Warwick Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
573.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.73
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 Warwick, your appliances are currently losing 31% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Warwick | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -76% |
| Washing Machine | 5 yrs | 12 yrs | -58% |
| Water Heater | 6.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -58% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Warwick compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Warwick, Queensland | 231.5 mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Toowoomba, Queensland | 180 mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Figtree, New South Wales | 77.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Brassall, Queensland | 246 mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Redbank Plains, Queensland | 247.5 mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Warwick compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Warwick | 231.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Warwick's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Warwick's drinking water is supplied by Southern Downs Regional Council Water, drawing from Leslie Dam on the Condamine River and supplementary groundwater extraction for the Southern Downs Regional Council LGA in south-eastern Queensland. Water hardness in Warwick is measured at 231.5 mg/L — classified as very hard, exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Warwick — the historic 'Rose and Rodeo City' of the Southern Downs agricultural region, famous for the Warwick Rodeo and Show, the heritage sandstone architecture of Palmerin Street, and the Granite Belt wine country border — carries a hard supply characteristic of the Darling Downs basin geological environment.
Warwick's elevated hardness reflects the Jurassic–Cretaceous Darling Downs basalt and sedimentary geology of the Condamine River catchment. The Condamine River rises from the New England Granite Belt near Stanthorpe and flows north-west across the Southern Downs — traversing Mesozoic Walloon Coal Measures, Jurassic Marburg Sub-group sandstone, and Cretaceous Griman Creek sedimentary formations of the Surat Basin and Darling Downs, where calcium carbonate and associated mineral salts readily dissolve. The supplementary groundwater component, likely from the highly mineralised Surat Basin artesian or sub-artesian aquifer, adds further dissolved solids to the 231.5 mg/L and TDS 573.1 mg/L Warwick supply.
Warwick residents face significant daily limescale challenges — kettle descaling every one to two weeks is typical, and shower screens and tapware accumulate carbonate deposits in this hard water zone. Hot water system elements require regular inspection. The low lead reading (0.002 mg/L) is reassuring. Southern Downs Regional Council provides water quality information online, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. The elevated hardness is characteristic of the broader Darling Downs regional supply and is experienced across this important south-eastern Queensland agricultural and tourism community.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Southern Downs Regional Council Water from Leslie Dam on the Condamine River, supplemented by local groundwater — the Warwick Southern Downs supply carries very hard water at 231.5 mg/L with TDS of 573.1 mg/L, reflecting the Jurassic–Cretaceous Darling Downs basalt and sedimentary catchment geology that heavily mineralises the Condamine River system supply.