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Sale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7.6

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.003 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

263.3 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

A$0.47

energy & soap waste

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 Sale, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn SaleSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
6.8 yrs
8.5 yrs-20%
Washing Machine
9.6 yrs
12 yrs-20%
Water Heater
12 yrs
15 yrs-20%

Regional Water Comparison

How Sale compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessRiskSource
Sale, Victoria≈ 120–179 mg/L🟠 Hardreservoir
Traralgon, Victoria≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Bairnsdale, Victoria≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Morwell, Victoria≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir
Warragul, Victoria≈ 0–60 mg/L🟢 Softreservoir

National Benchmark

How Sale compares to the Australia average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Sale≈ 120–179 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Australia National Avg125 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Boronia Top Rated5 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Sale's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 263.3 mg/LpH: 7.6

The water supply for Sale, Victoria comes from Glenmaggie Reservoir, which is fed by the Macalister River. This reservoir is part of the Gippsland regional water supply system. The Gippsland Water authority manages the sourcing and treatment of this water before it is distributed to residents in the Wellington Shire. The catchment area for this supply includes the alpine foothills, contributing to the water's mineral content.

This water originates from the Gippsland Highlands, featuring geology characteristic of the alpine foothills. The Macalister River and Thomson River catchments are moderately mineralised, influencing the water's composition. This geological background is reflected in the slightly hard nature of the water delivered to the Sale area, indicating a moderate presence of dissolved minerals picked up from the surrounding rock formations.

Homeowners in Sale may notice that the slightly hard water can contribute to a thin film on dishes after washing and may require occasional descaling of appliances like kettles or coffee makers. While not excessively hard, using slightly less soap or detergent can help achieve a better lather. Regular cleaning of showerheads can prevent mineral buildup, ensuring optimal water flow. For those sensitive to mineral content, a simple water filter can improve taste and reduce scale formation.

Geology & Source: Gippsland Highlands; alpine foothills geology; moderate mineralisation from Macalister and Thomson Rivers; slightly hard water

Other Victoria Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sale's water safe to drink?
Yes. Sale's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Sale?
At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Sale's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.
How does Sale compare to the Australia average?
The Australia national average is 125 mg/L. Sale (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 25 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Boronia at just 5 mg/L.