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Water
Clean, plentiful water is also essential for successful organic livestock management. In most situations, this means providing access to fresh water for all animals at all times. NOP Standards stipulate free access to clean, fresh water as an aspect of humane living conditions. However, water tests are not specifically required.
Watering systems should be sanitized regularly with an organic-approved sanitizer to prevent the spread of disease. Annual water testing is required for any on-farm processing and handling operations. Experienced organic dairy veterinarians say you shouldn't be offering your animals any water you wouldn't drink yourself.
The Organic Livestock Plan forms contain a number of questions related to your livestock's water resources, including:
• sources of water for livestock use
• contamination threats to your water source(s), e.g., pesticide or fertilizer runoff, industrial pollution, etc.
• water testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates
• any water additives, if you use them, such as hydrogen peroxide
• livestock access to surface water, and, if applicable, how you prevent bank erosion and degradation of water quality
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