Tap Water Quality in Cairnlea, VIC
Postcode 3023 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via Deer Park
Quality Score
About Cairnlea
Cairnlea is a suburb of 10,038 residents in Victoria (postcode 3023). The median age is 36. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Albanvale, Kealba, St Albans, Deer Park.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (49%), while 33% own outright, while 15% rent. The median household income is $107,224 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are Vietnam (41%), Philippines (9%), and India (5%).
Tap water in Cairnlea is supplied by Greater Western Water. The suburb receives water via the Deer Park supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Cairnlea achieves a WaterScore of 9.6 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 23 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.5, 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 0.43 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.6 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.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Cairnlea
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
A reliable marella 2.4l fridge water filter jug (maxtra+) suitable for Cairnlea's water profile.
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 Cairnlea's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Cairnlea's water profile.
Comparison
How Cairnlea compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Cairnlea | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 23 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.5 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.85 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.43 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 0.6 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 | 0.43 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Total Chlorine | 0.57 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Colour | 2 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Electrical Conductivity | 110 | No limit | Measured | |
| Fluoride | 0.85 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Hardness | 23 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Iron | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.5 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 8.2 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.6 | 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 (23 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 7.5 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 0.43 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 Cairnlea measures 0.43 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Cairnlea's water is soft at 23 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 Cairnlea. 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 Cairnlea?
How hard is the water in Cairnlea?
What water utility supplies Cairnlea?
Does Cairnlea water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Cairnlea?
What is the population of Cairnlea?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Greater Western Water
- Supply Zone
- Deer Park
- 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
Cairnlea'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 Cairnlea
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Cairnlea, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
23 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Greater Western Water
Water utility
Compare with Albanvale
Cairnlea vs Albanvale
Compare with Kealba
Cairnlea vs Kealba
Compare with St Albans
Cairnlea vs St Albans
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.