Preston Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~0–59 mg/L
Softestimated · not lab-verified
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
39.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$0.10
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 Preston, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Preston | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 8.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -4% |
| Washing Machine | 11.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -4% |
| Water Heater | 14.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -4% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Preston compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Preston, Victoria | ≈ 0–59 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Thornbury, Victoria | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Northcote, Victoria | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Ivanhoe, Victoria | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Reservoir, Victoria | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Preston compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Preston | ≈ 0–59 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Preston's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Yarra Valley Water serves Preston, Victoria (postcode 3072) in metropolitan Melbourne. The utility draws its supply from the Yarra River system, supplemented by groundwater sources. This water undergoes treatment at various regional plants before being distributed to homes and businesses throughout the Preston area. Residents can be confident in the quality of the water they receive.
The watershed that feeds this supply drains the granitic highlands and metamorphic terrain of southeastern Victoria. The underlying bedrock is composed of Precambrian to Paleozoic metamorphic rocks and granite intrusions, with very few carbonate formations like limestone or dolomite. This geological makeup is the reason for the water's naturally soft character, meaning it contains minimal dissolved calcium and magnesium.
Fortunately, the soft nature of this water means minimal limescale buildup on your fixtures and appliances. You'll find that soap and shampoo lather up easily, and there's no need for a water softening system at home. Appliances like your water heater and dishwasher won't suffer from scaling damage, leading to reduced maintenance and a longer lifespan for these essential household items.
Geology & Source: Yarra River catchment & groundwater; granitic & metamorphic rocks yield soft water
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