Goonellabah Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Goonellabah's drinking water is supplied by Lismore City Council Water as water retailer, with bulk supply from Rous Water (Northern Rivers bulk water authority) drawing from Rocky Creek Dam (Brunswick River) and Emigrant Creek Dam for the Lismore City LGA northern NSW distribution in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Water hardness in Goonellabah is measured at 69.5 mg/L — classified as slightly hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Goonellabah — Lismore's elevated plateau suburb overlooking the Lismore basin, the residential and commercial growth area above the historic Lismore flood plain, known for the Southern Cross University campus, the Lismore Base Hospital, and the growing Northern Rivers hinterland residential community — receives slightly elevated supply consistent with the moderately mineralised Rous Water Northern Rivers catchment.

Goonellabah's slightly elevated hardness reflects the moderately mineralised character of the Rous Water supply from the Northern Rivers basaltic hinterland catchments. Rocky Creek Dam and Emigrant Creek Dam drain the Nightcap Range and Richmond Range — ancient Jurassic–Cretaceous basaltic terrain (Tweed Volcano shield remnants) where weathered basalt contributes moderate calcium, magnesium, and dissolved minerals to catchment runoff. The Goonellabah Northern Rivers Lismore distribution at 69.5 mg/L and TDS 126.5 mg/L reflects the typical Rous Water supply blend from these moderately mineralised Northern Rivers basaltic catchments.

Goonellabah residents can expect occasional moderate limescale on taps and in kettles — descaling every two to three months is typically adequate. Hot water systems benefit from periodic inspection. The low lead reading (0.002 mg/L) is reassuring. Rous Water and Lismore City Council provide water quality information online, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Goonellabah's Southern Cross University campus community and Northern Rivers plateau residential precinct benefit from a safe supply meeting all ADWG safe drinking standards.