Water Turbidity

AUS-AKW-IND-WTU General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 5 to 50 NTU

Optimal Range: 5 to 50

Direction: Higher 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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard LowerThreshold Guard UpperThreshold Guard

Evidence & Context

An optimal range of 5 - 50 NTU for persistent, non-flow conditions appears most ecologically defensible.

Metric Definition:

Optimal functional range of water turbidity in pooled, non-flowing surface waters of the biome.

Benchmark Definition:

Functional optimal range balancing UV protection and light availability for photosynthesis.

Justification:

This range balances the need for UV protection against the need for light penetration for primary productivity and habitat clarity.

Sources (2)

Preview of A review of water quality studies relevant to northern Australia - CSIRO, accessed July 21, 2025,

A review of water quality studies relevant to northern Australia - CSIRO, accessed July 21, 2025, Journal

Salinity and water quality

View Source

Australia's inland waters - Water Quality Australia Government

Australia's inland waters - Water Quality Australia

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
Land Use Industrial & Infrastructure Use
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 19 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold is > 5 NTU; Upper Detrimental Threshold is > 50 NTU.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AKW-IND-WTU family.