Tap Water Quality in Patterson Lakes, VIC
Postcode 3197 · Supplied by South East Water via Patterson Lakes
Quality Score
About Patterson Lakes
Patterson Lakes is a suburb of 7,793 residents in Victoria (postcode 3197). The median age is 46. It falls within the Melbourne South-East area. Neighbouring suburbs include Carrum, Bonbeach, Chelsea Heights, Seaford.
Most residents own their home with a mortgage (41%), while 39% own outright, while 15% rent. The median household income is $100,464 per year. The top countries of birth for residents are United Kingdom (23%), China (9%), and New Zealand (6%).
Tap water in Patterson Lakes is supplied by South East Water. South East Water serves Melbourne South-East. The suburb receives water via the Patterson Lakes, Chelsea supply zones.
Water quality summary
Based on 2023-24 water quality reports, Patterson Lakes achieves a WaterScore of 9.5 out of 10, rated excellent overall. Water hardness measures 15 mg/L, classified as soft. This is gentle on appliances and skin, with minimal limescale buildup expected. The water is fluoridated at 0.77 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 0.74 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 2 NTU, within the ADWG guideline of 5 NTU.
Compare with nearby suburbs: Carrum , Bonbeach , Chelsea Heights
Census Data
Suburb snapshot
Population
Median Age
Median Income
Owner-occupied
Recommended filters for Patterson Lakes
Products matched to your water profile
BRITA
Marella 2.4L Fridge Water Filter Jug (Maxtra+)
4.7 · 16,095 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Patterson Lakes — 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 Patterson Lakes's water profile.
Purewell
8.5L Stainless Steel Gravity System
4.4 · 1,137 ratings on Amazon
Ideal for Patterson Lakes — removes chlorine taste and odour.
Comparison
How Patterson Lakes compares
Compared to Victoria and national averages
| Metric | Patterson Lakes | VIC Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 15 mg/L | 28 mg/L | 85.1 mg/L |
| pH | — | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Fluoride | 0.77 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L | 0.7 mg/L |
| Chlorine | 0.74 mg/L | — | — |
| Turbidity | 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 0.77 | mg/L | < 1.5 | Good |
| Free Chlorine | 0.74 | mg/L | < 5 | Good |
| Copper | 0.01 | mg/L | < 2 | Good |
| Lead | 0.001 | mg/L | < 0.01 | Good |
| Manganese | 0.008 | mg/L | < 0.1 | Good |
| Hardness | 15 | mg/L CaCO3 | < 200 | Good |
| Trihalomethanes | 0.039 | mg/L | < 0.25 | Good |
| Turbidity | 2 | NTU | < 5 | Good |
| Iron | 0.03 | mg/L | < 0.3 | Good |
Safety
Safety assessment
Based on 9 parameters tested, all results fall within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Based on comparison with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Explained
What these numbers mean
Soft (15 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.
Data unavailable
pH Level
pH data is not currently available for Patterson Lakes.
Fluoridated
Fluoride
Fluoride at 0.77 mg/L. Within the recommended 0.6–1.1 mg/L range for dental health.
Chlorine
Disinfection
Chlorine measured at 0.74 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 Patterson Lakes measures 0.74 mg/L, which is low. Filling a jug and letting it stand for 30 minutes will reduce any residual taste.
Soft Water Advantage
Patterson Lakes's water is soft at 15 mg/L. You can use less soap and detergent, as it lathers easily with softer water.
Fluoride in Your Water
Fluoride measures 0.77 mg/L in Patterson Lakes. 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 NTU in Patterson Lakes. 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 Patterson Lakes's water data is updated.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe to drink in Patterson Lakes?
How hard is the water in Patterson Lakes?
What water utility supplies Patterson Lakes?
Does Patterson Lakes water have fluoride?
What is the water quality score for Patterson Lakes?
What is the population of Patterson Lakes?
Supplier
Water utility
- Utility
- South East Water
- Service Area
- Melbourne South-East
- Supply Zone
- Patterson Lakes
- Website
- www.southeastwater.com.au
- Data Source
- South East Water — SEW 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
Patterson Lakes'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 Patterson Lakes
Related
Explore more
Related pages for Patterson Lakes, VIC
Is tap water safe?
Safety assessment
Water hardness
15 mg/L
Best water filter
Filter recommendations
Victoria water quality
State coverage
South East Water
Water utility
Compare with Carrum
Patterson Lakes vs Carrum
Compare with Bonbeach
Patterson Lakes vs Bonbeach
Compare with Chelsea Heights
Patterson Lakes vs Chelsea Heights
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 South East 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.