This factsheet discusses the evaluation of well water quality, possible health and production problems from consuming poor quality water and ways of preventing or overcoming these difficulties. Other factors, such as the age or health status of the pig, must be considered because they affect the response of individual animals. Task Force on Water Quality Guidelines, 1987. Microbiology Water may contain a variety of micro-organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Examples are Salmonella spp.
Water can also carry pathogenic protozoa as well as eggs or cysts of intestinal worms.
Iron bacteria may infest some wells. Physical standards Physical properties of water, such as temperature, relate more to aesthetics than to health or safety. Colour has little to do with acceptability, but may indicate the presence of other contaminants. Turbidity refers to minute particles suspended in the water. Water may be unsafe to drink if the turbidity is caused by waste material of human, animal or industrial origin.