

The Economics of Water Systems
Direct surface water access can result in fecal contamination that adds nutrients to the water and reduces palatability and consumption by livestock. Surface water contamination causes both environmental problems and herd health problems. Herd health problems include: increased exposure to water transmitted diseases, bacteria, viruses and cyst infections, blue-green algae toxins, foot rot and reduced weight gain (Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 2007). Access to clean water