Water Nitrate
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 10 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 9 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
The recommended reference value of 0.088 mg/L as NO3− (converted from 0.020 mg N/L NOx for South-East Australian lowland rivers) represents a state of high water quality.
Water nitrate concentration in surface waters as an indicator of nutrient pollution and ecological health.
This benchmark represents the water nitrate concentration indicating high water quality in Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under sustainable livestock grazing, reflecting minimal nutrient pollution and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Derived from the ANZECC (2000) default trigger value for Oxidised Nitrogen (NOx) of 0.020 mg N/L for South-East Australia, Lowland Rivers in 'slightly disturbed ecosystems' (Table 3.3.2), converted to nitrate concentration.
Sources (2)
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council & Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (2000). Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Volume 1: The Guidelines.
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Hickey, C. (2002). Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000. Memorandum MFE02237 prepared for Ministry for the Environment (New Zealand). NIWA Client Report: HAM2002-126.
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