Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-CON-WEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

250 µS/cm
Range: — to 250 µS/cm
Optimal Range: — to 250
Direction: Higher 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 7 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 6 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

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

Evidence & Context

Therefore, a scientifically defensible optimal range for maintaining high ecological condition in Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains conservation areas is < 250 µS/cm.

Metric Definition:

Upper limit of optimal electrical conductivity range for conservation management.

Benchmark Definition:

Upper boundary for optimal electrical conductivity to maintain high ecological integrity in Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains conservation areas.

Justification:

Set conservatively below the first biological impact threshold to provide a protective buffer.

Sources (1)

Preview of Diatom–water quality thresholds in South Australian streams indicate a need for more stringent water quality guidelines | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,
Diatom–water quality thresholds in South Australian streams indicate a need for more stringent water quality guidelines | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,

Validating species sensitivity distributions using salinity tolerance of riverine macroinvertebrates in the southern Murray–Darling Basin (Victoria, Australia) - Canadian Science Publishing

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Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Low water conductivity increases the effects of copper on the serum parameters in fish (Oreochromis niloticus) - PubMed
Low water conductivity increases the effects of copper on the serum parameters in fish (Oreochromis niloticus) - PubMed
Contextual Support Journal

Low water conductivity increases the effects of copper on the serum parameters in fish (Oreochromis niloticus) - PubMed

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Preview of The Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Selected Macroinvertebrate Communities in Four River Systems of South-West Victoria, Australia - ResearchGate
The Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Selected Macroinvertebrate Communities in Four River Systems of South-West Victoria, Australia - ResearchGate
Direct Evidence Journal

The Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Selected Macroinvertebrate Communities in Four River Systems of South-West Victoria, Australia - ResearchGate

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type TargetCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 25 Mar 2026

Notes

This target is more stringent than broader regional guidelines and supports precautionary management.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-CON-WEC family.

— µS/cm High
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
OptimalRange Active v1
22 µS/cm Moderate
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
LowerThreshold Active v1
300 µS/cm Moderate
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Active v1