Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TSR-CON-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 20 to 111 µS/cm

Optimal Range: 20 to 111

Direction: Lower 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 6 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 5 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

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

Evidence & Context

The benchmark range of 20–111 µS/cm is considered the optimal range for ecological integrity.

Metric Definition:

Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) in freshwater streams

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal range of water electrical conductivity in freshwater streams within tropical and subtropical rainforest conservation areas, reflecting natural, minimally disturbed conditions that support ecological integrity.

Justification:

The benchmark range is derived from a comprehensive field study of 75 forested, minimally disturbed streams across the Queensland Wet Tropics (QWT), representing the natural condition of high-integrity conservation landscapes, corroborated by Queensland Government's official Water Quality Objectives.

Sources (2)

Preview of Barron River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality ..., accessed July 21, 2025,

Barron River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality ..., accessed July 21, 2025, Journal

Effects of total dissolved solids on growth and mortality predict ...

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Preview of Ecology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet Tropics, Australia | Freshwater Science: Vol 34, No 2, accessed July 22, 2025,

Ecology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet Tropics, Australia | Freshwater Science: Vol 34, No 2, accessed July 22, 2025, Journal

Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ)

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Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in ...

Contextual Support Journal

(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in ...

View Source

Ecology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet ...

Contextual Support Journal

Ecology of streams in a biogeographic isolate—the Queensland Wet ...

View Source

Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019 | Environment, accessed July 27, 2025,

Regulatory Framework Government

Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019 | Environment

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Rainforests
Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
Assessment Pristine Reference
Vegetation Forest
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 9 Jun 2026

Notes

The range reflects the natural, dilute state of these streams, free from anthropogenic saline pollution, while remaining above levels that may cause significant physiological stress to some adapted fauna.

Related Benchmarks

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