Tap Water Quality in East Melbourne, VIC
Postcode 3002 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via Richmond
Quality Score
About East Melbourne
East Melbourne is a suburb of 4,896 residents in Victoria (postcode 3002). The median age is 42. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include Melbourne, Collingwood North, Fitzroy, Collingwood.
Most residents rent (53%), while 27% own outright, while 18% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $121,940 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (20%), New Zealand (11%), and China (7%).
Tap water in East Melbourne 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, East Melbourne 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: Melbourne , Collingwood North , Fitzroy
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for East Melbourne
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for East Melbourne — 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 East Melbourne's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for East Melbourne — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How East Melbourne compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | East Melbourne | 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 East Melbourne 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
East Melbourne'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 East Melbourne. 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 East Melbourne?
How hard is the water in East Melbourne?
What water utility supplies East Melbourne?
Does East Melbourne water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for East Melbourne?
What is the population of East Melbourne?
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
East Melbourne'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 East Melbourne
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 East Melbourne, VIC [Data set]. Compiled from Greater Western Water data (2023-24 annual report). https://waterscore.com.au/water-quality/east-melbourne-vic/
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Related
Explore more
Related pages for East Melbourne, 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
Compare with Melbourne
East Melbourne vs Melbourne
Compare with Collingwood North
East Melbourne vs Collingwood North
Compare with Fitzroy
East Melbourne vs Fitzroy
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.