Having clean water for your livestock, crops, and landscaping around your property is essential. Many farms and facilities deal with potential water contamination and constantly need to be monitoring the state of their water and feeding stations. When your water is contaminated, it can cause major problems that you may not notice until it is too late. There are some clear signs to look for that can point to potential contamination, which livestock owners should watch for. Learn more about contamination and the common signs in the blog.

Cloudy Or Discolored Water

The most common signs of contaminated water are the ones that you can automatically notice. Cloudy or discolored water means that the contamination can be coming from the well or collection method of the water, or because the water station is exposed to weather and debris. If you don’t have a cover over your trough or water feature, covering it during storms or during less active times of the day could solve the problem. If this solution doesn’t help, you will need to dig deeper into where debris is entering the livestock water system. Dirt, hard metals, or other toxins could cause cloudy and discolored water. 

Visible Algae Or Biofilm

Another easily spotted livestock water contamination is slimy growth on the surface of the water. Algae and biofilm are a huge water quality problem and are caused by excess nutrients and stagnant water. Both of these growths harbor bacteria, which can cause digestive and reproductive issues in livestock. 

Algae and biofilm are also hard to clean and remove, especially if the underlying issue is not resolved. Both of these growths can become increasingly worse even if you are constantly cleaning the spout or water storage areas. 

Livestock Is Drinking Less

Other signs that you have contaminated water may appear in your livestock first. If your water is contaminated, you may notice that animals are drinking less water than usual. Livestock may notice a foul taste or smell, causing them to avoid the water and, in turn, become dehydrated. If you notice higher water levels at the end of the day or notice darker urine from your livestock, check your water supply. 

You Notice Breeding Problems

The water and food you provide to your livestock can have a major impact on their overall health, especially female livestock and reproductive systems. Poor water quality can affect your breeding outcomes, especially if it has been a long-term problem, before you even consider breeding. Lower conception rates and later delivery dates are just a few signs that your livestock’s reproductive system is off. 

Waterborne pathogens can lead to problems like abnormalities and late-term miscarriages in many different animal breeds. If you want better breeding outcomes or it is crucial to your livelihood, maintaining water quality can put you above the competition. 

Damage To Surrounding Landscaping

Another sign of contaminated water that often gets overlooked is the state of surrounding crops, landscaping, and greenery. If the source of your water is contaminated, the surrounding plants will also feel the effects. When crops start to slow in growth or you notice leaf discoloration, contaminated water could be to blame. The presence of lead, mercury, arsenic, sulfates, aluminum, or other bacteria can be extremely toxic to almost all plant life. Testing your well or water supply frequently is the best way to limit the effects of contamination and catch the presence of minerals before it is too late. 

How Contaminated Water Affects Livestock

Besides reproductive health and dehydration, there are many other negative effects you will notice if your water is contaminated. Research has shown that animals who drink contaminated water often weigh less because their digestive system is compromised. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea and rapid weight loss. 

Dairy animals can also see a drop in milk production when consuming contaminated water. Especially if these livestock animals are drinking less water, milk supply is negatively affected. Improving your water quality to result in up to 5 gallons of improved milk supply from dairy producing animals. 

Quality Drinkers From Bar Bar A 

Bar Bar A has the best automatic livestock waterers on the market. Our design helps to limit contaminated water and pests that reducing the quality of water given to your livestock each day. Having an automatic system to feed horses, cows, goats, sheep, and more, can help you feel less overwhelmed as a farmer or property owner. If you are tired of dealing with frozen troughs or algae growth, check out all of our products and find the option that is best for you. Our commitment to quality and livestock water safety is something that will never change. Bar Bar A is proud to help thousands of animals and humans alike with quality water systems. Get on the road to better water quality today!