Due to low spring runoff and below-average precipitation, access to adequate, good-quality water will be a challenge for North Dakota ranchers this spring. Many ranchers in the region still depend on surface water sources such as dugouts and stock dams to provide water for grazing livestock.

North Dakota State University Extension agents and specialists have received several reports of water sources that are either low, dried up or toxic to livestock.

Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian, says that water quality affects cattle intake and weight gain. Studies have reported improved gains by as much as a quarter of a pound per day in yearlings and one-third of a pound per day in calves that drink good-quality water.

When surface waters become low, the mineral component of the water becomes more concentrated because minerals do not evaporate with the water. Of particular concern in North Dakota are increased concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates, which can be toxic to livestock.

“For most classes of grazing livestock, the TDS in the water should be less than 5,000 parts per million,” says Dr. Galbreath.

Sulfate is part of the TDS. The recommended concentration should be less than 500 ppm for calves and less than 1,000 ppm for adult cattle. High levels of sulfate can reduce the availability of copper in the diet.

“Elevated levels of sulfates may cause loose stool, and very high levels of sulfate can induce central nervous system problems,” says Dr. Galbreath.

As ranchers prepare for the upcoming grazing season, Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist, recommends monitoring water quality and evaluating alternative water options.

“We point to a couple of tools to aid in monitoring water quality: a hand-held TDS meter and sulfate test strips,” says Meehan. “Both these tools are affordable and easy to use.”

NDSU Extension agents may conduct a livestock water quality screening upon request. If the screening indicates the TDS is greater than 4,500 ppm and/or sulfates are greater than 800 ppm, ranchers should submit a sample to a lab for additional analysis.

Laxmi Prasad, NDSU Extension water engineer, encourages ranchers with past water quality issues to evaluate and consider developing an alternative water source, such as water connections, wells or pipelines.

“Establishing a reliable water supply system can help ensure that livestock have access to good-quality water throughout the grazing season, and it can increase a ranch’s drought resilience,” says Prasad.

For more information on livestock water quality, producers should contact their local NDSU Extension office or visit ndsu.ag/ag-hub-water-26.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 8, 2026

Source: Miranda Meehan, 701-219-9251, miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu

Source: Jake Galbreath, 701-231-5738, j.galbreath@ndsu.edu

Source: Laxmi Prasad, 701-231-4190, laxmi.prasad@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu