Alternative Watering Sources
Watering livestock
Even with good herd genetics and excellent forage, water is still the most important factor in a livestock operation. Yet in most operations the water quality of existing sources is taken for granted. Many livestock producers use ponds or streams as a watering source. These watering sources seem to offer an adequate supply of fresh water, when in reality it may be costing you more, through lost production due to poor water quality. Fencing your pond and stream and providing an alternative watering source may reduce the negative impacts of poor water quality on your cattle while improving the stream and pond resource. Most alternative systems pump water from a nearby pond, stream or well to a storage tank. These systems provide clean water for your cattle while helping to maintain clean streams and ponds.
What will improved water quality do for you?
Clean water can increase beef cow and dairy production while increasing your profits. The Alternative Watering Systems provide a fresh supply of clean water for your cattle. Cattle manure in the water is a source of bacteria and germs which can cause a loss of production and disease. So, providing drinking water in a manner that prevents them from standing in it can reduce the loss of production and lower the risk of disease. Alternative Watering Systems can also help you reduce soil erosion. Getting the cattle out of streams will allow the vegetation to grow back on the stream banks where it had been trampled. As the vegetation grows, it will hold your soil in place. More vegetation will mean more filtering capacity to remove sediment from runoff, decreased flood velocities, wildlife habitat on the bank and it will also improve fish habitat in your stream.
Alternative Watering Systems can be used in conjunction with planned grazing systems that will allow the cattleman to maximize production while decreasing overhead costs and soil erosion.
There are many forms of Alternative Watering Systems from traditional pumps, nose pumps, ram pumps and solar pumps. Solar pumps are a unique way to harvest the sun's energy for a power source. After the initial cost is recovered, solar watering systems are inexpensive alternatives that will put money in your pocket.
How does a Solar Watering System work?
Solar watering systems require no fuel--all they need is sunlight. Solar panels absorb energy from the sun. This energy is converted to electricity that charges a battery. The battery powers the pump and the pump provides clean water to a storage tank nearby. Using solar energy is cheaper than running power lines to remote locations. The solar unit is self-contained after it is set up. Water can be pumped to a storage tank from a nearby pond, stream or well.
What type of systems are there?
There are two types of solar watering systems: direct drive and battery equipped. Direct drive systems pump only during daylight hours. A battery equipped system is a little more expensive, but allows you to pump water day or night. A battery equipped system is best for larger operations that demand greater amounts of water. The batteries can store energy to operate the pump for several days.
Using tires as storage tanks
Construction equipment tires make excellent watering troughs at a huge savings to the landowner. Since businesses must pay for their disposal, used tires can usually be acquired at no cost other than the time to pick them up.
Once the tire is in your possession the top rim must be cut out and discarded. The tire should then be placed on a leveled area and the plumbing mounted in it. When this is done concrete is to be poured into the bottom until it is even with the bead. The interior need not be filled. The tire is strong enough and heavy enough to not need additional weight or reinforcement. Though time consuming to build the troughs from these tires have many advantages.
They are flexible enough that freezing will not cause them to crack. When they do freeze they may be "bumped" with a tractor or similar vehicle to break the ice free, causing no damage to the trough.
How can I afford this system?
Cost-share programs with the Department of Conservation can reimburse you up to 75 percent of the cost. Solar watering works with any other land management programs you might be interested in. Contact the Fisheries Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation for more information on solar systems or your local NRCS, Soil & Water Conservation District or University Extension Office for information on other land management programs.
The Conservation Department has a detailed booklet, "Watering Livestock With Solar Water Pumping Systems," with complete instructions and illustrations to build your own alternative watering system. To obtain a copy or learn more about other incentives available to you, contact your local fisheries biologist or private land conservatonist.
