Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-ASC-AQU-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

30 µS/cm
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. The scoring engine uses 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Empirical data from pristine reference sites demonstrate a background EC consistently below 30 00μS/cm

Metric Definition:

Water electrical conductivity (EC)

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the maximum natural background water electrical conductivity (EC) observed in pristine alpine aquatic environments in Australia, indicating undisturbed water quality conditions.

Justification:

Measured background EC at pristine reference sites in Kosciuszko National Park recorded a maximum of 26.5 00μS/cm.

Sources (1)

Preview of The Effects of Road De-icing Salts on Water Quality and ...
The Effects of Road De-icing Salts on Water Quality and ...

The Effects of Road De-icing Salts on Water Quality and ...

View Source

Supporting Sources (5)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Climate change impacts on Australia's alpine ecosystems - ResearchGate, accessed on May 28, 2025,
(PDF) Climate change impacts on Australia's alpine ecosystems - ResearchGate, accessed on May 28, 2025,
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

(PDF) Climate change impacts on Australia's alpine ecosystems - ResearchGate, accessed August 5, 2025

View Source
Preview of A GUIDE TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ANZECC ... - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
A GUIDE TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ANZECC ... - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
Regulatory Framework GreyLiterature

Namoi River Water Quality Objectives explained - NSW Government

View Source
Preview of Macroinvertebrate Responses to Conductivity in Different Bioregions of Victoria, Australia
Macroinvertebrate Responses to Conductivity in Different Bioregions of Victoria, Australia
Direct Evidence Journal

Macroinvertebrate Responses to Conductivity in Different Bioregions of Victoria, Australia

View Source
Preview of National Recovery Plan for the Barred Galaxias - Galaxias fuscus - DCCEEW
National Recovery Plan for the Barred Galaxias - Galaxias fuscus - DCCEEW
Direct Evidence Journal

National Recovery Plan for the Barred Galaxias - Galaxias fuscus - DCCEEW

View Source
Preview of www.environment.nsw.gov.au, accessed on May 25, 2025,
www.environment.nsw.gov.au, accessed on May 25, 2025,
Contextual Support

The Australian Alps Bioregion - Environment and Heritage, accessed on May 27, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Alpine and Subalpine Complex
  • Land Use Aquaculture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 2 Jun 2026

Notes

Represents the natural, undisturbed state of Australian alpine headwaters.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-ASC-AQU-WEC family.

30 µS/cm Moderate
Aquaculture · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v1
— µS/cm Low
Aquaculture · Not Stated
OptimalRange Active v1
150 µS/cm Low
Aquaculture · Not Stated
MaximumOnly Active v1
20 µS/cm High
Aquaculture · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1