The smart way to switch to mains water

Dairy farmers are keenly aware that udder health and hygiene are non-negotiable for a highperforming herd, and water quality plays a central role in both. Whether the supply comes from mains water or an independent source such as a borehole or well, regular testing is important to monitor if water quality is fit-for-purpose across the farm. With rising mains water costs, the idea of switching to a self-supplied system is appealing for many farms. However, taking responsibility for water quality, and managing the associated infrastructure, can feel like stepping into the unknown. The good news is that, with the right water treatment partner, the transition can be surprisingly straightforward, unlocking long-term savings and giving farmers greater control over one of their most critical resources.

The importance of clean water

A healthy, productive cow requires 80-130 litres of water per day. In addition to hydration, water supports better digestion, temperature regulation, stress reduction and optimum milk production. Beyond the herd, water plays a vital role flushing and cleaning in the parlour. In short, it touches every part of the farm operation. Yet water can also be a carrier of bacteria, making quality control absolutely essential. That’s why, for many dairy farmers, the thought of switching to an independent supply brings understandable concern. A water treatment partner can provide invaluable expertise and support on this journey.

Top priorities when switching from mains water

Disinfection of harmful microbes
Year-round monitoring of borehole, spring or well water is important, as microbial contamination can occur at any time. Pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter may enter the supply through surface run off – particularly after heavy rainfall or slurry application. Ground water conditions can fluctuate with land use, rainfall, and other seasonal changes. For example, heavy rainfall can increase the risk of surface contamination, whilst drier months can concentrate minerals such as nitrates or sulphates, affecting both water safety and palatability. A well-designed water treatment system accounts for these fluctuations, using the correct combination of mineral filtrations and chemical dosing. A stabilised Hydrogen Peroxide product such as Huwa-San is an effective treatment, whilst being odourless and tasteless, kind on equipment and biodegradable – all important considerations.

Minerals, metals and pH balancing

The chemical composition of a water supply plays a crucial role in the daily operation of a dairy farm, influencing everything from herd health and productivity, to equipment performance. Elevated levels of minerals such as iron and manganese, or sulphates, can impair the taste and palatability of water, potentially reducing water intake in the herd. Nitrate concentrations, often linked to agricultural run-off, can also pose risks to young livestock, and may breach regulatory thresholds. Imbalances in pH levels can disrupt digestion and contribute to scale build-up in pipes, troughs and milking equipment, compromising hygiene and increasing maintenance demands. A full chemical analysis of any new water supply is important, and the choice of treatment chemicals is critical.

Filtration

The physical properties of a water supply, such as turbidity, temperature and flow rate, can also affect herd performance and farm operations. Turbidity and sediment, often caused by disturbed aquifers or surface ingress, can lead to clogged pipes, troughs and milking equipment, resulting in hygiene risks and increased maintenance. Common particles such as rust, sand, scale and silt can be effectively removed with a properly specified sediment filter.

An advanced water treatment package

Intemax has worked within the intensive farming industry for many years, and we know that clean water is crucial to optimising performance on every farm. Our advanced water treatment package begins with a free site survey. We’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment of your water set-up, including bacterial water samples and endoscope inspections. We then send a full report and a tailored proposal, detailing our recommended treatment and the ongoing support package that we offer. We can set up water treatment systems on your farm, and train your team on the system’s ongoing use.

Ongoing support

You can rest assured that we’ll work with you to make sure your water quality is maintained through our friendly on-farm support service. We work closely with farmers to ensure their water treatment system works for the long term. We assist with ongoing water testing for bacteria and minerals, and our water engineers can advise on best practice regarding any aspect of water quality. We also offer remote monitoring of the chemical dosing pumps to allow visibility of water usage, chemical dilution, and pump status, from anywhere and at any time - giving you complete confidence in your water supply.

What’s included in our advanced water treatment package:

Set up
  • Thorough site survey
  • Testing and reporting
  • Tailored recommendation
  • Equipment installation
  • Chemical set-up
  • Team training

Ongoing supplies and support

  • Remote monitoring (if opted for)
  • Ongoing on-farm visits and analysis
  • Troubleshooting and emergency visits?

Whether you are committed to staying on mains water or thinking about switching, water treatment is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to boost farm performance. If you are thinking about switching, we can partner with you to provide a cost-effective way of moving away from mains water, without compromising on water quality. Take control of your water supply today – call one of our experts to start the conversation.