Tips for Keeping Water Troughs Clean

Water intake is directly correlated to feed intake for livestock and horses. Depending on their stage of life, daily water intake can vary from 7 to 30 gallons for cattle, 1 to 2 gallons for sheep, and around 10 gallons for horses. This is why having a clean water source available at all times is important for quality of life and maintaining daily production goals.

When ranking water sources, it is best to use groundwater when possible because it is less prone to contamination from surrounding land uses than surface water. If you need to use a surface water source, pumping that supply to a trough is the next best option. Troughs then need to be checked regularly to ensure that the water stays clean.

Without routine maintenance, water troughs, whether they are plastic, metal, or concrete, can be subject to debris or other contamination. This contamination, especially as we approach the warmer months, can lead to an increase in viruses, parasites, bacteria, and algae growing in the water.

The first step of basic maintenance is keeping the trough clear of debris. This could include leaves, hay or feed, manure, and occasionally small animals. In some cases, a net with a tight weave or a pool skimmer will help with this task. Draining troughs when not in use will prevent algae growth and keep wildlife from using the water source. When the trough is in use, keep it full, or provide a ramp to help prevent smaller wildlife from getting stuck. Using closed ball watering systems can also alleviate this issue.

In Pennsylvania, the summer months create ideal conditions for algae growth as well as viruses, parasites, and bacteria. When checking water, the water should be clear and have no noticeable odors like sewage, rotten eggs, or mold. To combat these issues, it is important to limit the addition of excess nutrients from external contaminants, such as feed and manure. This can be done by placing water at least 150 feet away from feed sources and keeping the trough on a stable surface to prevent excessive dirt or mud from splashing into it. If possible, place troughs in the shade to keep the water temperature cooler and slow algae growth by eliminating direct sunlight. Frost-free troughs work well in the cold to prevent freezing, but also help to keep the water cooler in the summer.

In addition to general cleaning of troughs on an as-needed or weekly basis to remove algae buildup or debris, water troughs should be cleaned thoroughly once or twice per year. This should be done by draining the trough and scrubbing with a mild soap or 10% bleach solution and a stiff brush. Allow the bleach solution to set for 15 minutes and then rinse at least twice before refilling with water.

In cases where persistent algae is a problem during the warmer months, adding 4 to 6 ounces of household bleach per 100 gallons may help. Copper sulfate is sometimes recommended at a rate of 1/8 teaspoon per 100 gallons, but this is not recommended for sheep, as it could cause Copper toxicity. Care should be given, too, for rations that may contain higher levels of copper, which could cause imbalances or toxicity issues in other livestock. It would be good practice to check in with your veterinarian. With regular thorough cleanings, however, this control method likely won't be necessary.

There are some recommendations for adding goldfish to a water trough to manage algae and mosquito larvae, but results are variable. This method has no impact on overall water quality and still requires frequent cleaning. You also have to be sure that the water doesn’t get too hot and protect them from predators by providing some sort of shelter within the trough.

Remember that even if the water looks clean, there could still be contamination that you can’t see. Saliva from drinking livestock can introduce a lot of bacteria and feed material. So be sure to regularly cycle fresh water into the trough and develop a cleaning schedule. If you have concerns about your water or want to know more about the water quality, livestock water testing kits are available through the Penn State Ag Analytical Lab.

If you suspect that your water is causing health problems in your livestock, reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.

References

Brantley, E., Mullinex, K., Marks, L., & Stanford, K. (2019). Keeping it clean: Livestock water tank maintenance (Publication No. ANR-2583). Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Fitzpatrick, R., Wunderly, M., Reynolds, S., Stewart, R., Fontes, P. (2022). Maintaining a clean water trough for cattle (Publication No. 1264). University of Georgia Extension. 

Catalano, D., Hathaway, M. (Reviewed 2023). Cleaning your horse's water tank. University of Minnesota Extension.