Hard Water in Adelaide: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’ve noticed white marks on your glassware, scale build-up in your kettle, or soap that just won’t lather properly, you’re not alone. These are classic signs of Adelaide water hardness—a common issue that affects homes across South Australia.

As local plumbing professionals servicing the Adelaide CBD and suburbs, we know that hard water is a common frustration among homeowners. This guide will explain what water hardness is, why it’s such a challenge in Adelaide, and the practical solutions that can protect your home, appliances, and family.

What Is Water Hardness?

Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals in your tap water. The higher the mineral content, the “harder” the water.

While these minerals aren’t dangerous to your health, they cause several frustrating issues in daily life:

White spots and streaks on dishes and glassware
Quick limescale build-up inside kettles, taps, and hot water systems
Reduced efficiency and lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters
Soap and shampoo that don’t lather well, leaving a film on skin and hair

How Hard Is Adelaide’s Water?

Years ago, and prior to modern advancements in water treatment, Adelaide had some of the hardest tap water in Australia. Nowadays, Adelaide tap water falls in the moderate to moderately hard category as set out by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. At the time of this publication, current levels in metropolitan Adelaide are around 93–96 mg/L of calcium carbonate (SA Water). Surrounding suburbs may be higher or lower.

To put that in perspective:

<60 mg/L CaCO₃ – soft but possibly corrosive on the lower ends of the spectrum
60–200 mg/L CaCO₃ – good quality, moderate to moderately hard
200–500 mg/L CaCO₃ – hard, increasing scaling problems
>500 mg/L CaCO₃ – very hard, severe scaling

As most of Adelaide’s water supply falls into the moderately hard category, scale and limescale build-up are common problems in local households.

Why Is Adelaide Water So Hard?

The hardness of Adelaide tap water comes down to two main factors:

The River Murray Supply
- Adelaide relies heavily on the River Murray, which collects rich minerals from the land over hundreds of kilometres.
- By the time it reaches Adelaide, the mineral content is significantly higher than in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, where water is collected closer to the source.
Groundwater Contribution
- Some suburbs also receive water from underground aquifers.
- Groundwater often has naturally high calcium and magnesium levels, which increases hardness.

This combination leads to tap water with a unique – sometimes off-putting – flavour profile that stains glass, tiles, and appliances at home.

Is Adelaide Hard Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water may taste slightly bitter or “chalky,” but it’s safe to drink and still meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The problem isn’t safety—it’s the impact on your home, appliances, and comfort. Over time, scale from hard water can damage plumbing, reduce efficiency, and increase running costs.

If you’re unsure whether hard water is affecting your household, here are the most common signs:

Scale build-up around taps, showerheads, and inside appliances
Soap scum on bathroom tiles and shower screens
Dry skin and hair that feels coated after showering
Reduced water pressure from clogged pipes or fixtures
Shorter lifespan of hot water systems and dishwashers

Professional Solutions for Adelaide Water Hardness

At Level Plumbing Adelaide, we offer tailored solutions to reduce the impact of hard water in your home:

Whole-House Filtration Systems

Treat all water entering your home for cleaner, fresher quality at every tap
Reduce chlorine, sediment, and odours throughout your plumbing
Help protect appliances, bathrooms, and fixtures from build-up

Under-Sink Water Filters

Installed under your kitchen sink with a dedicated tap for drinking water
Remove chlorine, heavy metals, and unpleasant tastes or odours
Provide fresh, filtered water for cooking and hydration at an affordable cost

Water Softener Systems

Specifically target hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium
Prevent scale build-up in pipes, appliances, and hot water systems
Improve soap lathering, leaving skin and hair feeling softer and cleaner

Our licensed Adelaide plumbers can assess your water supply, test hardness levels, and recommend the right system for your needs.

Learn more about our water filter installation services.

Get Clean, Quality Water Throughout Your Home

While Adelaide water hardness won’t harm your health, it can cause costly problems for your home and appliances. If you’re tired of battling scale, poor water pressure, or appliances wearing out too soon, our team can help with professional solutions tailored to your home.