Drinking water in the NT

The Northern Territory's (NT) hot and humid climate can cause dehydration.

It's important to drink plenty of water and carry enough with you when you're out.

Tap water in the NT is generally safe to drink, making it a convenient option for staying hydrated.

For more information about the benefits of drinking water, go to the Healthdirect website.

Safe drinking water

Tap water quality may vary due to the source. For example, bore water may contain natural minerals that affect the taste and hardness but are generally not harmful.

Communities that have bore water include Nyirripi and Alpurrurulam. Read more about drinking water in Nyirripi and Alpurrurulam.

The NT's drinking water quality is managed by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between:

• NT Health
• Power and Water Corporate (PWC)
• Indigenous Essential Services Pty Ltd.

Read more about drinking water quality on the PWC website. You can also read about management of private water supplies.

Water quality safety alerts

You will be notified if there are issues with the drinking water quality in your area.

Tap water can sometimes be contaminated by harmful germs and chemicals from:

• poorly maintained wastewater systems
• overflowing sewers
• wildlife or animals
• naturally occurring chemicals in rocks and soil

If chemical contamination occurs, NT Health may advise the water provider to supply an alternative source until the issue is resolved.

When alerts are issued

A boil water alert may be issued during risk of waterborne pathogens and extreme weather events, such as storms or cyclones.

What to do if there is an alert

To make water safe bring it to a rolling boil and cool before using.

You can use the boiled water for:

• drinking and cooking
• preparing baby formula
• washing raw foods
• making ice
• brushing teeth.

Unboiled tap water can still be used for washing dishes, bathing (avoid swallowing) and other household tasks.

For more information on how to make water safe after an emergency, go to SecureNT.

Reduce exposure to metals in drinking water

When water sits in pipes for a long time, metals such as copper and lead can be dissolved from pipes and plumbing fixtures.

To reduce exposure to metals in your drinking water:

• use cold tap water for drinking and cooking - never hot water
• flush taps daily - run cold water for 10 seconds first thing in the morning
• flush after long periods:
  • if taps haven’t been used for 48+ hours, run cold water for 2 minutes
  • save flushed water for plants or other household tasks.

For more details, read the enHealth guidance on lead in drinking water from some plumbing products on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care.

More information

For more information, contact Environmental Health. Get their contact details on the NT Health website.

If you have concerns about water quality, contact PWC. Get their contact details on the PWC website.