Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-ASC-AQU-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

20 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.

Evidence & Context

The preferred habitat for this species is characterised by very low water salinity, specifically less than 0.01 g/L. This salinity level is approximately equivalent to an electrical conductivity of less than 20 00μS/cm

Metric Definition:

Water electrical conductivity (EC)

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the maximum water electrical conductivity (EC) suitable for the conservation of the endangered Barred Galaxias species in alpine aquatic habitats.

Justification:

Preferred salinity for survival and reproduction of the endangered Barred Galaxias.

Sources (1)

Preview of National Recovery Plan for the Barred Galaxias - Galaxias fuscus - DCCEEW
National Recovery Plan for the Barred Galaxias - Galaxias fuscus - DCCEEW Journal

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

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

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

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 Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Equivalent to < 0.01 g/L salinity.

Related Benchmarks

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

30 µS/cm High
Aquaculture · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v1
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