Tap Water Quality in Barkstead, VIC
Postcode 3352 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via Lerderderg
Quality Score
About Barkstead
Barkstead is a suburb of 41 residents in Victoria (postcode 3352). The median age is 54. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Bolwarrah, Bullarook, Bungaree, Clarendon.
Most residents own outright (50%), while 44% own their home with a mortgage, while 0% rent. The median household income is $90,948 per year.
Tap water in Barkstead is supplied by Greater Western Water. The suburb receives water via the Lerderderg supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Barkstead achieves a WaterScore of 9.4 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 93 mg/L, classified as moderately hard. This may cause light mineral deposits on fixtures over time. The pH level is 7.6, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.58 mg/L, well under the ADWG maximum of 1.5 mg/L. Chlorine, used for disinfection, measures 0.84 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 0.3 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: Bolwarrah , Bullarook , Bungaree
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Barkstead
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Barkstead — removes chlorine taste and odour.
ZeroWater
23-Cup Dispenser (incl. TDS Meter)
4.3 · 27,123 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 23-cup dispenser (incl. tds meter) suitable for Barkstead's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Barkstead — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Barkstead compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Barkstead | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 93 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.6 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.58 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.84 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkalinity | 35 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.04 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.84 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 1.12 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Electrical Conductivity | 392 | No limit | Measured | |
| Fluoride | 0.58 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 93 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.6 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 33.6 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.118 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.3 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 15 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
Moderately hard (93 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is moderately hard. You may notice light limescale deposits on kettle elements and taps over time. Soap lathers reasonably well, though slightly more product may be needed. Skin and hair are generally unaffected, and appliance lifespan should not be significantly reduced at this level.
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 0.58 mg/L. Below the recommended range.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.84 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 Barkstead measures 0.84 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Barkstead's water is moderately hard at 93 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.58 mg/L in Barkstead. 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 Barkstead?
How hard is the water in Barkstead?
What water utility supplies Barkstead?
Does Barkstead water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Barkstead?
What is the population of Barkstead?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Greater Western Water
- Supply Zone
- Lerderderg
- 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 8.4 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Barkstead'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 Barkstead
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Barkstead, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
93 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Greater Western Water
Water utility
Compare with Bolwarrah
Barkstead vs Bolwarrah
Compare with Bullarook
Barkstead vs Bullarook
Compare with Bungaree
Barkstead vs Bungaree
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.