The Importance of Water Tanks in Livestock Farming

What is an Agricultural Water Tank?

An agricultural water tank is typically used to collect and store rainwater. The water that has been collected is then used as a water source when irrigation is needed. Depending on the needs of the farmer, different sizes can be acquired. One can also purchase multiple water tanks to ensure that one always has access to an abundant supply of water.

Water tanks are essential to many households, especially in areas with limited access to water supply or for those who want to save on their water bills, more so those keeping livestock and poultry. However, like any other piece of equipment, water tanks require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to function correctly and last for as long as possible.

Agricultural water tanks play a key role in providing irrigation water to agricultural areas. Therefore, effective management of water resources is critical to the sustainability of agriculture. Agricultural water tanks are designed to store large amounts of water for irrigation, making it possible for farmers to use water when they need it, even during dry seasons when water may be scarce.

Types of Agriculture Water Tanks

The maintenance requirements, price tags, and durability of the various types of water tanks that are available vary. Among the most popular tank types are:

Concrete water tank: These are the most expensive water tanks on the market and require professional installation. These tanks are durable and can last up to 50 years with the proper care. They are ideal for hot conditions since they are less likely to develop leaks or cracks.

An installed concrete water tank

Plastic water tanks: They are the most affordable/cheapest type of water tank and the most widely used type of water tank. They are light in weight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many households and farming businesses with limited space. However, UV radiation from the sun and general wear and tear can readily harm plastic water tanks.

Steel/metallic water tanks: They are sturdy and durable and can last for about 30 years if properly handled. These types of water tanks are less prone to damage from ultraviolet rays and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal choices for farms in areas with extreme temperatures.

Maintenance of Agricultural Water Tanks

Proper maintenance of agricultural water tanks involves several crucial steps. Firstly, ensure effective drainage of the surrounding land by creating deli-style ditches and planting grass. Remove any developing crops on the tank's surface promptly by chipping them off and applying adhesive or plaster.

Seal tank inlets or install fine wire mesh to prevent debris from entering. Prior to the onset of the following rainy season, clear out accumulated sediment and dirt from the tank. Verify the integrity of the tank's lid or cover, fixing any damage securely.

To prevent the infiltration of dirt and dust, flush out the initial rains. Clear any blockages from tank outlets to facilitate proper water flow. Regular inspections, every six months, are essential to identify leaks or damage and ensure optimal functionality.

It is imperative to clean and disinfect the tank, along with checking valves and fittings biannually. Keep a close eye on the monitoring system, conducting regular tests to ensure its accurate operation.

In case of leaks or damage, immediate repairs are paramount to prevent further harm and maintain the effective operation of the water tank.

The routine maintenance schedule for water tanks

In order for your water tank to last longer, it is paramount to establish a routine maintenance schedule. This will depend on factors such as;

1. Inspect your water tanks for leakages or damage. This should be done at least every 6(six) months.
2. Clearing and disinfecting the water tanks. This should be done at least once every year.
3. Check the water tank valves and fittings every six months to be on the safe side.
4. Testing your monitoring system regularly to ensure that water tanks are functioning correctly.

Reasons Why We Should Treat Water For Our Animals

Water treatment helps in removing contaminants and hazardous substances from the water, making it clean and safe to drink and be used for other purposes.

In order to optimize animal performance, livestock producers should therefore consider strategies for the removal of biofilm and the ongoing treatment of drinking water.

Below are the reasons why we treat water for livestock;

Illness prevention: Animals that drink water may be exposed to germs, viruses, and parasites that cause disease. By removing or reducing these microorganisms, water treatment aids in the prevention of potential illnesses.

Control of Waterborne Parasites: Water snails can act as intermediate hosts for certain parasites that infect animals. Treating water helps to control the population of these snails and the parasites they may carry.

Sediment and Debris Removal: Running water can carry sediments, debris, and organic matter that accumulate in water sources. Treating water can involve filtration and settling processes to remove these particles, ensuring cleaner water for animals to drink.

Sanitation Improvement: Water treatment is crucial in places with poor sanitation to give animals access to clean, safe water sources. Animals with contaminated water may have a range of health problems.

Odor and Taste Control: The presence of decaying organic matter, such as plants and animal remains, can result in unpleasant odors and tastes in water. Treating water helps remove these impurities, making the water more palatable and appealing to animals.

Chemical Pollution Mitigation: Chemical substances from sources like agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, or chemical drifts can pollute water sources. Treating water can involve removing or neutralizing these pollutants, ensuring the water is safe for animal consumption.

Animals often share water sources, which can lead to the transmission of illness or pollutants from one animal to another through the water supply. However, the risk of animal disease transmission is diminished due to water treatment.

Sustaining Animal Health: Animals' overall health and appropriate hydration depend on clean, treated water. Animals require access to clean water to survive, just like humans do.

Methods of Water Treatment

1). Proper Water Storage:

Storing water for a certain period allows sediments to settle at the bottom, resulting in clearer water. Some disease-causing organisms, particularly those that are sensitive to environmental conditions, may die off when water is stored undisturbed for a period of time. This can help reduce the microbial load in the water and improve its quality.

2). Boiling Water:

Water that has been heated to a boil can be used to destroy a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. As a result, drinking the water is safe for livestock and fowl. In circumstances where access to cutting-edge water treatment techniques is constrained, boiling is very helpful.

3). Water Filtering:

Water is filtered by being run through several layers of materials, including gravel, sand, charcoal, and stones. Animals can drink cleaner, safer water as a result of these layers' work, which physically and chemically removes pollutants and contaminants from the water. Filtering can assist in getting rid of germs, silt, and suspended particles.

4). Use of Chlorine (Chlorination):

Chlorine is a popular disinfectant used to treat water, working by eradicating or inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microbes. When it comes to protecting water from recontamination, even after the initial treatment, chlorination is successful in leaving behind a residual disinfectant. To ensure the water is safe to drink, it is crucial to apply chlorine cautiously and in the proper amounts.

Conclusion

Agricultural water tanks serve as indispensable tools for water collection, storage, and irrigation in farming ventures. These tanks, available in various types such as concrete, plastic, and steel, provide farmers with reliable access to water resources, especially during dry spells.

Regular maintenance practices, including effective drainage, debris prevention, sediment removal, and regular inspections, are paramount to ensuring the longevity and optimal functioning of these tanks.

Treating water for livestock is equally vital, as it safeguards animal health by removing contaminants, parasites, sediments, and pollutants. Methods like proper storage, boiling, water filtering, and chlorination offer essential pathways to ensuring clean and safe water for agricultural and animal use.