Symptoms include infertility, reduced gains, abortions, respiratory distress and eventually death. Water for animal consumption must contain no coliform bacteria for calves, and coliform count should be under 10 per 100 milliliters for adult cattle. Bacterial polluted water may increase susceptibility or contribute to a variety of calf and cow disease problems. A raised base around tanks helps to keep manure contamination problems to a minimum. Cleaning tanks and water bowls to prevent build-up of old feed and other debris is important.
Many commercial laboratories offer water testing services.
To obtain information about where water can be tested, contact your local Extension Office. Expected levels for common water quality tests are given in Table III . Analysis of Water Supplies. Water Quality for Dairy Cattle . Pennsylvania State University.