An Introduction to Watering Facilities

Providing livestock with reliable access to clean drinking water is a key component of both animal health and pasture management. A watering facility is a structure that provides drinking water for livestock. The point at which the animal gets water is also called a waterer. These systems are designed to meet animal water needs while also supporting improved resource management across the landscape.

Watering facilities are often used as an alternative to direct access to natural water sources such as streams. By placing water where it is needed, producers can improve productivity distribution, protect water quality, and support conservation goals.

Why Use Watering Facilities?

Watering facilities serve multiple purposes on a farm. They supply clean, fresh drinking water, which supports overall animal health. They also reduce the time and labor required to haul water and make it easier to manage animals within a pasture system.

From a land and water stewardship perspective, watering facilities play an essential role in pasture and watershed health. By keeping livestock out of surface water, these systems help:

• Reduce nutrient and sediment loading from manure
• Protect streambanks from erosion caused by animals entering and exiting waterways
• Improve overall stream health and water quality

Watering facilities can also support grazing systems such as rotational grazing by encouraging livestock to utilize different areas of a pasture more evenly.

Types of Watering Systems

There are two primary types of watering systems:

Gravity Systems

Gravity systems rely on a water source that is at a higher elevation than the point of use. These systems are generally simple and relatively inexpensive. They often use a float valve to maintain water levels in a tank or trough. Because they do not require pumps, gravity systems can be a practical option where the landscape allows.

Pressure Systems

Pressure systems use a pump to move water from the source to the waterer. These systems typically require more intensive design and installation, making them often more expensive than gravity systems. However, they can be used in locations where gravity flow is not feasible.

Combination Systems

Some systems use both gravity and pressure to supply water. Pumps can be used to move water uphill to a storage location. Then, it is delivered to waterers via gravity flow.

Selecting a Watering Facility

Several factors should be considered when selecting a watering facility:

• Animal demands: Different livestock species have different water requirements. Penn State Extension provides a resource to estimate livestock water needs, which can guide system design and sizing.
• Storage needs: Will a tank or trough be needed to store water? Gravity systems often require ample storage, and the waterer itself can also serve as storage. Water sources with insufficient flow typically require greater storage capacity.
• Location: Site conditions matter. There should be enough flat ground around the waterer to stabilize the area. Additionally, it is very efficient when a single waterer can serve multiple paddocks.
• Management goals: Placement can influence animal movement and pasture use. Also consider whether the watering system will be used in the winter.

Common Water Sources

In Pennsylvania, common water sources for watering facilities include:

• Streams
• Wells
• Springs

Each source has its own considerations related to reliability, design, and resource protection. Water should always be tested before use. Information on testing water for livestock can be found Penn State Extension website.

A Tool for Animal, Resource, and Farm Management

Watering facilities are a valuable tool for supporting livestock health while also protecting streams and pastures. With a variety of systems and waterer types, farmers can find the right option for them! These systems can help producers manage grazing more effectively and reduce the labor required to haul water. Proper watering facilities help mitigate adverse environmental impacts on streambanks and water quality. When thoughtfully designed, they can contribute to healthier watersheds across Pennsylvania.

References

Burns, R. T., & Buschermohle, M. J. (n.d.). Selection of alternative livestock watering systems (PB 1641). University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2024, September). Conservation practice standard: Watering facility (Code 614). Pennsylvania Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2022, July). Small scale solutions for your farm: Watering facility.