Redfern Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
106.8 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.19
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 Redfern, your appliances are currently losing 8% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Redfern | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -11% |
| Washing Machine | 11.4 yrs | 12 yrs | -5% |
| Water Heater | 13.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -12% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Redfern compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redfern, New South Wales | 60 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Surry Hills, New South Wales | 133.5 mg/L | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Zetland, New South Wales | 168 mg/L | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Darlinghurst, New South Wales | 197 mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Glebe, New South Wales | 103 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Redfern compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Redfern | 60 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Redfern's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Redfern'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 City of Sydney LGA inner central Sydney distribution in New South Wales. Water hardness in Redfern is measured at 60 mg/L — classified as slightly hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Redfern — an iconic inner city Sydney suburb undergoing significant urban transformation, home to the Aboriginal community and the Block heritage precinct, the Redfern–Waterloo urban renewal corridor, the ATP (Australian Technology Park) innovation precinct, and increasing residential density from the CityRail Redfern station connecting to the Sydney CBD — receives a predominantly soft supply consistent with the inner City of Sydney LGA Warragamba-dominant distribution blend.
Redfern's soft supply reflects a predominantly Warragamba Dam contribution with minimal Hawkesbury-Nepean blending at the inner central City of Sydney LGA 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 60 mg/L and TDS 106.8 mg/L. The inner City of Sydney LGA sub-zones (Redfern 60 mg/L, Pyrmont 88.5 mg/L) receive predominantly soft Warragamba supply through inner city distribution mains, consistent with the soft-to-slightly-hard character of the inner Sydney supply zones.
Redfern residents enjoy low to moderate limescale accumulation on taps and in kettles — descaling every two to three months is typically adequate. Hot water systems accumulate minimal scale. The very 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. Redfern's urban renewal community, the ATP innovation precinct, and the historic inner city 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 Redfern City of Sydney LGA inner central Sydney supply carries slightly hard water at 60 mg/L with low TDS of 106.8 mg/L, reflecting a predominantly Warragamba-dominant supply with minimal Hawkesbury-Nepean component at this inner central City of Sydney LGA distribution sub-zone.