Tap Water Quality in Darling Downs, WA
Postcode 6122 · Supplied by Water Corporation via Perth
Quality Score
About Darling Downs
Darling Downs is a suburb of 1,591 residents in Western Australia (postcode 6122). The median age is 39. It falls within the Water Corporation area. Neighbouring suburbs include Cardup, Karrakup, Byford, Bedfordale.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (61%), while 32% own outright, while 6% rent. The median household income is $128,960 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (43%), New Zealand (14%), and India (6%).
Tap water in Darling Downs is supplied by Water Corporation. The suburb receives water via the Perth supply zone.
Water quality summary
Based on recent water quality reports, Darling Downs achieves a WaterScore of 9.3 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 204 mg/L, classified as very hard. Residents may notice limescale buildup on appliances and fixtures. The pH level is 7.64, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.84 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. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure 576 mg/L, considered moderate against the ADWG guideline of 600 mg/L. Turbidity is 0.3 NTU, indicating clear water, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
204/200 mg/L
67% above Western Australia avg
140% above national avg
Recommended filters for Darling Downs
Products matched to your water profile
iSpring
RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO (with Alkaline Re-min)
4.6 · 13,756 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Darling Downs — reduces hardness from 204 mg/L.
AO Smith
Salt-Free Whole House Descaler (6yr / 600,000 Gal)
4.3 · 1,517 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Darling Downs — helps reduce limescale buildup from hard water (204 mg/L) without removing hardness minerals.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
A reliable 8.5l stainless steel gravity system suitable for Darling Downs's water profile.
Comparison
How Darling Downs compares
Compared to Western Australia and national averages
| Metric | Darling Downs | WA Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 204 mg/L | 122.1 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.64 | 8 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.84 mg/L | 0.8 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.3 NTU | 0.2 NTU | 0.4 NTU |
| TDS | 576 mg/L | 463.8 mg/L | 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 | 174 | mg/L CaCO3 | No limit | Measured |
| Aluminium | 0.008 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| Chloride | 157 | mg/L | < 250 | Good |
| Hardness | 204 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Exceeds |
| Iron | 0.017 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.007 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| pH | 7.64 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Sodium | 82 | mg/L | < 180 | Good |
| Sulfate | 14 | mg/L | < 500 | Good |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 576 | mg/L | < 600 | Near limit |
| Colour | 1 | HU | < 15 | Good |
| Turbidity | 0.3 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.84 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Nitrate | 7.5 | mg/L | < 50 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.053 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Of 15 parameters tested, most fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with 1 exception: Hardness at 204 mg/L CaCO3.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Very hard (204 mg/L)
Water Hardness
Your water is very hard, meaning significant limescale buildup is likely on appliances, fixtures, and heating elements. Soap will struggle to lather, and you may notice dry skin or dull hair after washing. Regular descaling of kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems is strongly recommended.
Normal Range
pH Level
pH of 7.64 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 0.84 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Data unavailable
Disinfection
Chlorine data is not currently available for Darling Downs.
Learn more about these measurements in our water quality glossary — including Hardness , pH , Fluoride , and ADWG guidelines .
Advice
Practical tips for residents
Descale Appliances Regularly
With very hard water at 204 mg/L, descale your kettle, showerhead, and hot water system every few months using white vinegar to maintain efficiency.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.84 mg/L in Darling Downs. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Consider a Filter for TDS
Total dissolved solids measure 576 mg/L. A reverse osmosis filter can reduce dissolved minerals if you prefer a cleaner taste in drinking water.
Get water quality alerts
We'll email you when Darling Downs's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Darling Downs?
How hard is the water in Darling Downs?
What water utility supplies Darling Downs?
Does Darling Downs water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Darling Downs?
What is the population of Darling Downs?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Water Corporation
- Supply Zone
- Perth
- Data Source
- Water Corporation — WC Perth Aesthetic Tables, WC Perth Health Tables
Nearby
Nearby suburbs
Same water utility, similar water quality
Similar Quality
Suburbs with similar water quality
Suburbs scoring between 8.3 and 10.0
Utility reports average the grid — not your home
Darling Downs'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 Perth and WA
In-depth articles on the water supply that serves Darling Downs
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Darling Downs, WA
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
204 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Western Australia water quality
State coverage
Water Corporation
Water utility
Compare with Cardup
Darling Downs vs Cardup
Compare with Karrakup
Darling Downs vs Karrakup
Compare with Byford
Darling Downs vs Byford
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 Water Corporation (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.