If there is a question of water quality, it should be tested to obtain optimum production, especially in dairy, broiler, layer or swine operations. Salinity refers to salts dissolved in water. One gram of sulfate per liter may result in scours. Salts such as sodium-chloride change the electrolyte balance and intracellular pressure in the body, producing a form of dehydration. Salts also place a strain on the kidneys.
Excess fluoride causes degeneration of the teeth.
High salt concentrations that are less than toxic, may actually cause an increase in water consumption. Animals may refuse to drink high saline water for many days, followed by a period where they drink a large amount. They may then become sick or die. The tolerance of animals to salts in water depends on factors such as water requirements, species, age, physiological condition, season of the year and salt content of the total diet as well as the water. Animals, however, have the ability to adapt to saline water quite well, but abrupt changes from waters of low salts to waters of high salts concentations may cause harm while gradual changes do not.