Annual air quality comparison
The EPA monitors ambient air quality in South Australia and prepares annual air quality statements to summarise the data collected. Our air quality monitoring stations continuously measure particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less (PM10).
The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (AAQ NEPM) sets national standards for ambient air quality. The yearly average standard for PM10 is 25 µg/m3.
The level of annual average PM10 increased across the whole state during 2024 in comparison to 2023. This annual increase ranged from 7% at Christies to 32% at Elizabeth (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Yearly average PM10 across the state: 2023 vs 2024.
Last summer (December 2024 to February 2025) also recorded significantly higher levels of PM10 across the whole state in comparison to the previous summer (December 2023 to February 2024). The increase in average PM10 values across the summer months ranged from 22% at Whyalla Schulz Park to 41% at North Haven (Figure 2).
Periods of low rainfall and drought can increase the likelihood of airborne dust, particularly during the summer months. Rainfall totals across South Australia were less than average between December 2024 and February 2025, including areas considered very much below average (lowest 10% of all summers since 1900).
Climate change modelling projects that South Australia will experience a decrease in average annual rainfall and more time in drought. Drier conditions and increased drought will likely lead to increased dust levels.
Figure 2: PM10 levels during summer months: Summer 23/24 vs Summer 24/25.
Note: the NEPM standard for PM10 (25 µg/m3) only applies to yearly averages.
