Is it safe to drink tap water in Darwin (Australia)?

Question

Is tap water (from the kitchen sink of a holiday apartment) in Darwin, NT safe for human consumption ? I see algae (and fungus ?) on water fountains in public places so I am guessing those weren't meant to help thirsty travelers get a gulp. Is there a way to find safe public water drinking taps/fountains in Darwin ?

Answer 1

An informal survey showed a lot of claims that not only is it safe, but the most drinkable in Australia :)

However, all tap water in Darwin and the NT is monitored by NT Department of Heath.

The Department's Environmental Health Branch has a key role in setting goals for drinking water quality and monitoring compliance with those objectives in the interest of public health.

This covers all tap water, making sure it is in line with the national guidelines.

In addition, they have rules for private supplies (eg groundwater):

Operators of businesses or facilities that provide drinking water have a responsibility to ensure that the water is safe to use. If the safety of the water cannot be guaranteed then consumers should be alerted.

Note: The ADWG apply to any water intended for drinking, irrespective of the source or where it is consumed, with the exception of bottled and packaged water as it is covered under the national Food Standards Code. Thus it should apply to your drinking fountains as well.