Water quality will be adversely affected by increased bacterial load due to defecation and sediment load from livestock disturbing the banks and bed of the watercourse. If livestock can be kept out of the watercourse, their own health will be protected and the downstream environment will benefit. The first step towards improving water quality is to fence livestock out of the watercourse altogether. Refer to the OMAF Factsheets listed in the references for details on fencing. An alternate water supply for the livestock must be provided if the stream source is fenced off.
Cattle activate a diaphragm pump with their nose to fill a water bowl.
One nose pump has the ability to water a maximum of 30 animals. The units are easily installed for seasonal use. No auxiliary power is required. Material and installation costs are minimal. The nearby watercourse may be utilized as the source, or groundwater from a shallow well may be retrieved relatively easy.