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Off-Source Watering Systems for Livestock

Description

This information sheet looks at the benefits of using off-source watering systems for livestock, to protect both natural and constructed water sources from environmental damage and to address herd... More ≫

Description

This information sheet looks at the benefits of using off-source watering systems for livestock, to protect both natural and constructed water sources from environmental damage and to address herd health problems.

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Small earth fill dams

Description

Earth fill dams are a good alternative to dugouts where larger volumes of water must be stored at a reasonable cost and suitable site conditions exist. Proper design and construction is essential... More ≫

Description

Earth fill dams are a good alternative to dugouts where larger volumes of water must be stored at a reasonable cost and suitable site conditions exist. Proper design and construction is essential for dams; otherwise they will fail from washouts or seepage losses. If water quantity is your main priority, then a dam could be the best option. If better water quality is the important factor, a dugout is probably a better option. Take the time to properly plan, construct, inspect and maintain your dam, and it will be a valuable water resource for your farm for many years to come.

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Pitless adaptors

Description

Pitless adaptors are mechanical devices used to provide frost free, sanitary well connections. They are designed to replace pump houses, which are expensive, and well pits, which are no longer... More ≫

Description

Pitless adaptors are mechanical devices used to provide frost free, sanitary well connections. They are designed to replace pump houses, which are expensive, and well pits, which are no longer legal in Alberta.

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Farm water supply requirements

Description

All farms in Alberta require a safe and dependable supply of good water. To accomplish this goal requires some planning. Start by estimating the average daily water requirements and annual water... More ≫

Description

All farms in Alberta require a safe and dependable supply of good water. To accomplish this goal requires some planning. Start by estimating the average daily water requirements and annual water requirements.

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Removing hydrogen sulphide from water

Description

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a dissolved gas that gives water a characteristic “rotten egg” taste and odour. It corrodes piping, creates odours in the house and turns water black. Homemakers will... More ≫

Description

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a dissolved gas that gives water a characteristic “rotten egg” taste and odour. It corrodes piping, creates odours in the house and turns water black. Homemakers will notice that it can change sterling silver to black almost instantly. H2S can cause odour problems at a concentration level as low as 0.05 mg/L in well water.

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Frost-free yard hydrants

Description

Frost-free yard hydrants are installed to provide water to various locations in the farmyard during all seasons of the year. They are manufactured and installed in such a way that they will... More ≫

Description

Frost-free yard hydrants are installed to provide water to various locations in the farmyard during all seasons of the year. They are manufactured and installed in such a way that they will operate throughout the winter without auxiliary heat.

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Remote pasture water systems for livestock

Description

No matter the size of a livestock watering system, proper planning and design play an important role in its effectiveness. Good installation cannot compensate for an inadequate water source. Good... More ≫

Description

No matter the size of a livestock watering system, proper planning and design play an important role in its effectiveness. Good installation cannot compensate for an inadequate water source. Good quality water and sufficient quantity are both vital to livestock. Dugout and off-stream livestock watering systems are an important tool in protecting water sources, riparian areas and livestock.

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Dissolved gases in well water

Description

Dissolved gases in well water are a common occurrence in Alberta. The major gases found in wells are methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Information on hydrogen sulfide, a gas... More ≫

Description

Dissolved gases in well water are a common occurrence in Alberta. The major gases found in wells are methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Information on hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a rotten egg odour, is discussed in Agrifacts 716 (D14) Removing Hydrogen Sulphide from Water, so hydrogen sulfide will not be discussed in this publication. Common problems with methane and carbon dioxide are “spurting” taps and priming problems (gas locking) in pumps. The gas problem varies in severity – from occasional “spurting” from the hot water taps to a constant flow of gas from the well casing.

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Pressure tanks

Description

A pressure tank is required in a farm water system to maintain pressure in the system when the pump is not in operation. The amount of water that can be taken from the system between pump cycles... More ≫

Description

A pressure tank is required in a farm water system to maintain pressure in the system when the pump is not in operation. The amount of water that can be taken from the system between pump cycles is called the “draw off.”

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Hydrated lime treatment improves dugout water quality

Description

Although the dugout liming treatment has proven to be successful, it is only one management tool available for improving water quality. Aeration, sedimentation controls and other methods of algae... More ≫

Description

Although the dugout liming treatment has proven to be successful, it is only one management tool available for improving water quality. Aeration, sedimentation controls and other methods of algae and weed control should also be used. Liming has worked successfully on most dugouts; however, a small percentage of dugouts have not shown improvement after treatment by a qualified liming company. Dugouts with a high level of organic color (yellow to brown) fit into this category. It is recommended that another coagulant such as aluminum sulphate be considered instead of the hydrated lime. It is much more effective on dugouts with a high level of dissolved color

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