Chapter 9—Water quality and salinity management plan
9.01 Simplified outline
(2) This Chapter sets out the water quality and salinity management plan (item 10 of the table in subsection 22(1) and section 25 of the Act).
(3) The water quality and salinity management plan sets out:
(a) the key causes of water quality degradation in the Murray‑Darling Basin (Part 2); and
(b) water quality objectives for Basin water resources (Part 3); and
(c) water quality targets (Part 4).
Note 1: The water quality and salinity management plan has been prepared having regard to the National Water Quality Management Strategy endorsed by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (see subsection 25(3) of the Act).
Note 2: Water quality includes salinity: see the definition of water quality in section 1.07.
9.01 Simplified outline
9.01 Simplified outline
(2) This Chapter sets out the water quality and salinity management plan (item 10 of the table in subsection 22(1) and section 25 of the Act).
(3) The water quality and salinity management plan sets out:
(a) the key causes of water quality degradation in the Murray‑Darling Basin (Part 2); and
(b) water quality objectives for Basin water resources (Part 3); and
(c) water quality targets (Part 4).
Note 1: The water quality and salinity management plan has been prepared having regard to the National Water Quality Management Strategy endorsed by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (see subsection 25(3) of the Act).
Note 2: Water quality includes salinity: see the definition of water quality in section 1.07.
Part 2 Key causes of water quality degradation in Murray‑Darling Basin
Part 2—Key causes of water quality degradation in Murray‑Darling Basin
9.02 Types of water quality degradation and their key causes
(1) The types of water quality degradation in the Murray‑Darling Basin are the following:
(a) elevated levels of salinity;
(b) elevated levels of suspended matter;
(c) elevated levels of nutrients, including phosphorous and nitrogen;
(d) elevated cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume, toxins and odour compounds;
(e) water temperature outside natural ranges;
(f) dissolved oxygen outside natural ranges;
(g) elevated levels of pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants;
(h) pH outside natural ranges;
(i) elevated pathogen counts.
(2) The key causes of water quality degradation for each type of degradation are set out in Schedule 10.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:70.35pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Item</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Basin region</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TablePlainParagraph" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight:bold">Target value (EC) (µS/cm)</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">1</span></p></td><td style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Southern Basin (Murray River and tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">833</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.1pt"><td rowspan="2" style="width:28pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">2</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:136.05pt; border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Northern Basin (Barwon River and Darling River and their tributaries)</span></p></td><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Paroo and Warrego rivers—838</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height:27.05pt"><td style="width:126pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt"><p class="TablePlainParagraph"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif">Generally—957</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
```
9.02 Types of water quality degradation and their key causes
9.02 Types of water quality degradation and their key causes
(1) The types of water quality degradation in the Murray‑Darling Basin are the following:
(a) elevated levels of salinity;
(b) elevated levels of suspended matter;
(c) elevated levels of nutrients, including phosphorous and nitrogen;
(d) elevated cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume, toxins and odour compounds;
(e) water temperature outside natural ranges;
(f) dissolved oxygen outside natural ranges;
(g) elevated levels of pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants;
(h) pH outside natural ranges;
(i) elevated pathogen counts.
(2) The key causes of water quality degradation for each type of degradation are set out in Schedule 10.
Part 3 Water quality objectives for Basin water resources
Part 3—Water quality objectives for Basin water resources
9.03 Outline of this Part
This Part sets out the following water quality objectives for Basin water resources:
(a) objectives for:
(i) declared Ramsar wetlands; and
(ii) other water‑dependent ecosystems;
(b) objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption;
(c) the objective for irrigation water;
(d) the objective for recreational water quality;
(e) the objective of maintaining good levels of water quality;
(f) the salt export objective.
9.04 Objectives for water‑dependent ecosystems
(1) The water quality objective for declared Ramsar wetlands is that the quality of water is sufficient to maintain the ecological character of those wetlands.
(2) The water quality objective for water‑dependent ecosystems other than declared Ramsar wetlands is that the quality of water is sufficient:
(a) to protect and restore the ecosystems; and
(b) to protect and restore the ecosystem functions of the ecosystems; and
(c) to ensure that the ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other risks and threats.
Note: See the overall environmental objectives of the environmental watering plan in section 8.04.
9.05 Objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption
The water quality objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption are:
(a) to minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in adverse human health effects; and
(b) to maintain the palatability rating of water taken for treatment for human consumption at the level of good as set out in the ADWG; and
Note: See section 1.07 for the meaning of ADWG.
