Armed with an aerial map from the local Farm Services Agency and a topographical map, he drew out a plan before any lines were laid. After drawing up his plan, McIntire began installing underground pipe and quick couplers to provide water sources for cattle in each pasture. Water for McIntire's system comes from a well near his house, which is uphill from his pastures. Having the well uphill from the system insures that water flow to distant tanks will be at least 5 gallons per minute. Lower flow rates would require larger tanks than the 60-gallon units McIntire uses.
Quick couplers set in wells allow tanks to be moved with animals.
In all, he has installed 3,500 feet of pipe and six quick couplers. A 1-inch trunk line feeds the pasture water system. McIntire says placing black plastic pipe on top of the ground in direct sunlight isn't desirable. On hot summer days, the water heats to scorching temperatures. Pipes should be shaded or buried to keep the water temperature lower than a cow's body temperature.