8.3.2.Management of water on a livestock block

For those producing livestock on their block, trials have regularly shown that even slightly ‘off’ or contaminated water will depress feed intake and reduce animal production.
Water contaminated by urine and faeces will contain high nitrate levels, which can be detected by pH testing the water. Generally speaking, if you would not drink your livestock water yourself at a pinch, then it is not good water.
If the main water source is bore water, there are limited ways of improving water quality, usually through the use of water additives or extra equipment in the bore to reduce dissolved minerals and salts.
Water testing laboratories will be able to advise of suitable products for improving bore water quality.