Templestowe Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Yarra Valley Water provides treated drinking water to Templestowe Lower and nearby suburbs in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The utility draws raw water mainly from a system of closed reservoirs within the Yarra catchment. Key sources include Sugarloaf Reservoir, supplied by the Winneke treatment plant, and Maroondah Reservoir, served by the Maroondah treatment plant. While Thomson Reservoir makes nominal contributions, the primary supply originates from these protected storages. This water serves northeastern Melbourne suburbs, reaching over 1.8 million people through 35,000 km of pipes.

The catchment geology is dominated by Ordovician-Silurian turbidites, Devonian granites, and Tertiary volcanics, with Silurian sandstones and mudstones being significant. Runoff is captured in forested reservoirs, limiting sediment and mineral pickup. The water's journey from the Great Dividing Range to Port Phillip Bay traverses predominantly siliceous terrains. This geological makeup, combined with effective treatment, means there's minimal dissolution of calcium and magnesium-bearing minerals. Consequently, the water is characteristically very soft, with low dissolved solids.

Because the water is very soft, you'll find minimal risk of scale buildup in your plumbing, kettles, or appliances like your dishwasher. This lack of limescale can help extend the life of your household equipment. Laundry detergents and soaps will lather more effectively, meaning you can use less. A water softener isn't necessary for this supply. While descaling heaters for unrelated minerals might occasionally be needed, the soft water itself won't cause issues. Its natural taste is also enhanced for drinking and cooking. The water quality consistently meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.