Water hardness in Gunnedah
169 mg/L hard
Tap water in Gunnedah is hard: 169 mg/L (9.9 gpg · 9.5 °dH · 16.9 °fH).
Source: Gunnedah Shire Council Drinking Water Monitoring Report 2025 (Table 4b, Physical and Selected Aesthetic) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-12
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 169 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Gunnedah Shire Council |
How Gunnedah compares
- Tap water in Gunnedah is 99 % harder than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 36 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 89 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New South Wales it is number 2 of 13 cities; the regional median is 93 mg/L.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Australia →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Gunnedah
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Gunnedah water hard or soft?
It is hard: 169 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.9 gpg, 9.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gunnedah safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Gunnedah water?
9.9 gpg, equal to 9.5 °dH, 16.9 °fH or 169 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gunnedah?
For 169 mg/L (9.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Gunnedah?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Gunnedah Shire Council Drinking Water Monitoring Report 2025 (Table 4b, Physical and Selected Aesthetic) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gunnedah Shire Council Drinking Water Monitoring Report 2025 (Table 4b, Physical and Selected Aesthetic) · Outdated figure? Tell us