Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Benchmark Value
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
Evidence & Context
The TRIAP report concludes that the vast majority of inland, freshwater rivers and streams in this region have low to moderate salinity. Analysis of extensive water quality databases shows that most inland catchments contain no sites where maximum recorded EC values exceed approximately 800 μS/cm.
Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) as a measure of total dissolved salts in freshwater systems.
This benchmark represents the upper limit of natural background electrical conductivity observed in most undisturbed freshwater river catchments in Australia's northern tropics, indicating low to moderate salinity levels.
This value is derived from a comprehensive regional assessment (TRIAP), aligning with the ANZG principle of using local reference data.
Sources (1)
A Compendium of Ecological Information on Australia's ... - DCCEEW
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate
View Source
Northern Territory Government (2020) Darwin Harbour Region Water Quality Objectives, Report Card Section 3.0.
View Source