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Bunbury Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

moderately soft
Soft

estimated ยท not lab-verified

Source

mixed

pH Level

7.7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.002 mg/L

โœ“ Below action level

TDS

329.3 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

A$0.59

energy & soap waste

Source: BOM National Performance Report & ADWG ยท Updated 2026

moderately softSoft ยท est.

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 Bunbury, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn BunburySoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
6.4 yrs
8.5 yrs-25%
Washing Machine
9 yrs
12 yrs-25%
Water Heater
11.3 yrs
15 yrs-25%

Regional Water Comparison

How Bunbury compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessRiskSource
โ–ถ Bunbury, Western Australia185 mg/L๐ŸŸข Softmixed
Australind, Western Australiaโ‰ˆ 120โ€“179 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Hardmixed
Busselton, Western Australiaโ‰ˆ 120โ€“179 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Hardmixed
Halls Head, Western Australiaโ‰ˆ 180+ mg/L๐Ÿ”ด Very Hardmixed
Mandurah, Western Australiaโ‰ˆ 120โ€“179 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Bunbury compares to the Australia average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
โ–ถ Bunbury185 mg/L๐Ÿ”ด High
Australia National Avg125 mg/L๐ŸŸ  Moderate
Boronia Top Rated5 mg/L๐ŸŸข None

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What Makes Bunbury's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 329.3 mg/LpH: 7.7

Aqwest supplies Bunbury and surrounding areas in the South West region of Western Australia with water drawn from groundwater sources, notably the Bunbury East Water Reserve. This water undergoes treatment before distribution to a wide range of customers. The utility manages the supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users across its service territory.

The water originates from aquifers within Western Australia's South West region, characterized by sedimentary formations common to the area's coastal plains. These underground layers are rich in naturally occurring calcium and magnesium minerals. As groundwater travels through the soil and rock, these minerals dissolve, contributing to the water's composition and resulting in a slightly hard quality, typical for groundwater in this locale.

Homeowners in Bunbury might observe slight scale deposits on appliances like kettles and glassware, and on shower screens. While not as severe as in areas with very hard water, dishwashers and water heaters can still accumulate some mineral buildup over time. Simple steps like using liquid soaps, promptly drying wet surfaces, and occasionally descaling kettles with vinegar can help manage these effects. A water softener isn't strictly necessary at this level, but could be considered. Aqwest assures that the water meets all Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe for consumption, consumption, consumption, with ongoing tests confirming compliance.

Geology & Source: South West groundwater aquifers; sedimentary formations with calcium and magnesium minerals yield slightly hard water

Other Western Australia Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bunbury's water safe to drink?
Yes. Bunbury's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 185 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 Bunbury?
At 185 mg/L (Soft), Bunbury'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 25%.
How does Bunbury compare to the Australia average?
The Australia national average is 125 mg/L. Bunbury (185 mg/L) is 60 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Boronia at just 5 mg/L.