Water Quality Guideline Values for Aquatic Ecosystems of Tasmania

​​​​​The D​​evelopment of Default Guideline Values (DGVs) of Water Quality for Aquatic Ecosyste​​​ms

Default Guideline Values (DGVs) of water quality for aquatic ecosystems have been developed in accordance with the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS). The default guideline values apply to the Protected Environmental Value of Protection of Aquatic ecosystems.

​Default Guideline Values have been developed for High Ecological Value and Slightly to Moderately Disturbed aquatic ecosystems.

The Default Guideline Values for Slightly to Moderately Disturbed ecosystems can be used as interim guideline values for moderately disturbed ecosystems until site-specific guideline values are developed.

​For the decision process and selection criteria for identifying the ecosystem condition refer to the EPA document, Technical Guidance for Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) Setting for Tasmania.​​

  Technical Guidance for Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) Setting for Tasmania   (537Kb)​

​Specificity of Water Q​​​uality Guideline Values

Water Quality Guideline Values can be set at varying scales of specificity dependent on data availability. The guideline values provided represent Default Guideline Values for each ecosystem type based on relevant regionalisation or classification. Where no state-level data is available then the National or international guidelines apply. Site-specific guideline values will be developed on an as needs basis.

concentric circles showing the guidelines that apply from International Guidelines through National, state, regional and catchment, concluding with site.

WQG Decision Rings​

​E​cos​​ystem Types

​Default Guideline Values of Water Quality for Aquatic Ecosystems (DGVs) are available for the following ecosystem types:


Laboratory Techniques and Methods​

There are a number of laboratories that undertake water sample analysis. The techniques and methods used may vary between laboratories.

Over time individual laboratories may also change or improve methods in order to enhance the accuracy and precision of analysis.

The differences in techniques and methods may result in the reported values changing from what would have previously been reported for individual parameters.

These changes need to be considered when comparing individual parameter values to those provided within the Default Guideline Values of Water Quality for Aquatic Ecosystems documents (DGVs).

Where feasible Site-specific guideline values should be developed in accordance with the NWQMS​ based on data analysed using a consistent technique and method.

Implementation of quality control and quality assurance procedures when undertaking water quality monitoring can aid in minimising variability in results due to laboratory technique and method.