(c) to minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in the odour of drinking water being offensive to consumers.
9.06 Objective for irrigation water
The water quality objective for irrigation water is that the quality of surface water or groundwater, when used in accordance with the best irrigation and crop management practices and principles of ecologically sustainable development, does not result in crop yield loss or soil degradation.
9.07 Objective for recreational water quality
The water quality objective for recreational water quality is to achieve a low risk to human health from water quality threats posed by exposure through ingestion, inhalation or contact during recreational use of Basin water resources.
9.08 Objective to maintain good levels of water quality
If the value of a water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity) is at a level that is better than the target value for water quality set out in Part 4, an objective is to maintain that level.
9.09 Salt export objective
(1) This section sets out a further water quality objective (the salt export objective) for the River Murray System.
(2) The salt export objective is to ensure adequate flushing of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean.
(3) The salt export objective is expected to be achieved by the discharge of an average of 2 million tonnes of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean each water accounting period.
Note: A discharge of an average of 2 million tonnes of salt each water accounting period has been assessed as being adequate for the purposes of subsection (2). This figure has been calculated on the basis of a long‑term modelled estimate approach that takes into account cyclical climate influences on flows, as well as existing works and measures such as salt interception schemes that avoid substantial quantities of salt entering the River Murray System, and which are complementary to flushing salt from the River Murray System.
(4) The Authority must estimate the discharge of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean every water accounting period.
(5) The Authority must assess, on an annual basis, achievement of the salt export objective by comparing the estimated number of tonnes of salt exported per year averaged over the preceding 3 years against the indicative figure of 2 million tonnes of salt per year.
(6) The Authority must publish each assessment on its website.
9.03 Outline of this Part
9.03 Outline of this Part
This Part sets out the following water quality objectives for Basin water resources:
(a) objectives for:
(i) declared Ramsar wetlands; and
(ii) other water‑dependent ecosystems;
(b) objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption;
(c) the objective for irrigation water;
(d) the objective for recreational water quality;
(e) the objective of maintaining good levels of water quality;
(f) the salt export objective.
9.04 Objectives for water‑dependent ecosystems
9.04 Objectives for water‑dependent ecosystems
(1) The water quality objective for declared Ramsar wetlands is that the quality of water is sufficient to maintain the ecological character of those wetlands.
(2) The water quality objective for water‑dependent ecosystems other than declared Ramsar wetlands is that the quality of water is sufficient:
(a) to protect and restore the ecosystems; and
(b) to protect and restore the ecosystem functions of the ecosystems; and
(c) to ensure that the ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other risks and threats.
Note: See the overall environmental objectives of the environmental watering plan in section 8.04.
9.05 Objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption
9.05 Objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption
The water quality objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption are:
(a) to minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in adverse human health effects; and
(b) to maintain the palatability rating of water taken for treatment for human consumption at the level of good as set out in the ADWG; and
Note: See section 1.07 for the meaning of ADWG.
(c) to minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in the odour of drinking water being offensive to consumers.
9.06 Objective for irrigation water
9.06 Objective for irrigation water
The water quality objective for irrigation water is that the quality of surface water or groundwater, when used in accordance with the best irrigation and crop management practices and principles of ecologically sustainable development, does not result in crop yield loss or soil degradation.
9.07 Objective for recreational water quality
9.07 Objective for recreational water quality
The water quality objective for recreational water quality is to achieve a low risk to human health from water quality threats posed by exposure through ingestion, inhalation or contact during recreational use of Basin water resources.
9.08 Objective to maintain good levels of water quality
9.08 Objective to maintain good levels of water quality
If the value of a water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity) is at a level that is better than the target value for water quality set out in Part 4, an objective is to maintain that level.
9.09 Salt export objective
9.09 Salt export objective
(1) This section sets out a further water quality objective (the salt export objective) for the River Murray System.
(2) The salt export objective is to ensure adequate flushing of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean.
(3) The salt export objective is expected to be achieved by the discharge of an average of 2 million tonnes of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean each water accounting period.
Note: A discharge of an average of 2 million tonnes of salt each water accounting period has been assessed as being adequate for the purposes of subsection (2). This figure has been calculated on the basis of a long‑term modelled estimate approach that takes into account cyclical climate influences on flows, as well as existing works and measures such as salt interception schemes that avoid substantial quantities of salt entering the River Murray System, and which are complementary to flushing salt from the River Murray System.
