Getting water infrastructure for stock containment sorted

Clem Sturmfels and Brad Costin, Agriculture Victoria

Getting the infrastructure required for supplying adequate quality water to stock that are confined, is critical to ensure continual access.

Peak demand

Knowing the daily peak demand is essential when designing a reticulated water supply system. This information is needed to ensure the correct size of pumps, tanks, troughs and pipelines.

A reticulated water supply system needs to deliver the daily peak demand in 4 hours. This is to ensure all stock have a chance to drink on a regular basis.

As an example, the minimum flow rate required in a stock containment area is:

• 21 L per minute for 500 dry sheep
• 67 L per minute for 160 dry cattle.

Water supply design

When planning for a stock containment area it is important to consider:

• quality
• quantity
• reliability.

The water supply system should ideally be fed by gravity and have at least 4 days of storage in reserve. A typical set-up consists of 1 or more tanks located on a nearby hill or adjacent to the stock containment area. In flat country, tanks can be placed on a mound of earth to provide adequate pressure. The pipes and fittings need to be large enough to ensure peak flow rates can be met simultaneously at all outlets within the stock containment area.

Troughs

Well-designed water troughs are an essential component of a stock containment area. Troughs and associated fittings need to be high quality, durable and livestock proof.

Size

Troughs need to be a sufficient size to allow all stock to drink on a regular basis. Typically a suitable trough for 500 sheep or 160 cattle would have 8 to 10 metres of accessible trough edge, with a storage capacity of 400 to 600 litres.

Maintenance

Troughs need to be emptied and cleaned every 1 to 2 days.

A long shallow trough with a smooth internal profile, gate valve and large outlet bung will make cleaning quick and efficient.

Water levels

The water level in the trough must be kept close to full at all times. This requires a well-designed water supply system along with a suitable trough outlet or float valve. The float valve must be high quality, have an appropriate capacity and pressure rating and be fully protected with a durable, stock-proof cover.

Construction

Stock troughs are commonly constructed from steel, concrete and polyethylene. Concrete is the preferred material because of its durability, strength and ability to maintain water at a more constant temperature.

Plumbing fittings such as taps, risers and elbows can be easily damaged by stock. These fittings need to be high quality, securely fixed to the trough or be protected with a suitable cover. The preferred option is to select a trough where all the fittings are fully enclosed within the trough design.

Location

Troughs should be placed on a raised pad of gravel, stone or concrete to ensure good drainage and stability. They should also be located away from feeding areas to minimise water contamination.

Find out more about water supply for stock containment areas.