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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
An optimal range for overall ecosystem health and sustainability in this context is considered to be 0.02 – 0.2 mg/L NO3−, aligning with the reference value.
Optimal range of water nitrate concentration supporting healthy aquatic ecosystem function and preventing eutrophication.
Optimal nitrate concentration range for maintaining ecosystem health and preventing eutrophication in agricultural waters.
Derived from synthesis of ecological principles and guideline values supporting high environmental health in the biome and land use context.
Sources (1)
ANZG (2018) Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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
Palaeovalley Groundwater Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Australia - Geoscience Australia, accessed July 31, 2025,
View Source
webcat.niwa.co.nz, accessed May 11, 2025
View Source