Livestock Drinking Water

Testing water is an important ongoing practice that agricultural producers must incorporate into their operation routines. In this section, discover more about testing and treating water for agriculture. Find information on water testing parameters and interpreting analysis reports. Get tips and advice on buying water treatment equipment and making safe use of agricultural water.

Agricultural Water Testing

Good quality water is important for growing healthy crops and ensuring the wellbeing of livestock. The best way to learn about the quality and safety of agricultural water is by having it tested. Agricultural water testing can determine whether any contaminants are present and help decide on a possible treatment option.

Basic water quality testing kits for greenhouse crops can be found at local hardware, pool, and pet supply stores. These kits are often able to test important water parameters such as alkalinity, pH, and hardness.

More comprehensive water tests are recommended prior to purchasing a property or starting an operation, as well as periodically throughout the growing season. These tests are carried out by specialized laboratories, such as the Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab (AASL).

Interpreting Agricultural Water Test Results

Once your water has been tested, you will receive a test report containing all contaminants tested and their concentration in milligrams per Liter (mg/L). Knowing how to interpret water test results is key for obtaining a good overview of the water quality.

Depending on the type of test, various water quality parameters may appear in the analysis report. The irrigation water testing kit provided by AASL, for instance, covers a wide array of parameters such as pH, hardness, calcium, magnesium, boron, sodium, iron, and chloride. Other tests – including drinking water tests for dairy herds – include total dissolved solids, nitrate-nitrogen, sulfate, copper, and coliform bacteria.

To help analyze water test reports, Penn State Extension has provided a number of valuable resources, including a summary of water quality parameters with approximate levels of concern. Information on nitrates sources in private water supplies is available.

Agricultural Water Treatment and Equipment

Utilizing the appropriate equipment can successfully fix many health-based and nuisance water quality problems. As water treatment equipment can be costly, exploring other options before making a purchase may be worth it, as well. These may include developing an alternate source of water or connecting to a nearby public water supply.

If treatment is the best solution, understanding the basic water treatment processes and the pollutants they remove is essential. E. coli and coliform bacteria problems, for example, require prompt bacteria treatment. Common solutions include shock chlorination, ozonation, UV light, and boiling. Other agricultural water treatment methods include acid neutralization, distillation, chlorination, and aeration.

Additional information on testing and treating agricultural water issues can be obtained through Penn State Extension’s publications and webinars. Property owners can further access tips and advice on maintaining home water treatment systems.