On the farm

Groundwater and surface water contamination can occur from leaking sewage systems, fertilizer and manure spreading, and pesticide spraying. These pose potential threats to you and your neighbour's health.

• Use alternative watering systems such as solar, wind, or nose-powered pumps, to draw livestock away from natural water sources. This reduces direct fecal contamination of water, provides a reliable clean water source to promote animal health, and reduces pressure on the riparian area.

• Before each application of fertilizer, test the soil to ensure that excess nutrients are not added as they may run off your fields polluting surface water, dugouts, or wells.

• To stabilize shorelines and reduce bank erosion, use livestock access ramps and fencing.

• By controlling the timing and intensity of grazing, you allow stream-side vegetation opportunity to grow and this results in healthy shorelines.

• Protect water quality by reducing soil and wind erosion. Permanent vegetative cover, shelterbelts, and reduced tillage are all practical ways to achieve these results.

• Locate wells at least 100 metres away from potential sources of contamination and make sure wells are properly sealed and cased.

• Avoid spilling fuels, antifreeze, paint thinner or other chemicals on land or in water. If you do, be sure to clean it up fast!

• To reduce contamination by runoff, spread manure away from watercourses, leave a buffer strip of at least 30 metres adjacent to surface water, and incorporate manure into the soil within 48 hours of application.

For information on environmental farm plan programs, visit the Ag-Info Centre or contact the ARD toll-free phone resource at 310-FARM (3276).