Tap Water Quality in Fairfield, VIC
Postcode 3078 · Supplied by Yarra Valley Water via Alphington
Quality Score
About Fairfield
Fairfield is a suburb of 6,535 residents in Victoria (postcode 3078). The median age is 37. It falls within the Melbourne North-East area. Neighbouring suburbs include Alphington, Northcote, Thornbury, Kew.
Most residents rent (41%), while 29% own outright, while 28% own their home with a mortgage. The median household income is $102,284 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (17%), Greece (11%), and Italy (8%).
Tap water in Fairfield is supplied by Yarra Valley Water. Yarra Valley Water serves Melbourne North-East. The suburb receives water via the Alphington, Northcote supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Fairfield achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 20 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The pH level is 7.3, which is within the ADWG guideline range of 6.5–8.5. The water is fluoridated at 0.81 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 0.45 mg/L — well within the ADWG guideline of 5 mg/L. Turbidity is 2.77 NTU, 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: Alphington , Northcote , Thornbury
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Fairfield
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 Fairfield's water profile.
Waterdrop
TSA Under-Sink Filter (Fluoride + PFAS)
4.4 · 2,237 ratings on Amazon
A reliable tsa under-sink filter (fluoride + pfas) suitable for Fairfield'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 Fairfield's water profile.
Comparison
How Fairfield compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Fairfield | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 20 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.3 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.81 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.45 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 2.77 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 0 | MPN/100mL | < 0 | Compliant |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.05 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 2.77 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.013 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.45 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Fluoride | 0.81 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Lead | 0.0004 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Aluminium | 0.02 | mg/L | < 0.2 | Good |
| pH | 7.3 | pH units | 6.5 – 8.5 | Normal |
| Iron | 0.041 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
| Zinc | 0.006 | mg/L | No limit | Measured |
| Hardness | 20 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 12 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 (20 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 7.3 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 0.81 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.45 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 Fairfield measures 0.45 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Fairfield's water is soft at 20 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.81 mg/L in Fairfield. Australian guidelines allow up to 1.5 mg/L. This is added by utilities to support dental health in the community.
Sediment Filtration
Turbidity is 2.77 NTU in Fairfield. A sediment pre-filter on your main line can help reduce fine particles and improve water clarity at the tap.
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We'll email you when Fairfield's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Fairfield?
How hard is the water in Fairfield?
What water utility supplies Fairfield?
Does Fairfield water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Fairfield?
What is the population of Fairfield?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- Yarra Valley Water
- Service Area
- Melbourne North-East
- Supply Zone
- Alphington
- Website
- www.yvw.com.au
- Data Source
- Yarra Valley Water — YVW 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
Fairfield'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 Fairfield
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Fairfield, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
20 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
Yarra Valley Water
Water utility
Compare with Alphington
Fairfield vs Alphington
Compare with Northcote
Fairfield vs Northcote
Compare with Thornbury
Fairfield vs Thornbury
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 Yarra Valley 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.