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The Ministry of Agriculture's water testing blitz is underway.
Livestock producers are encouraged to bring in a 500 millilitre to a litre sample in a clear plastic container.
The water should be taken directly from the water source that livestock are using and should include your name, sample date, the water source
and location.
Megan Roger a Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist says water testing is done free of charge at the Ministry of Agriculture Regional offices or at specific rural locations during the water blitz.
She says the water tests are free adding that this year they decided to hold testing clinics on the road as well giving producers more of an opportunity to have their water tested.
"Ground or surface water can contain varying levels of minerals or elements and depending on the type of livestock species or your stage of production and intake levels these minerals and elements can have an impact on their health and production. So for example, the number one problem element that we look out for is sulphates. We don't want to see those too high in the water as those can cause decreased feed intake and secondary copper deficiency or subsequent fertility problems."
Water testing is done free of charge at the Ministry of Agriculture Regional offices or at specific rural locations during the water blitz.
Producers can drop off water samples today and tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RM of Surprise Valley Office and tomorrow at the RM of Chaplin office prior to 3 p.m.
A reminder the tests are free for livestock water only, and there is no limit on the number of samples to be tested.
More information on upcoming site locations, dates and times can be found here.