Experts in the water quality field often disagree on the “proper” way to treat water whether it is for human consumption, animal, or industrial. What they do agree on is the theory behind treatment. Focusing on theory, rather than the performance of different water treatments in the agriculture industry, the key components of treatment include pH adjustment, initial disinfection, solids reduction, and residual disinfection.
Research continues to show pH as a major factor in agricultural drinking water. The pH of the water, and the chemicals that adjust it, not only affect the palatability of the water but also the ability to effectively disinfect the water. The desired pH of the water is dependent on the type of animal and nutritional profile associated with it. How far to adjust the pH is still up for debate as the more adjustment required, the more chemical is necessary, and the longer the return on investment.
Initial disinfection is another point not up for debate. Making sure the water entering the facility is free of bacterial, viral, or fungal contamination is generally accepted by all water treatment specialists. All initial disinfectants have advantages and disadvantages over their counterparts. Some kill faster than others, some increase palatability, some decrease it, and some are not economically feasible. Others utilize technology with known resistances in the agriculture industry while others take a broad spectrum approach. Selecting the best disinfectant for the application is up to the sales person, consultant, and customer to decide from the information available.
Solids reduction includes filtration, sequestration, or chemically changing the molecule. Most people agree that some solids are important in water, but at what levels is not agreed upon. Filtration is one of the easiest ways to remove solids. Until recently there was little emphasis put on filter size. Now that technology has caught up with the research, filtration methods exist that are sized specifically for the agriculture industry using familiar techniques. These include reusable canisters and cartridges that can be washed instead of thrown away, self-cleaning filters that automate the cleaning process, and filtration pore sizes that fit industry standards.
Residual disinfection is also very important on farms. Most drinker systems are not fully “closed” systems, meaning they allow air inside of the water line or the drinkers are exposed to the environment. This is necessary to maintain the proper pressure and volume at the drinker for the animal, as well as maintain their ability to drink it. Residual disinfection is maintaining a level of disinfectant in the water to kill any pathogens that may enter the water line after initial treatment. This residual can be the same chemical used for initial disinfection, but at a level to sustain killing power all the way to the mouth of the animal. These disinfectants have the same pros and cons as their initial disinfectant cousins and selection of the proper chemical is very important.
To aid in the selection of the proper chemicals and application techniques, water sampling of facilities is necessary. This creates a baseline of water quality. Once this starting point is known, and the final water profile is determined, the selection process becomes easier and customized to the facility. Samples should be taken at the raw water inlet as far forward as is feasible (typically from the well via pressure tank) and another as far away as possible, preferably to mimic what the animals are drinking (from a drinker). Comparing these two samples will allow the person doing the analysis to determine how the water is changing in the supply lines, and give a more complete picture of what the animals are actually drinking, and subsequently how to treat it for their optimum health and performance.
Lastly, supply line cleaning, whether routinely during the growing cycle, or at the end of a turn, is extremely important. Not only does this clear the lines of potential habitats for the biology to inhabit and grow, but this ensures proper volume is going to the animals. As we continue to push the limits of our facilities with more animals and larger animals, water volume is of utmost importance to their performance and health. A producer can have the best water in the world, but if they cannot get enough of it to the animals, it doesn’t matter.
