Scarborough Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
180+ mg/L
Very Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
763 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
A$1.08
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 Scarborough, your appliances are currently losing 45% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Scarborough | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -45% |
| Washing Machine | 6.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -45% |
| Water Heater | 8.3 yrs | 15 yrs | -45% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Scarborough compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Scarborough, Western Australia | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Duncraig, Western Australia | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Wembley, Western Australia | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Balcatta, Western Australia | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Nollamara, Western Australia | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Scarborough compares to the Australia average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Scarborough | ≈ 180+ mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Australia National Avg | 125 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Boronia Top Rated | 5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Scarborough's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Scarborough is supplied by Water Corporation, the state's main water provider. The suburb's water comes from the Gnangara Mound aquifer, a significant groundwater source for the northern Perth metropolitan area. Water Corporation manages various treatment plants and the extensive pipe network that delivers water to homes and businesses throughout the region.
The Gnangara Mound aquifer is situated within limestone and sandstone layers. As groundwater flows through these formations, it naturally picks up calcium and magnesium minerals, a common characteristic in the northern Perth suburbs due to extensive limestone deposits. This geological makeup results in a hard water supply, unlike the softer surface water from the Darling Range or the very soft water produced by desalination plants elsewhere in Perth.
Residents in Scarborough will likely notice scale buildup on appliances and fixtures like kettles, dishwashers, and water heaters. Soap and detergents won't lather as easily, and you might find your skin feels drier after showering. Installing a water softening system can significantly reduce scale, help your appliances last longer, and make cleaning more effective. Overall, Scarborough water quality is rated excellent, scoring 9.3 out of 10, with a pH of 7.64 and fluoride at 0.84 mg/L, both within recommended guidelines.
Geology & Source: Gnangara Mound aquifer; limestone and sandstone formations; high calcium and magnesium from limestone contact result in hard water
Other Western Australia Water Reports
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