Water hardness in Hervey Bay
59 mg/L soft
Tap water in Hervey Bay is soft: 59 mg/L (3.5 gpg · 3.3 °dH · 5.9 °fH).
Source: Fraser Coast Regional Council, DWQMP Annual Report FY2024/25 (2025) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 47–70 mg/L.
Fraser Coast Regional Council (Wide Bay Water) reports 59.2 mg/L CaCO₃ for Hervey Bay, with results from 47.0 to 70.0 mg/L. This is at the soft end of the moderate scale. Limescale builds up slowly, and most homes do not need a softener.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 59 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Fraser Coast Regional Council (Wide Bay Water) |
How Hervey Bay compares
- Tap water in Hervey Bay is 30 % softer than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 196 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Queensland it is number 18 of 29 cities; the regional median is 68 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Maryborough, 29 km away (107 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Australia →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Hervey Bay
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Hervey Bay water hard or soft?
It is soft: 59 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.5 gpg, 3.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hervey Bay 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 Hervey Bay water?
3.5 gpg, equal to 3.3 °dH, 5.9 °fH or 59 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hervey Bay?
For 59 mg/L (3.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Hervey Bay?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Fraser Coast Regional Council, DWQMP Annual Report FY2024/25 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Fraser Coast Regional Council, DWQMP Annual Report FY2024/25 · Outdated figure? Tell us