The NSW River Condition Index (RCI) is the primary long-term reporting tool for assessing riverine condition. It is used to combine a range of indicators into a single condition score. The indicators include riparian vegetation, geomorphic condition, hydrologic stress, biodiversity, catchment disturbance and water quality.

The RCI was developed using the Framework for the Assessment of River and Wetland Health (FARWH) approach. The FARWH is an accepted approach applied throughout Australia. The FARWH method uses existing data collection activities and converts them into a standardised and nationally comparable representation of river health.

The River Condition Index: method document provides a detailed explanation of the index and how it has been applied across NSW.