
Each kit has specific directions, but common steps include:
- Filling sterile bottles
- Avoiding contact with the inside surfaces
- Refrigerating samples before postage.
BE CAREFUL!: For bacteria testing, be extra strict with hygiene to avoid false results.
5. Interpret your results
Compare your results with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).
These set maximum safe levels for contaminants. If the results are unclear, a plumber or environmental health officer can help interpret them.
6. Take immediate action if needed
If your test shows harmful levels of bacteria, heavy metals, or chemicals, STOP DRINKING the water and use bottled or boiled water for consumption until the source is fixed. In some cases, the water supplier may be responsible, but if it’s something like tank contamination, it’s you who will need to act.
7. Keep records & retest regularly
Record your results and retest at least annually – or sooner if you notice changes in taste, smell, or appearance, or after plumbing work. For rainwater tanks, testing after major storms or drought is also wise.
How S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting can help
While testing can be done at home, fixing the cause of contamination often requires professional plumbing expertise. At S&J Hot Plumbing and Gasfitting, we can:
- Inspect and service hot water systems to ensure stored water is clean and safe.
- Replace new hot water systems if necessary.
- Replace corroded or damaged pipework that may leach metals.
- Advise about the installation or upgrading of filtration systems for whole-house or point-of-use protection.
- Advise on safe rainwater tank connections to hot water units.
Do you think you’re already dealing with a confirmed contaminant? Or perhaps you just want reassurance about your water quality – either way, our friendly team of plumbers can help.
Remember – water safety starts with awareness. By following the steps above, you can check your home’s water quality and take action before problems escalate. And if your tests show an issue – or you’d like professional advice – S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting is always here to keep your home water and plumbing healthy and efficient.