Water hardness in Young
88 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Young is moderately hard: 88 mg/L (5.1 gpg · 4.9 °dH · 8.8 °fH).
Source: Hilltops Council, Drinking Water Monitoring Report (1 Jul 2025 to 1 Apr 2026), Table 10b Young (2026-04) · data checked 2026-11-06
Young is supplied by Hilltops Council, whose 2025-26 drinking water monitoring report gives a hardness of 88.1 mg/L CaCO₃. The report lists a single value for the town, so we cannot show a range or say how much it varies through the year. At this moderate level, scale forms slowly on kettles and taps, and a softener is rarely needed.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: aesthetic target ≤ 200 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 88 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Hilltops Council |
How Young compares
- Tap water in Young is close to the median of the 307 cities we track in Australia (85 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 153 of 307 in Australia (1 = hardest); 50 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New South Wales it is number 8 of 13 cities; the regional median is 93 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Parkes, 131 km away (124 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 Young
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Young water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 88 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.1 gpg, 4.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Young 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 Young water?
5.1 gpg, equal to 4.9 °dH, 8.8 °fH or 88 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Young?
For 88 mg/L (4.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Young?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Hilltops Council, Drinking Water Monitoring Report (1 Jul 2025 to 1 Apr 2026), Table 10b Young (2026-04). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Hilltops Council, Drinking Water Monitoring Report (1 Jul 2025 to 1 Apr 2026), Table 10b Young · Outdated figure? Tell us