Tap Water Quality in Clifton Hill, VIC
Postcode 3068 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via Richmond
Quality Score
About Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is a suburb of 6,606 residents in Victoria (postcode 3068). The median age is 37. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Fitzroy North, Collingwood, Collingwood North, Fitzroy.
Most residents rent (39%), while 30% own their home with a mortgage, while 29% own outright. The median household income is $143,260 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (24%), New Zealand (12%), and United States (7%).
Tap water in Clifton Hill is supplied by Greater Western Water. The suburb receives water via the Richmond supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Clifton Hill 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: Fitzroy North , Collingwood , Collingwood North
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Clifton Hill
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Clifton Hill — 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 Clifton Hill's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Clifton Hill — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Clifton Hill compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Clifton Hill | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 16 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.3 mg/L |
| pH | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.8 |
| 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 Clifton Hill 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
Clifton Hill'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 Clifton Hill. 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 Clifton Hill?
How hard is the water in Clifton Hill?
What water utility supplies Clifton Hill?
Does Clifton Hill water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Clifton Hill?
What is the population of Clifton Hill?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Greater Western Water
- Supply Zone
- Richmond
- 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 8.5 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Clifton Hill'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 Clifton Hill
Cite
Cite this page
Free to quote and reuse with a credit to WaterScore and a link to this page. Journalists and researchers can find key figures and contacts on our press and data page.
WaterScore. (2026). Tap water quality in Clifton Hill, VIC [Data set]. Compiled from Greater Western Water data (2023-24 annual report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/clifton-hill-vic/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for Clifton Hill, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
16 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Greater Western Water
Water utility
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Clifton Hill vs Fitzroy North
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Compare with Collingwood North
Clifton Hill vs Collingwood 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.