(4) The Authority must estimate the discharge of salt from the River Murray System into the Southern Ocean every water accounting period.
(5) The Authority must assess, on an annual basis, achievement of the salt export objective by comparing the estimated number of tonnes of salt exported per year averaged over the preceding 3 years against the indicative figure of 2 million tonnes of salt per year.
(6) The Authority must publish each assessment on its website.
Part 4 Water quality targets
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.
9.10 Outline of this Part and purpose of targets
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
9.11 Failing to achieve a target
9.12 Most stringent target applies
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
9.13 Guidelines
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
Division 2 Targets for managing water flows
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.
9.14 Targets for managing water flows
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
Division 3 Water quality targets for water resource plans
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.
9.15 Purpose of Division
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
9.16 Water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
9.17 Water quality targets for irrigation water
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
9.18 Water quality targets for recreational water
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
Division 4 Salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management
(a) water quality targets to which particular entities must have regard when performing functions, including in relation to the management of water flows (Division 2);
(b) water quality targets that inform the development of certain measures required to be included in water resource plans (Division 3);
(c) salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin (Division 4).
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement also sets out targets for salinity management in the Murray‑Darling Basin. The provisions of that Schedule operate independently of, and are unaffected by, the targets in this Part.
Note 2: The targets in this Part also inform the matters listed in Schedule 12, by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated. Basin States and Commonwealth agencies are required to produce reports on those matters: see section 13.14.
If, for a Basin water resource, more than one target value set out in this Part applies for the same water quality characteristic (for example, salinity, nutrients, pesticides, pH, turbidity), the most stringent target value applies.
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines relating to the application of the targets set out in this Part, for example, recommending actions to be taken by relevant persons and bodies in order to achieve the targets or in the event that a target is not met.
(1) The Authority must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(2) The Basin Officials Committee must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing its functions under the Agreement relating to the management of water flows.
(3) An agency of a Basin State must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when performing functions relating to the management of water flows.
(4) The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, holders of held environmental water and managers of planned environmental water must have regard to the targets in subsection (5) when making decisions about the use of environmental water.
(c) the levels of salinity at the reporting sites set out in the following table should not exceed the values set out in the table, 95% of the time:
Note 1: Schedule B to the Agreement imposes obligations on the Commonwealth and Basin States in relation to decisions that may have a ‘Significant Effect’ on salinity, and how to account for these effects.
(b) conduct, at the end of each water accounting period, an assessment of whether the target values in paragraph (5)(c) have been met over the period that consists of that water accounting period and the previous 4 water accounting periods; and
The targets set out in this Division are to inform the development of certain measures which are required to be included in water resource plans.
Note 1: See Part 7 of Chapter 10. In some circumstances, a WQM plan in a water resource plan may specify alternatives to target values set out in this Division: see subsection 10.32(4).
Note 2: The targets in this Division relate to fresh water‑dependent ecosystems, irrigation water and recreational water. The ADWG sets out standards for the quality of raw water for treatment for human consumption.
(1) The water quality targets for fresh water‑dependent ecosystems (including fresh water‑dependent ecosystems that are declared Ramsar wetlands) are that a water quality characteristic in a target application zone meets the target value for that characteristic and zone set out in Schedule 11.
(2) The target application zone, of a particular name, means the area within the boundary described by the polygon of that name included in the dataset that:
(1) The water quality targets for irrigation water are that the values for a water quality characteristic meet the target values set out in this section 95% of the time over each period of 10 years that ends at the end of a water accounting period.
(2) The target values apply at sites in the Murray‑Darling Basin where water is extracted by an irrigation infrastructure operator for the purpose of irrigation.
Note: To convert EC to milligrams per litre (mg/L), the following approximate conversion factors can be used: (a) for the Southern Basin (including the Lachlan river), mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.6; (b) for Northern Basin, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.7; (c) for the Paroo and Warrego rivers, mg/L = EC multiplied by 0.8.
(4) The target value for the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water is the value which, if exceeded, would cause soil degradation when that water is applied to land.
The water quality targets for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.
9.19 Salinity targets
(1) This section sets out surface water salinity targets for the purpose of long‑term salinity planning and management for the Murray‑Darling Basin.
(2) The Murray‑Darling Basin and End‑of‑Valley Targets for salinity are set out (as absolute values) in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement as amended from time to time.