SDSU Extension offers an on-site livestock water testing service at all SDSU Extension Regional Extension Centers and several SDSU Extension County Offices throughout the state.
"It is critical to monitor livestock water quality, because poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal. In some cases, death could occur within days or hours after consumption of contaminated waters or water deprivation," said Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.
Water samples can be taken to one of the sites listed below in a clean plastic or glass container including water or pop bottles, jelly jars etc.
A quick test is conducted free of charge with an electro-conductivity (EC) meter to determine total salts in the water. After consultation with an SDSU Extension field or state specialists, Salverson said additional laboratory testing may be suggested.
"The appearance of water can be deceiving and the clearest of water can be the worse," she said. "Additionally, some water sources regardless if it has been dry or wet can be high in total salts. Therefore, continuous monitoring of water quality and quantity are important to maintain a productive livestock program."
Sites for Livestock Water Testing
Below is a complete list of SDSU Extension locations where testing is offered and staff to contact.
SDSU Extension County Offices and Regional Centers
County Offices | Staff | Phone # |
Aurora | Tina Kieffer | 942-7754 |
Beadle | Jane Ondricek | 353-8436 |
Bennett County | Mary Kay Sells | 685-6972 |
Butte/Lawrence | Cindy Riley | 892-3371 |
Charles Mix | Stephanie Chambliss | 487-7666 |
Clark | Josie Michalski | 532-3681 |
Corson | Dawne Donner | 273-4368 |
Dewey | Marty Hintz | 865-3652 |
Douglas | Annie Rankin | 724-2719 |
Haakon/Jackson | Sheryl Hansen | 859-2840 |
Hamlin | Deb Goebel | 783-3656 |
Hanson | Shannon Tegethoff | 239-4542 |
Harding | Tonja Montgomery Hansen | 375-3412 |
Jones | Angie Kinsley | 669-7101 |
McPherson | Jackie Rau | 439-3331 |
Miner | Maria Feldhaus | 772-4661 |
Potter | Amy Wager | 765-9414 |
Roberts | Jill Pistorius | 698-7627 |
Spink | Amy Herman | 472-5006 |
Walworth | Brenda DeToy | 649-7607 |
Mellette County | Kaycee Jones | 259-3385 |
Will be a drop off location | | |
Regional Extension Centers | Phone Number | |
Aberdeen Regional Center | 626-2870 | |
Lemmon Regional Center | 374-4177 | |
Mitchell Regional Center | 995-7378 | |
Pierre Regional Center | 773-8120 | |
Rapid City Regional Center | 394-1722 | |
Sioux Falls Regional Center | 782-3290 | |
Watertown Regional Center | 882-5140 | |
Winner Regional Center | 842-1267 | |
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Source: MMPA