Water quality
Quick links
Drinking water quality guidelines and reports
Recreational water quality guidelines and reports
Latest publications
Recreational Water Quality Annual Report 2016-17 (accessible)
Recreational Water Quality Annual Report 2015-16 (accessible)
Role of toxicity testing in identifying toxic substances
We use water in many ways in our daily lives so it is vital 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
TasWater's drinking water quality management plans for managing risks to public health from its reticulated mains water supplies are externally audited.
Questions or concerns about your water quality should be directed to TasWater. Read more
Rainwater tanks and other drinking water supplies
If you source your drinking water from a rainwater tank or another raw untreated source, please make sure it is safe to drink. Read more
Lakes, rivers, oceans, public swimming pools and public spa pools
Many agencies are involved in ensuring 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. We also oversee councils’ monitoring of water quality at public swimming pools and public spa pools. 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.
More information about Environmental Health
November 2017