LocalDataPoint

Hillside Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

5.5mg/L
Soft

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.004 mg/L

โœ“ Below action level

TDS

10.3 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

A$0.02

energy & soap waste

Source: BOM National Performance Report & ADWG ยท Updated 2026

5.5mg/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 Hillside, your appliances are currently losing 1% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn HillsideSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
8.4 yrs
8.5 yrs-1%
Washing Machine
11.9 yrs
12 yrs-1%
Water Heater
14.9 yrs
15 yrs-1%

Regional Water Comparison

How Hillside compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessRiskSource
โ–ถ Hillside, Victoria5.5 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softreservoir
Taylors Hill, Victoriaโ‰ˆ 0โ€“60 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softreservoir
Sydenham, Victoriaโ‰ˆ 0โ€“60 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softreservoir
Taylors Lakes, Victoriaโ‰ˆ 0โ€“60 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softreservoir
Caroline Springs, Victoriaโ‰ˆ 0โ€“60 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softreservoir

National Benchmark

How Hillside compares to the Australia average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
โ–ถ Hillside5.5 mg/L๐ŸŸข None
Australia National Avg125 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Moderate
Boronia Top Rated5 mg/L๐ŸŸข None

Bring Boronia-quality water to your Hillside home

Shop water softeners on Amazon.com โ†’

Shop Now

What Makes Hillside's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 10.3 mg/LpH: 7

The water supply for Hillside, Victoria, Australia, originates from Western Water's management of Melbourne Water's metropolitan reservoir system. Specifically, the Hillside Melton outer west supply draws from the Yarra Ranges catchment. This system delivers water characterized by exceptionally low mineral content, with near-zero Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), positioning it among the purest urban water sources in Victoria. The treatment process, if any, is not detailed, but the origin points to a direct supply.

The water's exceptional purity is attributed to its geological origins. It is sourced directly from reservoirs situated within the Yarra Ranges, an area dominated by Devonian granite. This bedrock type is known for its low solubility, meaning it doesn't readily leach minerals into the water. Consequently, the water remains largely devoid of dissolved solids, contributing to its exceptionally soft and mineral-free profile, a reflection of the Devonian geological period.

Such exceptionally soft water typically poses no issues for appliances or plumbing, as there's virtually no scale buildup to worry about. You'll find that soaps and detergents lather easily, requiring less product for cleaning. While the taste is often described as very clean, some may find it lacking the mineral character found in harder waters. No specific recommendations for descaling or water softening are necessary due to the minimal mineral content, and no safety concerns are indicated from the available information.

Geology & Source: Devonian granite; mineral-free water reflects near-direct supply

Other Victoria Water Reports

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hillside's water safe to drink?
Yes. Hillside's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 5.5 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 Hillside?
Hillside's water is soft at 5.5 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.
How does Hillside compare to the Australia average?
The Australia national average is 125 mg/L. Hillside (5.5 mg/L) is 120 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Boronia at just 5 mg/L.