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Cherrybrook Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7.5

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.003 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

234.6 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

A$0.47

energy & soap waste

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 Cherrybrook, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn CherrybrookSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
6.8 yrs
8.5 yrs-20%
Washing Machine
9.6 yrs
12 yrs-20%
Water Heater
12 yrs
15 yrs-20%

Regional Water Comparison

How Cherrybrook compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessRiskSource
Cherrybrook, New South Wales≈ 120–179 mg/L🟠 Hardreservoir
West Pennant Hills, New South Wales≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Castle Hill, New South Wales≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Hornsby, New South Wales≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Carlingford, New South Wales≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir

National Benchmark

How Cherrybrook compares to the Australia average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Cherrybrook≈ 120–179 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Australia National Avg125 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Boronia Top Rated5 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Cherrybrook's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 234.6 mg/LpH: 7.5

The water serving Cherrybrook residents comes from Sydney Water, primarily utilizing the Prospect Water Filtration Plant. This plant processes water drawn from the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, a major source for the Sydney region. The supply reaches homes in the Upper North Shore, including the Hornsby-adjacent distribution areas, ensuring a consistent flow of treated water to the community. This vast network highlights the scale of operations required to meet the daily water needs of a metropolitan area.

The geology underlying this region plays a significant role in the water's characteristics. The Hawkesbury-Nepean River flows through areas dominated by Sydney sandstone bedrock. This geological formation is known to impart moderate hardness to the water as it dissolves minerals. Additionally, the proportion of Hawkesbury-Nepean supply contributes to elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), a measure of all substances dissolved in the water, reflecting the natural mineral content picked up from the bedrock.

Homeowners in Cherrybrook might notice the effects of moderately hard water on their appliances and plumbing. Over time, mineral buildup, or scale, can form inside pipes and water heaters, potentially reducing their efficiency and lifespan. You may also find that soap and detergents don't lather as easily. To combat this, regular descaling of appliances like kettles and coffee makers is a good practice. If you're concerned about the impact on your home, a water softener could be considered to reduce mineral content.

Geology & Source: Hawkesbury-Nepean supply; sandstone bedrock contributes to moderate hardness and elevated TDS

Other New South Wales Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cherrybrook's water safe to drink?
Yes. Cherrybrook's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Cherrybrook?
At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Cherrybrook's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.
How does Cherrybrook compare to the Australia average?
The Australia national average is 125 mg/L. Cherrybrook (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 25 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Boronia at just 5 mg/L.