Tap Water Quality in Melbourne, VIC
Postcode 3000 · Supplied by Greater Western Water via Richmond
Quality Score
About Melbourne
Melbourne is a suburb of 54,941 residents in Victoria (postcode 3000). The median age is 29. It falls within the Greater Western Water area. Neighbouring suburbs include East Melbourne, Collingwood North, Fitzroy, Collingwood.
Most residents rent (71%), while 13% own their home with a mortgage, while 13% own outright. The median household income is $75,296 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are China (24%), India (11%), and Malaysia (10%).
Tap water in 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, 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: East Melbourne , Collingwood North , Fitzroy
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for 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 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 Melbourne's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Melbourne — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Melbourne compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Melbourne | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 16 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | 7.4 | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| 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 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
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 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 Melbourne?
How hard is the water in Melbourne?
What water utility supplies Melbourne?
Does Melbourne water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Melbourne?
What is the population of 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
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 Melbourne
Related
Explore more
Related pages for 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 East Melbourne
Melbourne vs East Melbourne
Compare with Collingwood North
Melbourne vs Collingwood North
Compare with Fitzroy
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.