This paper assesses the publicly available data on drinking water quality in regional and remote Australia, highlights key data gaps, and quantifies populations and locations where reported drinking water quality did not meet basic service levels defined in relation to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). The study uses four definitions of basic drinking water quality to analyze data from 177 utilities in 2018-2019. Results indicate significant service gaps, particularly affecting remote Indigenous communities, and highlight the need for place-based solutions and a national drinking water quality database.

Paul R. Wyrwoll, Ana Manero, Katherine S. Taylor, Evie Rose, R. Quentin Grafton