Caringbah South Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
81.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.15
energy & soap waste
Source: BOM National Performance Report & ADWG · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Caringbah South, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Caringbah South | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -6% |
| Washing Machine | 11.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -2% |
| Water Heater | 13.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -9% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Caringbah South compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Caringbah South, New South Wales | 47.5 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Caringbah, New South Wales | 42 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Miranda, New South Wales | 88 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Cronulla, New South Wales | 57.5 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Sylvania, New South Wales | 51 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Caringbah South compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Caringbah South | 47.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Caringbah South's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Caringbah South's drinking water is supplied by Sydney Water, treated at the Prospect Water Filtration Plant drawing predominantly from Warragamba Dam (Nepean River system) for the Sutherland Shire LGA outer southern Sydney distribution in New South Wales. Water hardness in Caringbah South is measured at 47.5 mg/L — classified as soft — well below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Caringbah South — a family-oriented residential suburb in the Sutherland Shire LGA adjacent to the Port Hacking River, known for the Caringbah South public school community, the suburban residential streets backing onto the Gymea Bay waterway, and the outdoor lifestyle of the southern Sutherland Shire Port Hacking corridor — receives very soft supply consistent with the predominantly soft character of the Sutherland Shire southern Sydney distribution.
Caringbah South's soft supply reflects a predominantly Warragamba Dam contribution with minimal Hawkesbury-Nepean blending at this outer southern Sutherland Shire Prospect distribution sub-zone. Warragamba Dam collects rainfall from the Blue Mountains sandstone plateau and Kanangra–Boyd granite uplands — chemically resistant terrain contributing negligible dissolved minerals — producing near-soft supply at 47.5 mg/L and TDS 81.8 mg/L. The Sutherland Shire outer southern supply sub-zones consistently receive a very high Warragamba fraction through the southern Sydney distribution network, producing some of Sydney Water's softest suburban supply.
Caringbah South residents enjoy very low limescale accumulation on taps and in kettles — descaling every two to three months is typically adequate. Hot water systems accumulate minimal scale. The low lead reading (0.002 mg/L) is excellent. Sydney Water provides water quality information at sydneywater.com.au, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Caringbah South's Port Hacking waterway community and the Sutherland Shire southern residential precinct benefit from this soft, clean supply meeting all ADWG standards.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Sydney Water via the Prospect Water Filtration Plant drawing predominantly from Warragamba Dam — the Caringbah South Sutherland Shire outer southern Sydney supply carries soft water at 47.5 mg/L with very low TDS of 81.8 mg/L, reflecting the predominantly Warragamba-dominant supply of the Sutherland Shire southern Sydney distribution, consistent with the soft character of the southern Sydney Sutherland Shire supply zone.