Constructing an Efficient Livestock Watering System: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! We are currently on another water job out in Western North Carolina, capturing a small flowing section of this Little Creek. This project is dedicated to creating a livestock watering system. I'll take you along for the complete build and show you the process. The water, starting here, runs down to a cistern tank and then down to the livestock waters. Let me guide you through the build, as I share insights on the components and construction techniques used.

This setup involves a piece of an old IBC tote transformed into a 15-gallon drum, cut and fitted with screen wire. It's important to note that this system is designed for livestock watering, not for human consumption. The objective is to facilitate water access across different paddocks for watering livestock.

To build this weir, we modified a 15-gallon drum, setting it on a table saw to cut it in half. The threaded hole of the drum is used as the drain. Our current task involves framing this with two by two supports to hold the screen in place. The completed structure includes a simple frame around it, with supports in the middle and legs for mounting. We used treated two by six blocks for stability when placing it in the creek.

The setup is equipped with a three-quarter inch thread for the drain, leading to a pipe system that directs water down the creek. The water passes through hardware cloth and stainless steel screen wire, which keep out debris and small animals, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Further down the system, we have a 250-gallon water tank for cistern storage. The tank receives water with about three feet of drop, ensuring a steady flow. We've calculated that the creek's output through the catchment system is sufficient for the intended livestock, providing enough water pressure despite the terrain's elevation changes.
The system's design includes various sections with valves for flow control and quick connects for hoses, enabling easy access to water in different paddocks. It's designed to function year-round, with considerations for winter operations to prevent freezing.

In conclusion, this video demonstrates the process and considerations involved in constructing a livestock watering system. It's a blend of practical design and hands-on construction, aimed at efficient water management for farming needs. As always, if this video has been helpful, please let me know, like it, share it, subscribe, and hit that thumbs up button. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you in the next video.

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