Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TSW-FOR-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

1500 µS/cm

Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 1500

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

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

An upper detrimental threshold exists at approximately 1,500 µS/cm, above which significant, widespread harm to aquatic ecosystems occurs.

Metric Definition:

Upper detrimental threshold of water electrical conductivity indicating ecological harm.

Benchmark Definition:

Threshold above which water electrical conductivity causes significant ecological degradation.

Justification:

Supported by multiple ecological impact studies and recognized as a widely accepted general threshold for ecological harm in Australian freshwater systems.

Sources (1)

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

Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

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

Direct Evidence

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

View Source

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 DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 24 Mar 2026

Notes

Levels exceeding approximately 1,500 µS/cm are associated with significant adverse effects on aquatic biota and represent ecological impairment.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TSW-FOR-WEC family.