Water hardness in Kempsey
112 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Kempsey is moderately hard: 112 mg/L (6.5 gpg · 6.3 °dH · 11.2 °fH).
Source: Kempsey Shire Council, Drinking Water Quality Result Summary 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-11-06
Range across supply zones: 94–137 mg/L.
Kempsey Shire Council supplies the town, and its 2025-26 drinking water results report a hardness of 111.6 mg/L CaCO₃, with measurements from 94.0 to 137.0 mg/L. The council summary does not set out the full source mix, so we describe only the measured values. At this level, scale builds up slowly on kettles and hot-water fittings, and occasional descaling is usually enough.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 112 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kempsey Shire Council |
How Kempsey compares
- Tap water in Kempsey is 31 % harder than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 83 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 73 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New South Wales it is number 5 of 13 cities; the regional median is 93 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Port Macquarie, 40 km away (50 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Australia →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Kempsey
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Kempsey water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 112 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.5 gpg, 6.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kempsey 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 Kempsey water?
6.5 gpg, equal to 6.3 °dH, 11.2 °fH or 112 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kempsey?
For 112 mg/L (6.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Kempsey?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Kempsey Shire Council, Drinking Water Quality Result Summary 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kempsey Shire Council, Drinking Water Quality Result Summary 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us