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Kirwan Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

45mg/L
Soft

Source

mixed

pH Level

7.2

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.001 mg/L

โœ“ Below action level

TDS

100.8 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

A$0.14

energy & soap waste

Source: BOM National Performance Report & ADWG ยท Updated 2026

45mg/L as CaCOโ‚ƒSoft

0โ€“60

mg/L

Soft

61โ€“120

mg/L

Moderately Hard

121โ€“180

mg/L

Hard

180+

mg/L

Very Hard

Appliance Damage Report

In Kirwan, your appliances are currently losing 6% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn KirwanSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
8.1 yrs
8.5 yrs-5%
Washing Machine
11.9 yrs
12 yrs-1%
Water Heater
13.8 yrs
15 yrs-8%

Regional Water Comparison

How Kirwan compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessRiskSource
โ–ถ Kirwan, Queensland45 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softmixed
Kelso, Queensland41 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softmixed
Townsville, Queensland65 mg/L๐ŸŸก Moderately Hardriver
Bowen, Queensland139 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Hardmixed
Edmonton, Queensland76.5 mg/L๐ŸŸก Moderately Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Kirwan compares to the Australia average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
โ–ถ Kirwan45 mg/L๐ŸŸข None
Australia National Avg125 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Moderate
Boronia Top Rated5 mg/L๐ŸŸข None

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What Makes Kirwan's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 100.8 mg/LpH: 7.2

Kirwan's drinking water is supplied by Townsville City Council Water, drawing from Ross River Dam on the Ross River and supplementary Paluma Dam storage in the Paluma Range rainforest, serving the Townsville LGA outer northern residential suburb of Kirwan in Queensland. Water hardness in Kirwan is measured at 45 mg/L โ€” classified as soft โ€” well within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Kirwan, one of Townsville's largest residential suburbs adjacent to the James Cook University precinct and Stockland Kirwan shopping centre, benefits from soft supply characteristic of the Townsville coastal ranges granite terrain.

Kirwan's soft supply reflects the Precambrian granite and metamorphic geology of the Ross River Dam catchment. The Mount Spec Range and Paluma Range north-west of Townsville are composed of ancient Precambrian granites and metasediments โ€” highly resistant crystalline formations contributing negligible dissolved minerals to catchment runoff. The Ross River Dam collects stormwater from this low-mineral terrain, producing a naturally soft supply that requires minimal treatment before distribution. The mixed source classification reflects occasional contributions from supplementary bore sources during dry periods, which carry slightly higher mineral content from the underlying Townsville coastal plain alluvial aquifer.

Kirwan residents enjoy very low limescale accumulation on taps, in kettles, and around shower fittings โ€” descaling every two to three months is generally adequate. Hot water systems accumulate minimal scale throughout their service life. Townsville's tropical climate brings intense seasonal wet season rainfall and extended dry periods; Townsville City Council manages dam levels and supply security accordingly. All ADWG health standards are consistently met throughout the Townsville supply zone, and Kirwan's soft supply is a practical benefit for this large outer suburban community.

Geology & Source: Supplied by Townsville City Council Water from Ross River Dam and Paluma Range catchment impoundments โ€” the Kirwan Townsville outer suburban supply carries soft water at 45 mg/L, characteristic of the Precambrian granite and metamorphic terrain of the coastal ranges supplying Townsville's Ross River Dam and the softer Paluma Range highland reservoirs.

Other Queensland Water Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirwan's water safe to drink?
Yes. Kirwan's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 45 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Kirwan?
Kirwan's water is soft at 45 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.
How does Kirwan compare to the Australia average?
The Australia national average is 125 mg/L. Kirwan at 45 mg/L is 80 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Boronia at just 5 mg/L.