Water Turbidity
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 6 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 5 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Based on the synthesis of the evidence, particularly prioritizing the CSIRO condition-based indicators for analogous catchment types and considering the ANZG framework, the following benchmark for water turbidity in streams and water bodies within Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands and Native Grasslands under sustainable/regenerative agricultural crop production is proposed: Primary Recommended Benchmark: Median turbidity: ≤ 10 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) 80th percentile turbidity: ≤ 15 NTU These values are primarily applicable during baseflow or low-flow conditions.
Water turbidity measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) representing the clarity of water in streams and water bodies.
This benchmark represents the recommended median water turbidity level in streams and water bodies within Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands and Native Grasslands under sustainable agricultural crop production, indicating good water clarity during baseflow or low-flow conditions.
The benchmark is consistent with the 'Good' ecological condition category for 'Valley' (<10 NTU) and 'Plain' (<15 NTU) catchments as outlined in the CSIRO 'Indicators of Catchment Health'. It is achievable through sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices and balances ecological protection with productive land use.
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View SourceSupporting Sources (28)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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