Taree Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
201.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.32
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 Taree, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Taree | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Taree compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Taree, New South Wales | 102.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Forster, New South Wales | 163 mg/L | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Port Macquarie, New South Wales | 111 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Raymond Terrace, New South Wales | 66.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| East Maitland, New South Wales | 92 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Taree compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Taree | 102.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Taree's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Taree's drinking water is supplied by MidCoast Council Water, drawing from the Manning River system and local catchment impoundments for the Mid-Coast LGA on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Water hardness in Taree is measured at 102.5 mg/L — classified as moderately hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Taree — the commercial centre of the Manning River floodplain, the Mid-Coast LGA's major service hub known for Manning Base Hospital, the Manning River foreshore parklands, and the surrounding timber and agricultural heritage of the Manning Valley — receives moderately hard supply reflecting the geological character of the eastern New England Tablelands and the Manning River catchment system.
Taree's moderately elevated hardness reflects the Permian–Carboniferous volcanic and coal measure terrain of the Eastern New England Tablelands–coastal transition. The Manning River drains from the New England Tableland through a complex of Devonian granite, Carboniferous rhyolite and andesite, and Permian coal-bearing Teriary sedimentary sequences near the coastal zone — where volcanic tuff, ash, and calcareous fossils in the formation contact contribute moderate calcium and mineral dissolution, producing supply harder than the pure granite highland streams of the Armidale Tableland above (Armidale 55.5 mg/L), but far softer than the heavily mineralised inland and coastal extreme zones.
Taree residents face 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 elevated lead reading (0.003 mg/L) warrants briefly running the cold tap before use in older Taree heritage properties along the Manning River precinct. MidCoast Council provides water quality information online, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. The moderately hard supply is well within comfortable household use ranges for Taree's Manning River floodplain agricultural and service community.
Geology & Source: Supplied by MidCoast Council Water from the Manning River and local catchment impoundments on the Mid North Coast — the Taree Mid-Coast supply carries moderately hard water at 102.5 mg/L with TDS of 201.7 mg/L, reflecting the Permian–Carboniferous volcanic and coal measure terrain of the eastern New England Tablelands–coastal transition zone that moderately mineralises the Manning River catchment supply.