Water Line Maintenance

Water quality is fundamental to pig health, optimal production, and effective biosecurity practices. Providing pigs with safe, clean water supports the overall health of the pigs by proper growth and feed intake. Having poor water quality can lead to reduced performance and can contribute to the spread of disease within a herd. Regularly monitoring and maintaining water line systems ensures that pigs have consistent access to safe, high-quality water. 

Water Line System Management

This manual is designed to help improve the quality of water line system administration and management, improve drinking water quality, and preserve the efficacy of water antimicrobials and vaccines for swine production.

 

To learn more about water line management's role in pig production, different water medicators and medicator calibrations for best practices for water medication administration use the Water Line Management for Swine Production manual.

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Water Line Best Practice Series

Explore every step of water line best practices in this insightful series. Each video focuses on a crucial component of water line management, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisons for your herd. View this playlist or click below for simple how-to videos to learn more about water medicator calibration, flow rates and collecting water samples. 

 

 

 

 

Water Flow Rate Calculator

Ideal Flow Rates
Nursery Pigs1-2 cups/minute
Finishing Pigs2-4 cups/minute
Breeding Pigs4 cups/minute

 

ounces
seconds
Calculated Flow Rate
Enter values above to calculate
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Want to have easy access to the water flow rate calculator? 

Use the file below and save it to your device so you can use it anywhere at any time. 

Click here to access Water Flow Rate Calculator

Additional Resources

At Iowa Swine Day in June 2026, Dr. Gabi Doughan discussed maximizing herd health and performance through effective water system management. 

Check out this podcast episode from December 4, 2023, where Becca Walthart and Gabi Doughan discuss a variety of water-related subjects. Topics include why we should care about its biology, how to tell if there are issues with the quality of your water, and what to do if you encounter those issues. 

Season 4, Episode 7: Water Biology vs. Water Quality