Water hardness in Port Macquarie
50 mg/L soft
Tap water in Port Macquarie is soft: 50 mg/L (2.9 gpg · 2.8 °dH · 5 °fH).
Source: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Drinking water quality (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 40–60 mg/L.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council reports tap water at about 50 mg/L as CaCO₃, with a range of 40 to 60 mg/L, which is soft. The figure is computed from the council's published data rather than taken from a single lab result, so treat it as a typical value. At this level scale build-up in kettles and on fixtures is usually slight, and a softener is rarely needed.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 50 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Port Macquarie-Hastings Council |
How Port Macquarie compares
- Tap water in Port Macquarie is 41 % softer than the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 230 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 24 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New South Wales it is number 11 of 13 cities; the regional median is 93 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kempsey, 40 km away (112 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 Port Macquarie
| 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 Port Macquarie water hard or soft?
It is soft: 50 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Port Macquarie 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 Port Macquarie water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 5 °fH or 50 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Port Macquarie?
For 50 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Port Macquarie?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Drinking water quality (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Drinking water quality · Outdated figure? Tell us