Gallagher Expert Series: Exploring Water Systems

Key Water Considerations

Always turn livestock into paddocks with filled troughs. If they think water is in short supply, competition is fierce. If you’ve left livestock without water, try to rotate to new grass to occupy the livestock while filling the trough. Mobile water from a water wagon can work extremely well with small ruminants and can be used as supplementary water with cattle. 

Just like other attractants such as minerals, hay, and shade, water can be used to attract livestock to trample, increase utilization, and drop nutrients in strategic areas. In general, it is best to separate these attractants 300’ or more apart to improve animal distribution and avoid creating a camp, which has a negative impact on a small area.

If you do not have the resources for fencing and water, controlling access to water points is a good option. Cattle are so drawn to water that they will graze close to the water point, so you can close off one water point and open another to improve grazing management. With a little livestock handling, you can improve your forage utilization.

Water is the least expensive nutrient on most farms, and prioritizing water access and quality creates a resilient landscape that supports both nature and livestock.   Explore common water systems below.

 

Pipelines

Pipelines can be buried or left above ground. When burying pipelines, place below the frost line in your area. “In my area of South Central Kentucky, an 18” depth works well. If you use above-ground pipe, use a high PSI rating of 210 and always buy the pipe and compression fittings from the same supplier to ensure they match the pipe diameters,” explains Greg Brann.

 

Gravity Systems

Gravity systems can be fed from a pond, a spring, or a tank placed on a hill using a minimum pipe size of one and a quarter inch. Usually, gravity flow systems are used below a pond or spring, or where a low flow system is pumped to a tank on a hill, then gravity flows from there. It is always wise to place a quick coupler in high and low-elevation locations in case the system is air-locked, or you want to drain the system.

Gravity water can even go downhill and back up almost as high as the original elevation of water.  Every 2.31’ of fall builds one psi, and every 2.31’ in elevation takes one psi. Different float valves require minimum psi to operate. Usually, it takes a minimum of 5 psi to operate, so that requires roughly 12’ of fall. Measure the fall and contribution to psi from the water level in the pond to the valve.

 

Catchment Basins

Catchment basins, such as embankment ponds, are typically located downslope in drainage ways.  The ideal pond site is one with a gentle slope, narrow between hills, and a suitable location for a spillway. The ratio of watershed acres to pond acres varies depending on your location, rainfall, land cover, evaporation, etc. A good rule of thumb is a 10-acre watershed for each acre of the pool area. If you don’t have enough watersheds, you can divert water with a diversion or terraces to bring more water to the drainage way feeding the pond. Water captured high on the landscape has many possibilities.

We encourage everyone, when constructing a pond, to place a supply pipe through the dam so water can be piped down and used for livestock, irrigation, or utility. Excavated (pit) ponds are an option in flatter areas or on ridges.

If cattle are allowed to enter ponds, limit access to the pond to a point with a gentle slope where water doesn’t flow. Ideally build a ramp on a 5:1 slope with geotextile fabric underneath crusher run rock. Ponds often fill in from erosion of banks where cattle enter, and the hoof action of cattle stirs up sediment, which lowers water quality.

 

Roof Water

Roof water can be captured with a gutter system and stored in water tanks for use between rainfall events. Outlet gutters high to allow for gravity flow to storage tanks. If the water is for livestock, calculate water needs by multiplying the number of animals by their daily needs. It is typically best not to depend on a cistern, but it can be very beneficial, especially if the distance to dependable water is some distance away. A 100’ x 30’roof in a one-inch rainfall will capture 1890 gallons of water. 

 

Automatic Waterers

Automatic waterers provide a reliable and consistent water supply, ensuring that livestock always have access to clean, fresh water. These systems reduce labor by eliminating the need for manual refilling and minimize water wastage through controlled dispensing. By offering a consistent water source, automatic waterers enhance animal health and productivity, leading to better weight gain and overall performance. Additionally, they contribute to improved farm efficiency by freeing up time for other important tasks and reducing the stress associated with managing water supply, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

 

Mobile Water

Mobile water is another option to explore. This option is particularly beneficial in rotational grazing. Small water troughs work well because they can easily be dumped and moved or moved on a sled. The key to small water troughs is fast refill with full-flow valves. A cow can drink as much as 5 gallons per minute, so if you have ever tried to fill a trough with five heads in it you’ll understand why this small suggestion is crucial when using mobile troughs. You would need 25 gallons per minute just to keep up with their intake; it’s a stressful situation for both you and your animals. 

 

Water Monitoring

Manually checking water tanks is time-consuming, inefficient, and potentially risky in large or remote farms. Running out of water can put livestock health and operations at risk, while hidden leaks or overflows lead to wasted resources and unexpected costs. Water Tank Monitoring systems can solve these challenges by providing water level data and alerts via an app, eliminating the need for physical checks. With cellular or satellite connectivity, ranchers can get alerts when levels drop, preventing shortages and mitigating livestock health risks.

 

This article was written in collaboration with expert agricultural consultant Greg Brann

Greg Brann Consulting is renowned for Greg’s extensive knowledge of soil health, grass and livestock management systems, and plant identification. With over 40 years of experience in land and pasture management, Greg has developed tailored land management plans that offer practical ideas to help clients achieve their goals. With a BS degree in Plant and Soil Science and extensive experience as the State Grazing Land Soil Health Specialist, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.