[ Search PSU ]   

Drinking Water Checklist

Evaluating a Farm Water Supply

Water Supply Information

• Current water supply information
  • Type
  • Yield
  • Age
  • Type of plumbing
  • General appearance of well cap, casing, spring box, etc.
  • Location relative to obvious sources of contamination

• Does the herd have access to other sources of water?
  • Pond (are these treated with any chemicals?)
  • Stream
  • Other

• Are there any alternative supplies not currently used?
  • City water (how close is it?)
  • Ponds or good pond sites
  • Nearby streams (water hauling?)

• Have there been any recent changes to the water supply?
  • I.e. new well drilled, deepened, new treatment, etc.

• Land uses within one mile of farm?
  • Relate to potential pollutants
  • Any recent changes to land use?

• Condition of watering troughs, cups?
  • Remember you’re probably seeing the best-case

• Is there any water treatment equipment ?
  • What is it, when installed, it is maintained and by who?

• Has stray voltage been checked in the water supply?
  • Any obvious sources of stray voltage in water?

• Any obvious odors, tastes or stains from the water?
  • Rotten egg odor
  • Red, black or bluish stains
  • Metallic or bitter taste

• Are there any water test reports for the water supply?
  • What parameters have been tested
  • How recent was the last test?
  • Have there been any past problems shown by water tests?
    

Herd Information

• Herd size relative to water supply
  • Is there adequate water for peak demand?
  • Potential problems – recent herd expansion or drought

• Average water use by cows
  • Is it actually measured and how?

• Current average milk production?
  • Milk receipts?

• Any general herd health problems?
  • Are these substantiated by veterinary reports?

• General reaction of cows to drinking water?
  • Any aversion to drinking water?

• Why is water suspected as a problem?

• Have any cows been segregated and given alternate water?

• Did problems first occur after flood or drought?

• Are there other obvious management issues?

• Contact information
  • Nutrition consultant
  • Veterinarian
  • Water treatment vendor
  • Well driller

Recommendations

• If there is little evidence and water is only suspected as the problem
  • Segregate a few cows to gather more evidence

• If there is some evidence that water may be playing a role
  • Targeted water testing based upon evidence

• If there is strong evidence that water is playing a role
  • Pollution control or system maintenance
  • Installation of water treatment equipment
  • Investigate each of the alternate sources of water

When asking questions, focus on recent changes!