Tap Water Quality in Auburn, VIC
Postcode 3123 · Supplied by Yarra Valley Water via Templestowe
Quality Score
About Auburn
Auburn is a suburb in Victoria, Australia (postcode 3123). It falls within the Melbourne North-East area. Neighbouring suburbs include Hawthorn East, Auburn South, Glenferrie South, Hawthorn.
Tap water in Auburn is supplied by Yarra Valley Water. Yarra Valley Water serves Melbourne North-East. The suburb receives water via the Templestowe, Richmond supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Auburn achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 16 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.4, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.79 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 0.65 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 0.8 NTU, indicating clear water, 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: Hawthorn East , Auburn South , Glenferrie South
Recommended filters for Auburn
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Auburn — 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 Auburn's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Auburn — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Auburn compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Auburn | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 16 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.4 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.79 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.65 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.8 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 | 0.65 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.8 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Electrical Conductivity | 65 | No limit | Measured | |
| Fluoride | 0.79 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 16 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.06 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.004 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.4 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 4.9 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.063 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.8 | 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 (16 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 7.4 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 0.79 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.65 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 Auburn measures 0.65 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Auburn's water is soft at 16 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.79 mg/L in Auburn. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Auburn?
How hard is the water in Auburn?
What water utility supplies Auburn?
Does Auburn water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Auburn?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Yarra Valley Water
- Service Area
- Melbourne North-East
- Supply Zone
- Templestowe
- Website
- www.yvw.com.au
- Data Source
- Yarra Valley 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 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Auburn'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 Auburn
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Auburn, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
16 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Yarra Valley Water
Water utility
Compare with Hawthorn East
Auburn vs Hawthorn East
Compare with Auburn South
Auburn vs Auburn South
Compare with Glenferrie South
Auburn vs Glenferrie South
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 Yarra Valley 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.