Environmental factors, such as temperature, can also affect the suitability of water for livestock drinking. Under heat stress, animals consume larger volumes of water and thus greater levels of water contaminants, which in turn may affect their health. Water quality may also affect equipment used in the livestock industry. The quality requirements for equipment and sanitation may be higher than for consumption. For example, restricted-flow watering devices may become clogged by the buildup of minerals, sediment particles, or organic growth.
Acidic water can cause pipes to corrode.
Water that is highly alkaline or high in calcium and magnesium can cause scale to build up in pipes and on other equipment. Concentrations of total dissolved solids greater than 3000 milligrams per litre negatively affect the health and performance of livestock, causing greater urine output and, in dairy cows, lower milk production. They can, however, indicate organic or inorganic contamination and should not be ignored. Trace elements are chemical elements normally present in very small amounts in living organisms. Toxic substances may be found in water, either naturally or as a result of pollution from human activities.