Craigieburn Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
63.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.11
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 Craigieburn, your appliances are currently losing 5% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Craigieburn | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -1% |
| Washing Machine | 12.3 yrs | 12 yrs | — |
| Water Heater | 14.2 yrs | 15 yrs | -5% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Craigieburn compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Craigieburn, Victoria | 35 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Roxburgh Park, Victoria | 60.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Meadow Heights, Victoria | 108.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Wollert, Victoria | 104 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Broadmeadows, Victoria | 92.5 mg/L | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Craigieburn compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Craigieburn | 35 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Craigieburn's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Craigieburn's drinking water is supplied by Yarra Valley Water as water retailer, with bulk supply from Melbourne Water drawn from the Thomson Reservoir and Upper Yarra Reservoir catchments in the protected Yarra Ranges, Victoria. Water hardness in Craigieburn is measured at 35 mg/L — classified as soft — well within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Craigieburn, one of Melbourne's largest outer-northern growth corridors in the Hume LGA, receives supply from Melbourne Water's integrated reservoir system through the northern metropolitan distribution network.
Craigieburn's soft supply stems from the catchment geology of the Yarra Ranges. The Thomson and Upper Yarra catchments drain across Devonian granite and ancient rhyodacite — igneous formations that resist chemical weathering and contribute negligible dissolved calcium or magnesium. The closed, protected nature of Melbourne's catchments, which have excluded public access since 1891, preserves the consistently low mineral profile that flows through to Craigieburn's northern suburban distribution. The slightly higher hardness than the Yarra Ranges source reflects the extended pipeline pathway through the northern distribution infrastructure.
Craigieburn residents benefit from low limescale accumulation on taps, in kettles, and around shower fittings — descaling is an occasional rather than routine task. Hot water systems accumulate minimal scale throughout their service life, sustaining heating efficiency with minimal maintenance. Yarra Valley Water provides water quality information at yvw.com.au, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Some Craigieburn households install a benchtop carbon filter for improved taste, as the soft, low-TDS supply can occasionally carry faint natural notes after heavy rainfall in the upper Yarra Ranges catchment.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Yarra Valley Water (water retailer) and Melbourne Water (wholesale) from the Thomson Reservoir and Upper Yarra Reservoir catchments in the Yarra Ranges — water draining through ancient Devonian granite and rhyodacite of the Yarra Ranges dissolves almost no minerals, producing soft supply at 35 mg/L consistent with the northern outer Melbourne distribution.