Introduction

Surface water, in the form of lakes, rivers, streams and other wetlands, covers nearly 20% of the province and is a significant part of our identity and heritage as Manitobans. Protection of these resources is important to all of us.
 

Uses of Surface Water

Manitobans are proud of the many beautiful lakes, rivers and streams where they can swim, boat and enjoy the scenery. These waters also provide excellent habitat for fish and wildlife. Nearly 80% of our population relies on good quality surface water for drinking, fire fighting and sewage disposal. Many industries as well as electrical power plants and some farmers who irrigate or water livestock all depend on large quantities of good quality surface water. However, any use of surface water has the potential to affect its quality.
 

Use by Livestock Producers

Livestock producers, just like any other users of surface water, must be careful that their operations do not negatively affect water quality. Impaired water quality may not only affect other uses and the way it looks or smells, but could result in degraded property values and also impact human health.

Free ranging livestock that have direct and unrestricted access to surface waters may affect water quality in a variety of ways.

• Trampling of shorelines during watering or lounging may destabilize banks and increase erosion, thereby decreasing water clarity and causing the channel to choke with silt.
• Free access also allows livestock to release manure and urine directly into the surface water or onto the stream bank, which may run off during the next rain or snow melt. Similar to municipal sewage, livestock manure and urine contains nutrients that may cause problem algae growth and degrade habitat for fish and wildlife. Manure may also contain pathogens such as disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites.
• Livestock in confined areas may also pose a risk to surface water.
• Manure accumulates in confined areas and may run off with spring snowmelt or after heavy rains. Unless carefully managed, runoff from confined areas may carry pathogens and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to surface waters. Subsequent use by both humans and by fish and wildlife may be affected.
• These operations typically manage large quantities of manure on small locations. Challenges include safely storing the manure and transporting it to the application site without spillage. Additionally, operators must have enough cropland available so that manure can be applied at a rate matching crop needs.

Reducing the Risk to Water Quality

Free ranging livestock that are fenced away from surface waters and provided with off-site watering tend to be healthier, more productive and have little impact on shorelines and surface waters. Where direct access is necessary, access points should be limited in size and number as well as protected with stones to reduce erosion damage.

Special regulations apply to livestock kept in confined areas. Direct access to surface water is prohibited for livestock in confined areas with more than 10 animal units. Additionally, new confined areas must be set back not less than 100 metres from surface waters and roadside ditches. Drainage from confined areas must be managed so that it does not escape either to surface water or from the boundaries of the agricultural operation.

Operators of intensive livestock farms should obtain advice from professional engineering consultants and regional agricultural engineers to ensure that their manure storage facilities are properly sited, designed, constructed and operated. A permit from Manitoba Conservation is required to construct a storage facility. Sound manure management planning, including the preparation of manure management plans, is recommended for all livestock producers. Registration of the plans is now mandatory for operations of 300 animal units or more. Sound planning includes soil testing, ensuring sufficient land is available for spreading, and that there is enough storage capacity to avoid spreading during the winter.
 

Summary

• The aesthetics and quality of our surface waters are important to all Manitobans, including livestock producers.
• Protection of surface water requires proper management, care and commitment from agricultural producers.

More information about the quality of many surface waters in Manitoba may be obtained from a local Environment Officer or from the Water Quality Management Section of Manitoba Conservation.

For further information about public issues refer to other titles in the series: "Living with Livestock Production" available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives offices. More detailed information can be found on the Internet at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock. Copies of the Farm Practices Guidelines for Hog Producers in Manitoba are available from Manitoba Agriculture,  Food and Rural Initiatives offices in rural Manitoba and from Agriculture Publications at 8^th floor, 401 York Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3C 0P8 (FAX: 204-948-2498)