Along with feed, hydration is an essential aspect of raising healthy and robust cattle. Cattle water tanks must offer clean, tasty drinking water to your livestock, which can be challenging for several reasons. Keep in mind that under the ideal circumstances, an adult cow will consume up to 30 gallons of water per day. Here are a few ways you can ensure your livestock has a steady supply of fresh, clean water. 

3 Essential Ways to Keep Cattle Water Tanks Clean

1. Cover the Tank or Keep It in a Shaded Area

Tank placement is a crucial concern. When your tank is situated in direct sunlight, it can actually accelerate bacteria growth. To keep water cool, place your tank in a shaded area on your property to discourage bacteria growth. If you can’t find the right shaded location, erect a cover over it to prevent excessive sun exposure. 

2 Check for Dirt, Leaves, & Other Debris

Debris can easily make its way into your tank, including things like leaves and dirt. These items reduce the water quality and can be even toxic to your livestock. Check the water source frequently and remove any floating debris. 

Water testing is also encouraged; when it comes to pH levels, 7 is the goal, as this is neutral. pH levels lower than 7 mean that water is more acidic, while anything above 7 is too alkaline.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is another important factor. When it comes to salinity, fewer than 1,000 TDS mg/L is ideal, although 1,000 TDS mg/L through 2,999 TDS mg/L is considered satisfactory. 

3. Prevent Algae From Growing

Even if you’re diligent about checking your water, you should still take steps to deter growth. Some people go the natural route and keep goldfish in their cattle water tanks.

While they’re effective at clearing away algae, they can’t survive cold winter weather. In this case, you’ll need to use other options to keep the water clean.

Surprisingly, adding a small amount of bleach to water is highly effective. Chlorine, which is a component of bleach, is how municipal water supplies are kept clean, so it stands to reason that it would also work for cattle. For the best results, add two or three ounces for every 50 gallons of water in the tank. 

While cattle water tank maintenance is important, design and construction are also crucial. Along with their many other essential precast concrete services, Olson Precast Concrete LLC can also help construct a water tank to ensure your livestock have access to clean, fresh water. They also offer other farm supplies, including feed bunks. Get a free estimate today by calling (417) 256-1500. You can also check out the full range of services online.