What is it?

Alternate water sources are off-stream watering areas for livestock. This offers protection to riparian vegetation, improves stream water quality, and provides a permanent, clean source of water for livestock. Access to alternate water sources in upland pastures are often preferred by livestock, can improve livestock health, and can improve production (especially when used in conjuction with alternate shade sources and grazing systems ). Supplemental feed (like protein or salt) areas are often implemented along with alternate water sources to provide a more efficient grazing system on the ranch and increase utilization of upland pastures.

(photo from Arkansas Economic Development Commission)

Conservation Benefits

• reduces streambank erosion
• reduces deposition of manure in and along streams improving water quality
• reduces damage to riparian vegetation

What does it include?

Developement and implementation of alternate water systems will depend on size of the herd, size of the ranch, grazing systems, and access to water sources. Many ranches will dig a well and use a pump system to provide a permanent water source. Other types of systems include gravity systems, fuel pumps, solar pumps, and hauling water. Technical experts should be consulted to determine the best approach for the ranch.