Water Nitrate

AUS-TGP-LVG-WNI General High confidence

Benchmark Value

1 mg/L
Range: 0 to 1 mg/L
Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 1
Optimal Range: 0 to 1
Direction: Lower 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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

The proposed benchmark is < 1.0 mg/L as NO3 20-N.

Metric Definition:

Water nitrate concentration as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 20-N) in runoff water from temperate grassy woodlands under best-practice livestock grazing.

Benchmark Definition:

Benchmark for water nitrate concentration representing the best available ecological condition in managed temperate grassy woodlands.

Justification:

Derived from typical concentrations in unpolluted Australian streams and below the stringent ANZG 2025 95% species protection guideline value for soft waters, indicating minimal ecological impact.

Sources (1)

Preview of North-east Victoria SGS National Experiment site: water and nutrient losses from grazing systems on contrasting soil types and levels of inputs - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
North-east Victoria SGS National Experiment site: water and nutrient losses from grazing systems on contrasting soil types and levels of inputs - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025

North-east Victoria SGS National Experiment site: water and nutrient losses from grazing systems on contrasting soil types and levels of inputs - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (41)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
(PDF) Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

(PDF) Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of 1E Grazing Management - Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Control Program Encyclopedia | California State Water Resources Control Board, accessed August 8, 2025
1E Grazing Management - Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Control Program Encyclopedia | California State Water Resources Control Board, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

1E Grazing Management - Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Control Program Encyclopedia | California State Water Resources Control Board, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of 5.7 Nitrates | Monitoring & Assessment | US EPA, accessed August 1, 2025
5.7 Nitrates | Monitoring & Assessment | US EPA, accessed August 1, 2025
Contextual Support Government

5.7 Nitrates | Monitoring & Assessment | US EPA, accessed August 1, 2025,

View Source
Preview of A review of the economics of regenerative agriculture in Western Australia - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 4, 2025
A review of the economics of regenerative agriculture in Western Australia - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 4, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

A review of the economics of regenerative agriculture in Western Australia - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 5, 2025,

View Source
Preview of B.PUE.0105 Final Report - MLA, accessed August 8, 2025
B.PUE.0105 Final Report - MLA, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

B.PUE.0105 Final Report - MLA, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of BorderRangesRainforest - DCCEEW, accessed August 8, 2025
BorderRangesRainforest - DCCEEW, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

BorderRangesRainforest - DCCEEW, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Critical nutrient thresholds needed to control eutrophication and synergistic interactions between phosphorus and different nitrogen sources - PubMed, accessed August 8, 2025
Critical nutrient thresholds needed to control eutrophication and synergistic interactions between phosphorus and different nitrogen sources - PubMed, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Critical nutrient thresholds needed to control eutrophication and synergistic interactions between phosphorus and different nitrogen sources - PubMed, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025,
Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support

Ludwig, J.A., Bastin, G.N., Chewings, V.H., Eager, R.W., and Liedloff, A.C. (2005). Clearing savannas for use as rangelands in Queensland: Altered landscapes and water-erosion processes. Rangeland Journal, 27(2), 135-149.

View Source
Preview of Drinking Water Nitrate and Human Health: An Updated Review - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025
Drinking Water Nitrate and Human Health: An Updated Review - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Drinking Water Nitrate and Human Health: An Updated Review - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Effects of Sheep Grazing Systems on Water Quality with a Focus on Nitrate Leaching - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025
Effects of Sheep Grazing Systems on Water Quality with a Focus on Nitrate Leaching - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Irrelevant Journal

Effects of Sheep Grazing Systems on Water Quality with a Focus on Nitrate Leaching - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Environmental Factors Affecting Australia's Livestock Industries - MLA, accessed August 8, 2025
Environmental Factors Affecting Australia's Livestock Industries - MLA, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Environmental Factors Affecting Australia's Livestock Industries - MLA, accessed July 10, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Establishing riverine nutrient criteria using individual taxa thresholds, accessed August 8, 2025
Establishing riverine nutrient criteria using individual taxa thresholds, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Establishing riverine nutrient criteria using individual taxa thresholds - ResearchOnline@JCU, accessed July 25, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Estimated Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater Used for Drinking | US EPA, accessed August 8, 2025
Estimated Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater Used for Drinking | US EPA, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Regulatory Framework Government

Estimated Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater Used for Drinking | US EPA, accessed on May 31, 2025

View Source
Preview of Grazing support programs | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed August 8, 2025
Grazing support programs | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Response of Grazing Land Soil Health to Management Strategies: A Summary Review, accessed July 17, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Impact of more intensive grazing on nitrogen and phosphorus in shallow aquifers of the Southern Perth Basin - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 8, 2025
Impact of more intensive grazing on nitrogen and phosphorus in shallow aquifers of the Southern Perth Basin - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support

Impact of more intensive grazing on nitrogen and phosphorus in shallow aquifers of the Southern Perth Basin - DPIRD's Digital library, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Land management for graziers | Business Queensland, accessed August 8, 2025
Land management for graziers | Business Queensland, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality - EPA Victoria, accessed July 19, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Livestock drinking water guidelines - Water Quality Australia, accessed August 8, 2025
Livestock drinking water guidelines - Water Quality Australia, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Livestock drinking water guidelines - Water Quality Australia, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Memorandum - Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000, accessed August 8, 2025
Memorandum - Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Hickey, C. (2002). Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000. Memorandum MFE02237 prepared for Ministry for the Environment (New Zealand). NIWA Client Report: HAM2002-126.

