Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TSW-FOR-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 30 to 350 µS/cm
Optimal Range: 30 to 350
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

The Tasmanian Government, applying these national principles, has published default trigger values that define a reference range for EC in Upland Rivers of 30–350 µS/cm.

Metric Definition:

Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) in upland rivers representing best available condition in production forestry catchments.

Benchmark Definition:

Default trigger values for water electrical conductivity in upland rivers as a proxy for best available condition in production forestry.

Justification:

This range is based on national guidelines and extensive monitoring of minimally disturbed upland river catchments, representing the best available condition for sustainable production forestry.

Sources (1)

Preview of Gardens and Public Open Space Irrigation: A Case Study in Perth - Scientific Research Publishing
Gardens and Public Open Space Irrigation: A Case Study in Perth - Scientific Research Publishing

National Guidelines for Water Quality - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
Direct Evidence Journal

Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025,
Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Basin Plan water quality targets; Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG 2018/ANZECC 2000); Australia State of the Environment 2021: Inland water

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Superseded
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 24 Mar 2026
  • Effective To 24 Mar 2026

Notes

The range 30–350 µS/cm reflects the highest quality water in minimally disturbed forested catchments in south-eastern Australia.