Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-AQU-WEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 50 to 280 μS/cm
Optimal Range: 50 to 280
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 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

The optimal range for Electrical Conductivity in the freshwater systems of the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains is defined as approximately 50μS/cm to <280μS/cm.

Metric Definition:

Electrical Conductivity (EC) measured in μS/cm at 25 0C.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the range of electrical conductivity values in freshwater systems that support high ecosystem function, resilience, and biodiversity in the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains biome under aquaculture land use.

Justification:

Based on synthesis of real-world observational data and biological response thresholds.

Sources (1)

Preview of Diatom–water quality thresholds in South Australian streams indicate a need for more stringent water quality guidelines - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater Research, accessed May 15, 2025,
Diatom–water quality thresholds in South Australian streams indicate a need for more stringent water quality guidelines - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater Research, accessed May 15, 2025, Journal

Diatom0water quality thresholds in South Australian streams indicate a need for more stringent water quality guidelines - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater Research

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
(PDF) Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate, accessed August 11, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Effects of increasing salinity on freshwater ecosystems in Australia - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025,
Salinity - Murray–Darling Basin Authority, accessed August 11, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Basin Plan water quality targets; Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZG 2018/ANZECC 2000); Australia State of the Environment 2021: Inland water

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Aquaculture
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Operating within this range minimizes physiological stress on aquatic species and supports sustainable aquaculture.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-AQU-WEC family.

280 μS/cm High
Aquaculture · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
800 μS/cm Moderate
Aquaculture · Target Condition
MaximumOnly Active v1