Guides

Longer reads on the questions the suburb pages cannot answer on their own: what a hardness number means, whether Perth tap water is safe, what hard water does to a hot water system, and when a home lab test is worth doing. Each guide links back to the suburb or town it is talking about.

Suburb pages still use the 2023–24 Water Corporation report. Several of these guides discuss the newer 2024–25 tables, and they say so at the top. If a number on a guide and a suburb page disagree, they are from different reporting years.

• Guide · Australian hardness scale

  Water hardness explained: the mg/L scale and what it means for your home

  The Australian hardness scale uses mg/L as calcium carbonate. See what each band means at home, and how to read your local WaterWatch figure.

• Guide · Perth · 2024–25 report

  Does Perth have hard water? The hardest and softest suburbs

  Perth tap water hardness varies by suburb. See the official 2024–25 hardest and softest supply areas, then look up your local WaterWatch reading.

• Guide · Perth scheme water · 2024–25 report

  Is Perth tap water safe to drink, and what's in it?

  Yes, Perth scheme tap water is treated and tested. See the official 2024–25 results for safety, fluoride, chlorine, salts and sources, then look up your suburb.

• Guide · Perth homes · 2024–25 report

  Hard water and your hot water system

  Hard water can leave scale in a hot water system. See how Perth hardness varies, plus Water Corporation and manufacturer advice for your tank.

• Guide · Scheme water and private supplies

  Home water testing in WA: when you need it

  Scheme water in WA is already tested. Find out when a home lab test is worth it, which NATA labs to use in Perth, and how to read the results.