Livestock and Water Quality
Improper livestock management can lead to degraded water quality. Managing stock yards correctly can protect water sources on private properties, and those further downstream.
Tools & Resources
tractorLearn about water management on small farms to protect water quality.
tractor
Learn about water management on small farms to protect water quality.
fertilizerFind information to help prevent excess nutrients entering our waterbodies.
fertilizer
Find information to help prevent excess nutrients entering our waterbodies.
cowFind USU Extension resources about manure management on your property.
cow
Find USU Extension resources about manure management on your property.
Pond Management
Many Utahns have private ponds, which can be used for recreational purposes or for animals. Because these bodies of water are privately owned, it is up to the owner to setpersonal water quality standards. It is important to manage the quality of this water to keep animals and people free from illness and to be a good neighbor by protecting the local watershed.
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Best Livestock Management Practices (BMPs)
Livestock can increase erosion along stream banks and introduce pollutants into bodies of water when not managed properly. Activities on your land can threaten the quality of your well water and waterbodies, but also may threaten downstream waters and neighboring wells. Protect your land for generations by learning about and implementing BMPs.
Nutrient and Pesticide Management
Chemical contamination of ground water from fertilizers or pesticides can threaten the health of local bodies of water as well as complicate the selling or transfer of land. Proper storage and usage practices of these materials can prevent health concerns and protect wildlife.
Fertilizer Storage
Storing fertilizer properly is a simple way to reduce point source pollution that occur from fertilizer spills and container failures. Learn more about proper storage areas, containers, and loading pads.
Nutrient Application for Water Quality
The use of fertilizer can improve soil nutrients, positively influencing crop yields. However, if used excessively, fertilizer can negatively impact water quality by overloading water systems with nutrients- a state called eutrophication- causing algal bl...
Irrigation Water
The quality of water entering an agricultural area is extremely important for the area's success. Many factors can impact the quality of your irrigation water, such as salt concentrations and pH, which in turn affects crop health.
Irrigation Water Frequently Asked Questions
Irrigation water comes from a variety of sources. Irrigation water is not treated, making it have negative impacts on human health and crop yields.