Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TDG-AGR-WEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

350 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 13 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 12 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary UpperThreshold Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Significant detrimental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function becoming increasingly evident as EC approaches and exceeds 350 µS/cm.

Metric Definition:

Upper detrimental ecological threshold for Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) indicating significant ecosystem degradation.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark indicates a high EC threshold where significant ecological harm and degradation occur.

Justification:

Based on Waterwatch CHIP 'Poor' category and ecological studies showing loss of sensitive species and impaired function above this level.

Sources (2)

Preview of 1.5.2.1 Surface water - Bioregional Assessments |, accessed August 11, 2025,

1.5.2.1 Surface water - Bioregional Assessments |, accessed August 11, 2025, Government

Percentage compliance with ANZECC water quality trigger values for aquatic ecosystems, primary contact recreation and secondary

View Source

Preview of Catchment Health Indicator Program Report 2021 - Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch, accessed August 12, 2025,

Catchment Health Indicator Program Report 2021 - Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch, accessed August 12, 2025, Journal

ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) Guidelines

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Managing farm water supplies - Agriculture Victoria

Contextual Support Government

Managing farm water supplies - Agriculture Victoria

View Source

National Guidelines for Water Quality - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, accessed August 1, 2025,

Contextual Support

Using the ANZECC Guidelines and Water Quality Objectives in NSW

View Source

Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025,

Contextual Support Government

Salinity | Murray–Darling Basin Authority

View Source

www.water.vic.gov.au

Direct Evidence Journal

www.water.vic.gov.au

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 3 Jun 2026

Notes

Represents a degraded state inconsistent with high environmental health goals. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-AGR-WEC family.