Dairy Farmers Warned to Check Water Supplies for Contamination

Dairy farmers are being urged to check their water supplies for contamination. Concerns have been raised that contaminated water could be harming animal health and farm productivity. FarmWater, a vet-led service, is offering free advice and water testing kits to dairy farmers attending the Dairy Show on October 1.

Phil Elkins, a vet at FarmWater, said: "The figures speak for themselves on how giving clean water to animals can help drive performance by preventing health issues. Bacteria in water supplies can easily spread and can lead to a significant impact on udder health, as well as other infections and diseases like cryptosporidiosis, a major cause of calf scours."

One Somerset dairy farm switched to a borehole treated by the FarmWater system 15 months ago and has since reported a 44 per cent reduction in mastitis cases. The farm also saw an 83 per cent drop in bactoscans and a 31 per cent decrease in somatic cell counts.

The FarmWater system uses a generator to create chlorine dioxide, which is tasteless and breaks down organic matter such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and biofilms. Mr Elkins said: "When water is contaminated, it affects the farms infrastructure like troughs and pipes, which can become burdened with algae and biofilms. This takes time to clean or repair; with clean, treated water this is not an issue, thereby saving on labour costs."

The treatment system is already proven in the poultry sector and is designed to work with both mains and borehole water. It ensures clean water throughout the farm’s infrastructure, including tanks, pipes, and troughs. FarmWater offers a fully managed service with veterinary support, and the system is monitored remotely by a field team.

Visitors to the Dairy Show can see the FarmWater system in action and discuss their own farm concerns. Mr Elkins said: "We will be giving free water testing kits to those who qualify to take away and send back in for analysis."