\Water Management on Pastures: Livestock Watering System Alternatives

Table of Contents

1. Livestock Watering Systems Alternatives
2. Springs
3. Ponds
4. Wells
5. Other Water Management in Pastures Recommendations
   • Water Requirements
   • Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
   • Moving Water With Pump And Gravity Systems
6. Related Links
   
   

Livestock Watering System Alternatives

The problem of fecal bacterial contamination of some rural drainage systems can partly be attributed to livestock having contact with streams while watering. Livestock with access to water courses can tramp the bank and move sediment into the water - affecting fish habitat as well. Maintaining an adequate supply of clean water is an important part of herd management. Fence livestock from streams and provide an alternate water source. This benefits the health of your herd and the environment. An alternative water supply may be necessary. If hydro is unavailable or water supply a problem, review the alternatives outlined below, paying particular attention to water source development and transfer mechanisms. For pasture purposes, freezing of water systems is not considered.

Springs

The purpose of spring development is to increase the flow of water, improve its accessibility and prevent contamination. Remember to observe the proposed spring area during a dry period, to ensure the reliability of the source. Examine the aquifer material delivering water to the surface. Combine this with knowledge of local landform and drainage patterns, and you can make assumptions about the hydrogeological conditions influencing flow. Increase flow by removing any material obstructing the upwelling flow at the spring outlet. Redirect surface runoff to avoid accumulating debris and contaminants. It may be possible to collect the flow from several outlets or along a seepage face. A graded ditch, exposing the length and depth of the aquifer, can collect water with gravel fill, tile or perforated pipe and drain to a central spring box. Use filter fabrics where fine-grained soils may cause clogging.

Ponds

Excavated off-spring ponds are the only type you can use for stock watering, since they will not affect or be affected by local stream water quality. Ponds may be fed by surface runoff, groundwater aquifers or both. Surface runoff is not recommended. Drainage tiles may be intercepted and directed into a pond if good water quality can be assured. Runoff water quality is largely dependent upon land management (cropping and tillage) in the drainage area. Where a shallow aquifer or permanent high water table exists, a groundwater fed pond may be practical. Prior to excavation, conduct a soil investigation. Use a backhoe or auger. Put down test holes in a dry period of the year. Observe the depth of the water table. This will be the depth of the pond water. Check soil type for perviousness. Ponds must be located in impervious soils of high clay content to prevent seepage. Artificial linings of bentonite clay or synthetic materials may seal ponds in pervious sand or gravel soils but increase expense and complication. Nearby ponds are good sources of information on local conditions. Aquifer or groundwater-fed ponds also require test holes to evaluate the water-bearing material. The level of water in the test hole usually indicates the finished pond level for that period of the year. Pumping out the test hole and observing the recovery rate indicates potential yield of the aquifer. As water tables vary with the season, dry- period observations are important to avoid being misled by temporary conditions.

Wells

Discuss where to place a well with a competent well driller. Local well logs provides information on subsurface conditions and groundwater characteristics. When suitable, locate the well in an accessible area convenient to pastures and near a storage reservoir if needed. If possible, locate the well to take advantage of gravity flow to the point of use.

Related Links

... on forages and pastures, visit Forages and Pastures (OMAFRA)
... on weed control, order Publication 75 Guide to Weed Control: Forage Crops
... on agronomy for field crops, order Pub. 811 Agronomy Guide for Field Crops: Chapter 3 Forages
... on field crop protection, order Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
... on livestock, visit Livestock (OMAFRA)