Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TSW-FOR-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 30 to 800 µS/cm

Optimal Range: 30 to 800

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.

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 optimal EC range for high ecosystem health in this context is 30 – 800 µS/cm.

Metric Definition:

Optimal functional range of water electrical conductivity for ecosystem health in production forestry.

Benchmark Definition:

Range of water electrical conductivity values considered optimal for maintaining ecosystem health in production forestry catchments.

Justification:

Derived from integration of lower physiological threshold and upper detrimental threshold, supported by national guidelines and ecological studies.

Sources (2)

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

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

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

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

(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

Context

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

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 2
Effective From 24 Mar 2026

Notes

The range 30–350 µS/cm represents the best available condition; 350–800 µS/cm is still protective of most aquatic life.

Related Benchmarks

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