Water Testing for Irrigation, Agriculture & Livestock in CT

Testing the water used for your Irrigation, Agricultural needs and / or livestock in Connecticut is important. Greenhouse and crop producers across CT utilize a variety of sources of water for irrigation. Unfortunately, the quality of these water supplies is often overlooked as a potential source of animal and plant growth issues.

Water quality is most important for crops grown in small amounts of growth media (e.g., plugs, small pots) or hydroponically. Greenhouse and high tunnel growth environments also increase the importance of water quality throughout Connecticut because irrigation is the only source of water.

Crops grown outside are less affected by irrigation water sources if they experience dilution from natural rainfall. In any case, water testing should be the first step when considering the use of irrigation water to ensure that maximum crop yield will be realized and disastrous plant toxicity issues will not develop.

Some myths about water quality regarding livestock in CT are as follows:

A visual observation of livestock water ponds is not an accurate measurement of water quality. Some common misconceptions when determining water quality include the following.

• Clear water is good water. Through years of testing, more samples that appear clear tested poorly than samples that appear murky. Why? The quality is so poor nothing else wants to live in it.
• If waterfowl are on the pond, this means good water. This observation is not foolproof. Poor quality water has been noted on ponds with waterfowl.
• If it is spring fed, it is good. This is also an incorrect statement.

It is a good idea to have your Connecticut water tested annually. If water test results do not meet the recommended quality standards, take steps to determine the source of the problem.

Call us today for more information or to set up and appointment. 888-558-1574