Caulfield South Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
139.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.22
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 Caulfield South, your appliances are currently losing 9% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Caulfield South | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -14% |
| Washing Machine | 11.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -8% |
| Water Heater | 12.9 yrs | 15 yrs | -14% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Caulfield South compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Caulfield South, Victoria | 68.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Brighton East, Victoria | 68.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Caulfield North, Victoria | 117.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Bentleigh, Victoria | 74 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Elsternwick, Victoria | 32 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Caulfield South compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Caulfield South | 68.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Caulfield South's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Caulfield South's drinking water is supplied by South East Water as water retailer, with bulk supply from Melbourne Water incorporating a low Winneke Water Treatment Plant contribution for the Glen Eira City Council LGA inner southern Melbourne distribution in Victoria. Water hardness in Caulfield South is measured at 68.5 mg/L — classified as slightly hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Caulfield South, in the Glen Eira City LGA — an attractive inner southern Melbourne suburb adjacent to Elsternwick and Carnegie, known for the Caulfield Racecourse Heritage Precinct and the Caulfield Cup, the large Jewish community of the Glen Eira inner south, the shopping and café strip along Hawthorn Road and Koornang Road, and the sought-after residential streets of the Caulfield corridor — receives a slightly elevated supply from the inner southern Melbourne South East Water distribution.
Caulfield South's slightly elevated hardness reflects a low Winneke Water Treatment Plant contribution at the inner southern Glen Eira South East Water distribution sub-zone. The Winneke plant draws from the Yarra River at Yering Gorge traversing Devonian basalt terrain — contributing moderate calcium relative to the very soft Yarra Ranges direct reservoir supply. The Caulfield South inner southern Glen Eira distribution at 68.5 mg/L and TDS 139.9 mg/L reflects a low Winneke blending proportion, consistent with the soft-to-slightly-hard character of the inner southern Melbourne South East Water supply corridor.
Caulfield South residents enjoy low limescale accumulation on taps and in kettles — descaling every two to three months is typically adequate. Hot water systems accumulate minimal scale. The low lead reading (0.003 mg/L) is good. South East Water provides water quality information at southeastwater.com.au, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Caulfield South's Glen Eira inner southern Melbourne community and the Caulfield Racecourse heritage precinct benefit from a safe supply meeting all ADWG standards.
Geology & Source: Supplied by South East Water (water retailer) and Melbourne Water (wholesale) incorporating a low Winneke Water Treatment Plant contribution — the Caulfield South Glen Eira inner southern Melbourne supply carries slightly hard water at 68.5 mg/L with TDS of 139.9 mg/L, reflecting a low Winneke WTP fraction at this inner southern Glen Eira South East Water distribution sub-zone.