Water Turbidity

AUS-TSW-AQU-WTU General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

50 NTU
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

the upper bound of the ANZECC trigger value range for lowland rivers, 50 NTU, serves as a robust upper detrimental threshold.

Metric Definition:

Water Turbidity measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU).

Benchmark Definition:

Upper detrimental threshold indicating management failure and degraded state.

Justification:

Based on the ANZECC guideline for lowland rivers and represents a point of management failure (e.g., algal blooms, high waste load).

Sources (1)

Preview of National Guidelines for Water Quality | Department of Natural ..., accessed July 12, 2025,
National Guidelines for Water Quality | Department of Natural ..., accessed July 12, 2025, Journal

National Guidelines for Water Quality | Department of Natural ..., accessed July 12, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Aquaculture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 1 Jun 2026

Notes

This threshold is distinct from the much higher physiological tolerance of native species like Murray Cod (>150 NTU). AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.