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Small Farms
Loamy and sandy soils and shallow groundwater indicate areas that are easily polluted. Both water wells and wellheads should be installed according to state codes and located uphill of livestock feeding areas and runoff water. Supply less manure on loamy and sandy soils that are close to groundwater because they tend to allow liquids to flow easily through them. Stop using cisterns or hand-dug wells located near feeding sites. Properly plug any watering system that is no longer being used.
Animals should have a clean and reliable source of drinking water. Letting animals drink in a stream is the same as dumping a small amount of their manure in the stream everyday. Providing water from a water bowl, water tank, or automatic waterer keeps both the stream and your animals healthy. An alternative solution is to limit your animal's access to streams or ponds with a watering ramp.
Page developed and maintained by Chris Henry, University of Nebraska Extension
