Tap Water Quality in Airport West, VIC
Postcode 3042 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via East Keilor
Quality Score
About Airport West
Airport West is a suburb of 8,173 residents in Victoria (postcode 3042). The median age is 39. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Keilor East, Keilor Park, Niddrie North, Niddrie.
Most residents own outright (38%), while 32% own their home with a mortgage, while 28% rent. The median household income is $91,572 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are Italy (23%), India (9%), and United Kingdom (8%).
Tap water in Airport West is supplied by Greater Western Water. The suburb receives water via the East Keilor supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Airport West achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 24 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.6, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.85 mg/L, within the recommended range of 0.6–1.1 mg/L for dental health, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.86 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Some residents may notice a slight taste, which can be reduced by refrigerating water or using a carbon filter. Turbidity is 1.2 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU. E. coli was not detected in testing, meeting the ADWG standard for microbiological safety.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Keilor East , Keilor Park , Niddrie North
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Airport West
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Airport West — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
2.8L 5-Stage Jug (PFAS + Fluoride + Lead, IAPMO Certified)
4.2 · 5,315 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 2.8l 5-stage jug (pfas + fluoride + lead, iapmo certified) suitable for Airport West's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Airport West — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Airport West compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Airport West | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 24 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.85 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.86 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 1.2 NTU | 1.8 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | — | — | 275.7 mg/L |
Full Results
Detailed water quality data
All values compared against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
| Parameter | Value | Unit | ADWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Chlorine | 0.86 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.01 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Electrical Conductivity | 107 | No limit | Measured | |
| Fluoride | 0.85 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 24 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 8.5 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.027 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 1.2 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 13 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. E. coli was not detected, meeting the ADWG standard for microbiological safety.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Soft (24 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is classified as soft, which means minimal limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances. Soap and shampoo will lather easily, and you should notice no drying effects on skin or hair. Hot water systems and kettles are unlikely to suffer scale-related efficiency losses.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.6 is within the ideal range of 6.5–8.5. The ADWG recommends pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for drinking water.
Fluoridated
Fluoride
Fluoride at 0.85 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.86 mg/L, well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Used for disinfection to keep water safe. May affect taste slightly — refrigerating water or using a carbon filter can help.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Chlorine Levels Are Low
Chlorine in Airport West measures 0.86 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Airport West's water is soft at 24 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.85 mg/L in Airport West. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Sediment Filtration
Turbidity is 1.2 NTU in Airport West. A sediment pre-filter on your main line can help reduce fine particles and improve water clarity at the tap.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Airport West?
How hard is the water in Airport West?
What water utility supplies Airport West?
Does Airport West water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Airport West?
What is the population of Airport West?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Greater Western Water
- Supply Zone
- East Keilor
- Data Source
- Greater Western Water — GWW Annual Water Quality Report 2023 24
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.6 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Airport West's water meets ADWG standards at the source, but old pipes, roof tanks, and ageing plumbing can add lead, copper or bacteria before the water reaches your tap. These won't show up in your utility report.
Check your own tap before buying a filter or assuming the suburb average matches your home.
Tetra
EasyStrips 6-in-1 Water Test (100 strips)
4.6 · 8,650 ratings on Amazon
Tests 6 parameters in 60 seconds: hardness, chlorine, pH, nitrate, nitrite, alkalinity. Cheapest way to verify your utility data.
Test my tap →Sponsored Amazon link. Check Amazon for current price and availability.
Heavy Metals
Drinking Water Test Kit (Lead, Copper, Iron, Mercury)
4.2 · 250 ratings on Amazon
20 tests. Detects lead, copper, iron, mercury — the things utility reports miss. Mobile-app results, EPA-standard thresholds.
Check metals kit →Sponsored Amazon link. Check Amazon for current price and availability.
Guides for Melbourne
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Airport West
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Airport West, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
24 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Greater Western Water
Water utility
Compare with Keilor East
Airport West vs Keilor East
Compare with Keilor Park
Airport West vs Keilor Park
Compare with Niddrie North
Airport West vs Niddrie North
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, health recommendations, or professional guidance. Water quality data is sourced from Greater Western Water (2023-24 annual report) and reflects conditions at the time of utility testing — it may not reflect real-time water quality at your tap. Actual water quality can vary due to local plumbing, seasonal changes, and distance from the treatment plant. For specific health concerns, consult a qualified health professional. For the most current water quality information, contact your local water utility directly. See our Terms of Use.