Kelso Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Unitywater supplies Kelso with drinking water sourced primarily from surface water, drawing from the North Pine Dam and Lake Kurwongbah reservoirs. These sources are part of the Seqwater bulk supply network and are treated at the North Pine treatment plant, with potential blending from the Mt Crosby treatment plant. The watershed feeding these reservoirs is the North Pine River catchment, located northeast of Brisbane and encompassing forested uplands and rural areas. This treated potable water is delivered to North Lakes and Redcliffe residents through an extensive pipeline system.

The region's water interacts with a diverse geological landscape. This includes Cainozoic basalts, Quaternary alluvium, and sedimentary rocks belonging to the Clarence-Moreton Basin. Leaching of natural calcium and magnesium occurs as water passes through limestone-bearing strata and weathered basaltic rock. This geological interaction results in moderately mineralised water. It's softer than the hard groundwater found in inland limestone areas but harder than very soft water from highland streams.

Homeowners might notice some scale buildup in appliances like kettles and dishwashers over time, and reduced efficiency in heating elements due to the moderate mineral content. Fixtures may also show visible limescale. While not strictly necessary, a water softener can help extend the lifespan of appliances and reduce the need for frequent descaling with solutions like vinegar or citric acid. Unitywater and Seqwater maintain water quality within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with pH typically between 7.0 and 8.5, and adjusted fluoride levels for dental health. Recent reports show no significant exceedances for lead, copper, or PFAS, with treatment processes including filtration and disinfection.