Highett Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Highett's drinking water is supplied by South East Water as water retailer, with bulk supply from Melbourne Water incorporating a moderate Winneke Water Treatment Plant contribution for the Kingston City Council LGA inner southern coastal Melbourne distribution in Victoria. Water hardness in Highett is measured at 85 mg/L — classified as slightly hard — within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) aesthetic guideline of 200 mg/L published by NHMRC. Highett, in the Kingston City LGA — an inner southern Melbourne suburb adjacent to Sandringham and Moorabbin, known for the Highett residential estates, the Highett railway station on the Frankston line, the Church Road shopping strip, and the family-friendly residential character of the Kingston City inner southern Melbourne corridor — receives slightly elevated supply consistent with the slightly hard character of the South East Water Kingston City inner southern Melbourne distribution.

Highett's slightly elevated hardness reflects a moderate Winneke Water Treatment Plant contribution at the inner southern Kingston City 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 soft Yarra Ranges direct reservoir supply. The Highett inner southern Kingston distribution at 85 mg/L and TDS 183.4 mg/L is consistent with the South East Water Kingston inner southern supply range (Mentone 76 mg/L, Beaumaris 90 mg/L, Parkdale 113 mg/L), reflecting the moderate Winneke blending character of the Kingston City inner southern coastal distribution.

Highett residents can expect occasional moderate limescale on taps and in kettles — descaling every two to three months is typically adequate. Hot water systems benefit from periodic inspection. The elevated lead reading (0.004 mg/L) warrants briefly running the cold tap before use. South East Water provides water quality information at southeastwater.com.au, with all ADWG health standards consistently met. Highett's inner southern Melbourne residential community and the Sandringham corridor benefit from a safe supply meeting all ADWG standards.