Providing safe drinking water

Safe drinking water is essential for maintaining public health and supporting healthy communities.

SA Health ensures that drinking water is delivered to consumers according to the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2011 and the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2012.

Who does the Act apply to?

The Act applies to all drinking water providers who supply water to the public, including:

  • SA Water
  • water carters
  • operators of independent town supplies
  • supplies in rural and remote communities
  • providers of drinking water in regulated facilities including hospitals, child care and aged care centres
  • food and accommodation premises.

Exemptions

Domestic rainwater tanks and private bore water supplies are exempt from the Act.

Provisions for exemptions have also been included for the use of boiled rainwater by small, regulated food premises and for small supplies derived from rainwater tanks in low risk premises such as short-term accommodation facilities, recreational or community centres and church and council buildings.

See the Exemptions page for more detailed information.

Requirements under the Act

The items listed below are required under the Act and apply to all drinking water providers:

Water quality testing must be carried out by an approved laboratory.

All new providers must have a Risk Management Plan in place prior to commencing supply

Registered drinking water providers

A list of registered drinking water providers is maintained by SA Health and local councils are advised of drinking water providers in their area.

See the Registered drinking water providers page for a list of providers, by council.

Annual reports

Annual reports prepared as required under Section 51 of the Act.

Further information

For further information on providing safe drinking water, contact:

Water Quality Unit
Email: waterquality@sa.gov.au
Telephone: (08) 8226 7100

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