Water quality
Quick links
Drinking water quality guidelines and reports
Recreational water quality guidelines and reports
Latest publications
Role of toxicity testing in identifying toxic substances
We use water in many ways in our daily lives. So it is vital that the water we drink, bathe in, swim in or fish from is safe.
Water is considered safe if it is free from harmful levels of disease-causing micro-organisms, as well as physical, chemical and radiological contamination.
Mains drinking water
We regulate the quality of your town's mains water to ensure it is safe for you to drink and use for household purposes. TasWater is responsible for providing safe drinking water to consumers serviced by a water supply zone.
The quality of your water is regularly tested and monitored by TasWater, then reported to us to ensure it meets national standards and the Tasmanian guidelines.
Questions or concerns about your water quality should be directed to TasWater in the first instance. Read more
Rainwater tanks and other drinking water supplies
If you source your drinking water from a rainwater tank or another raw untreated source, you should take care to ensure this water is safe for you to drink. Read more
Lakes, rivers and oceans
Many agencies are involved in ensuring that waterways and oceans are safe for recreational use, such as swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. We oversee monitoring of the most popular water bodies, although not all beaches and rivers are regularly monitored for water quality. Read more
To report a suspected pollution incident, call the Environment Protection Authority on 1800 005 171.
If you have a question about the safety of a waterway or body, please contact your local council.
Want more information?
Water in Tasmania: who is responsible?
Call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
About the Environmental Health Unit.