Water Lines

In most cases a system of above ground water distribution lines along fences connected to portable watering tanks or tubs using quick-disconnect couplings will be the most economical and labor saving (See figure 2: Quick Move System). Water lines must be of sufficient size to supply water at high enough pressure and volume to keep the tank from being drunk dry and tipped over. Pipe size of 1 inch or greater is needed to move water 500 feet or more.  To maintain water supply, it works best to use larger diameter tubing to transport water to the pasture and smaller diameter tubing to distribute water to the paddocks.  A booster pump may be needed for long distances.  Water lines should be black plastic to prevent algae growth.  Vegetation will soon cover lines laid on top of the ground and keep the water cool.  The water supply must be sufficient enough to keep the tub from being emptied.  Once a tub is emptied, it can easily be pushed around and tipped over by the animals and not function properly.

Figure 2: Quick Move System,
Source: Pasture Prophet, May 1992

A list of watering system vendors is shown in Appendix A. 

Approximate watering system component costs are given in Appendix B

Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine

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Last Modified: 08/05/03
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Dairy & Livestock Office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
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