Is Perth Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Perth, Western Australia, is safe to drink. It is treated and monitored by Water Corporation to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Perth’s water may taste slightly different depending on the source and treatment process, and it is often relatively hard due to mineral content. These characteristics affect taste and scaling but do not make the water unsafe.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Australia is ranked as number 23 globally with a score of 90.9% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Perth, Australia
Perth’s tap water comes from a combination of groundwater, desalinated seawater, and surface water stored in dams. Groundwater is drawn from the Gnangara and Jandakot groundwater systems, while surface water mainly comes from dams in the Darling Range.
Desalinated seawater from the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant and Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is also supplied to Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme. Some recycled water is treated through the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme and returned to aquifers for future drinking water use.
Perth Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Perth are generally safe to use because they are usually supplied with treated drinking water regulated under Western Australian health standards. The water meets the same basic safety requirements as other scheme drinking water.
Check that the fountain is clean and operating normally before drinking, and avoid using it if there is a warning sign, visible damage, unusual colour, taste, or odour. Let the water run briefly before drinking, especially if the fountain has not been used recently.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Perth. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.