Water Nitrate

AUS-TSW-URB-WNI General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0.05 mg/L
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: Point

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 Point form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

Evidence & Context

A value from the lower end of the observed performance range of the Oaklands Park system is selected to set a high standard that is nevertheless demonstrably achievable. A median outlet concentration of 0.02 mg/L as NO3−N was observed, but values as low as 0.01 mg/L were common. Converting 0.01 mg/L as N gives 0.044 mg/L as NO3. To provide a round, practical, yet aspirational target, a benchmark of 0.05 mg/L as NO3 is proposed.

Metric Definition:

Water Nitrate concentration in urban stormwater discharge

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the highest achievable water quality for nitrate in urban stormwater discharge under best-practice management in the Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands biome.

Justification:

Grounded in measured data from a real-world, best-practice system in the target region.

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Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
  • Land Use Urban & Developed Use
  • Assessment Target Condition
  • Evidence Type TargetCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 17 Mar 2026

Notes

The value of 0.05 mg/L (as NO3) represents near-complete removal of anthropogenic nitrate pollution. It is substantially below the natural background levels of healthy streams, ensuring that discharges meeting this standard will not contribute to nutrient enrichment.