Young 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
206.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.33
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 Young, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Young | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -27% |
| Washing Machine | 9.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -19% |
| Water Heater | 11.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -24% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Young compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Young, New South Wales | 104.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Ngunnawal, Australian Capital Territory | 39.5 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | 25 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Orange, New South Wales | 39.5 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Kambah, Australian Capital Territory | 30 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Young compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Young | 104.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Young's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Young's drinking water is supplied by Hilltops Council (the local government water authority for the Hilltops LGA), drawing from the Lachlan River system via Wyangala Dam bulk water connection and local Burrangong Creek catchment storages for the Hilltops LGA regional distribution in inland New South Wales. Water hardness in Young is measured at 104.5 mg/L — classified as slightly hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Young — the regional service centre of the Hilltops LGA, celebrated as the 'Cherry Capital of Australia' for the acclaimed Young cherry orchards and the annual National Cherry Festival, known for the Hilltops wine region and Hilltops Scenic Drive, the Lambing Flat Chinese Miners Museum commemorating the 1860 gold rush era, and the key inland service hub for the southern central slopes and tablelands — receives slightly elevated supply reflecting the moderate mineralisation of the Lachlan Basin geological terrain.
Young's slightly elevated hardness reflects the moderate mineralisation of the Lachlan River catchment and Burrangong Creek system in the Hilltops LGA. The Lachlan Basin traverses Silurian–Devonian limestone sequences, Ordovician metasedimentary formations, and granite intrusions of the southern Lachlan Fold Belt — contributing moderate dissolved calcium and minerals to the supply. At 104.5 mg/L and TDS 206.5 mg/L, Young's supply is slightly elevated for a southern NSW inland regional supply, reflecting the moderate geological mineralisation of the Hilltops LGA Burrangong Creek and Lachlan tributary catchment terrain.
Young residents can expect 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 (0.003 mg/L) is good. Hilltops Council provides water quality information online, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Young's cherry orchard community and the Hilltops wine region hub benefits from a safe supply meeting all ADWG standards.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Hilltops Council from the Lachlan River system via the Wyangala Dam bulk water supply connection and local Burrangong Creek catchment storages — the Young Hilltops regional supply carries slightly hard water at 104.5 mg/L with TDS of 206.5 mg/L, reflecting the moderate mineralisation of the Lachlan Basin carbonate and metasedimentary geological formations of the inland southern NSW central slopes.