View Source
Preview of Nitrate and nitrite | Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - NHMRC, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate and nitrite | Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - NHMRC, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Government

Water quality guidelines - Queensland Environment Department, accessed July 31, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Nitrate contamination in drinking water frequently asked questions - Greenpeace Aotearoa, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate contamination in drinking water frequently asked questions - Greenpeace Aotearoa, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Nitrate contamination in drinking water frequently asked questions - Greenpeace Aotearoa, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Nitrate in drinking water - WA Health, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate in drinking water - WA Health, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Government

Nitrate in drinking water - WA Health, accessed July 10, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Nitrate in freshwater, toxicant default guideline values for protecting ..., accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate in freshwater, toxicant default guideline values for protecting ..., accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Government

Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection: Nitrate in freshwater - Water Quality Australia, accessed July 13, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Nitrate leaching from temperate perennial pastures grazed by dairy cows in south-eastern Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate leaching from temperate perennial pastures grazed by dairy cows in south-eastern Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

(PDF) Nitrate leaching from temperate perennial pastures grazed by ..., accessed July 10, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Nitrate toxicity guidelines for the National Objectives Framework - NIWA, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrate toxicity guidelines for the National Objectives Framework - NIWA, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Regulatory Framework Government

Nitrate toxicity guidelines for the National Objectives Framework ..., accessed August 3, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Nitrates - European Commission - Environment, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrates - European Commission - Environment, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Nitrates - European Commission - Environment, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Nitrogen attenuation by stream riparian zones: Prospects for Australian landscapes, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrogen attenuation by stream riparian zones: Prospects for Australian landscapes, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support

Nitrogen attenuation by stream riparian zones: Prospects for Australian landscapes, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Nitrogen fixation in Australian dairy systems: review and prospect - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025
Nitrogen fixation in Australian dairy systems: review and prospect - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Nitrogen fixation in Australian dairy systems: review and prospect - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality - EPA Victoria, accessed August 8, 2025
Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality - EPA Victoria, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Generic document, accessed July 19, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Regenerative agriculture - Wikipedia, accessed August 8, 2025
Regenerative agriculture - Wikipedia, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support

Regenerative agriculture - Wikipedia, accessed August 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farming - Frontiers, accessed August 4, 2025
Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farming - Frontiers, accessed August 4, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

NCC: Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health - Wet Tropics Plan, accessed July 27, 2025,

View Source
Preview of River water quality: nitrogen | Stats NZ, accessed August 8, 2025
River water quality: nitrogen | Stats NZ, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Methodology Source Government

Environmental Monitoring of Nitrates and Other Water Quality Parameters: pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Turbidity - Hanna Instruments Australia, accessed July 31, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Seasonal Variation and Driving Factors of Nitrate in Rivers of Miyun Reservoir Watershed, North China - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025
Seasonal Variation and Driving Factors of Nitrate in Rivers of Miyun Reservoir Watershed, North China - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Irrelevant

Seasonal Variation and Driving Factors of Nitrate in Rivers of Miyun Reservoir Watershed, North China - MDPI, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Soil carbon and climate change - Enviro Data SA, accessed August 8, 2025
Soil carbon and climate change - Enviro Data SA, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Soil carbon and climate change - Enviro Data SA, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 4. Soil water dynamics and runoff events for differently-managed pasture types - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 4. Soil water dynamics and runoff events for differently-managed pasture types - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 4. Soil water dynamics and runoff events for differently-managed pasture types - ResearchGate, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025
Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Sustainable grazing systems for the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. 5. A bioeconomic framework for assessing the long-term economic benefits of grazing management tactics and implications for sustainability - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Sustainable land management practices for graziers - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed August 8, 2025
Sustainable land management practices for graziers - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Irrelevant Government

Sustainable land management practices for graziers - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of The impact of nitrate pollution in waterways on freshwater species, accessed August 8, 2025
The impact of nitrate pollution in waterways on freshwater species, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection ...

View Source
Preview of The North Wyke Farm Platform: effect of temperate grassland farming systems on soil moisture contents, runoff and associated water quality dynamics - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025
The North Wyke Farm Platform: effect of temperate grassland farming systems on soil moisture contents, runoff and associated water quality dynamics - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Methodology Source Journal

The North Wyke Farm Platform: effect of temperate grassland farming systems on soil moisture contents, runoff and associated water quality dynamics - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Total Nitrogen - DCCEEW, accessed August 8, 2025
Total Nitrogen - DCCEEW, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

The impact of nitrate pollution in waterways on freshwater species, accessed July 31, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Towards sustainable grassland and livestock management | The Journal of Agricultural Science | Cambridge Core, accessed August 8, 2025
Towards sustainable grassland and livestock management | The Journal of Agricultural Science | Cambridge Core, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Towards sustainable grassland and livestock management | The Journal of Agricultural Science | Cambridge Core, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source
Preview of Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection ..., accessed August 8, 2025
Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection ..., accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection ...

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Vegetation Grassland
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 15 Mar 2026

Notes

Field data from some 'sustainable' grazing studies show much higher concentrations (3 26 mg/L) that are explicitly noted as being 'higher than acceptable for aquatic health', thus not representing the best-on-offer condition. The optimal range is 0 to < 1.0 mg/L NO3 20-N, reflecting a highly efficient, non-leaky grazing system.