Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Careful handling of wastes from animal production makes it possible to receive some benefit from these wastes. Improperly managed wastes, however, can contribute nutrients and disease causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater.
Young livestock are also susceptible to health problems from high nitrate-nitrogen levels.
Microorganisms in livestock waste can contaminate groundwater, causing such infectious diseases as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. Organic materials that lend an undesirable taste and odor to drinking water are not known to be dangerous to health, but their presence does suggest that other contaminants may be flowing into groundwater. Follow the directions at the top of the chart on the page three. It should take you about 15-30 minutes to complete this worksheet and figure out your rank. This text was extracted from the publication, EP48.