BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging producers to take advantage of its free, on-site livestock water testing services across the state.
“It’s never too early to start testing your water,” said Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. "Your animals' health should not be the indicator of water quality. Be proactive and test the water prior to turnout to protect yourself from loss in productivity or death."
Poor water quality can hurt livestock’s growth and reproduction, making it critical to monitor their water supply. Severely contaminated water can cause illness or death. Salverson said testing is the only way to be sure because even clear water can be of poor quality.
SDSU Extension offers water testing services at all eight regional centers and at county offices across the state. Samples must be collected in a clean plastic or glass container such as water bottles, pop bottles or jelly jars.
A quick test is conducted free of charge with an electro-conductivity (EC) meter to determine total salts in the water. After the results are reviewed by an SDSU Extension field or state specialist, Salverson said additional laboratory testing may be suggested. Additional testing offered by private laboratories will be at the cost of the producer.
Salverson said there are many factors that determine water quality, including snowfall, rainfall and grazing management strategies. South Dakota soils tend to be high in salt content, which can raise the salt levels in dugouts, creeks and streams.
“Really consider your grazing management and how that is influencing or impacting your water,” Salverson said.
For more information, contact Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.
SDSU Extension Regional Centers where testing is available
Aberdeen Regional Center: 605-626-2870
Lemmon Regional Center: 605-374-4177
Mitchell Regional Center: 605-995-7378
Pierre Regional Center: 605-773-8120
West River Research and Extension (Rapid City): 605-394-1722
Sioux Falls Regional Center: 605-782-3290
Watertown Regional Center: 605-882-5140
Winner Regional Center: 605-842-1267
County offices where testing is available in 2025
Aurora County: Brandi Shroyer, 605-942-7754
Bennett County: Mary Kay Sell, 605-685-6972
Brookings County: Julie Walker, 605-688-5458
Butte/Lawrence Counties: Cindy Riley/Audrey Pruitt, 605-892-3371
Campbell County: Robin Salverson, 605-955-3305
Clark County: Kim McGraw/Stephanie Hagstrom, 605-532-3681
Clay County: Rali Sykes, 605-677-7111
Corson County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
Charles Mix County: Jo Cee Johnston, 605-487-7666
Dewey County: Rita Long, 605-865-3652
Edmunds County: Morgan Weisser, 605-426-6971
Fall River County: Erin McGlumphy/Chrissy Porter, 605-745-5133
Gregory County: Sean Kelly, 605-842-1267
Haakon County: LeAnna Fitzgerald/Paige Fedders, 605-859-2840
Hanson County: Penny Speich, 605-239-4542
Harding County: Robin Salverson, 605-375-3412
Hutchinson County: Jenaya Brengle, 605-387-4205
Jerauld County: Teresa Fonder, 605-539-9471
Jones/Mellette counties: Grace Fogelman, 605-669-7101
Kingsbury County: Kathy DeDeyne, 605-854-3851
Lake County: Jen Hayford/Kim Mathieu, 605-256-7603
McCook County: Stacy Sieverding, 605-425-2242
McPherson County: Jackie Rau, 605-439-3331
Miner County: Cheryl Moore/Jillian Calmus, 605-772-4661
Moody County: Whitney Sams, 605-997-2469
Oglala Lakota County: Troy Weston, 605-867-1843
Roberts County: Lauren Sankey/Dustie Richards, 605-698-7627
Spink County: Kim McGraw/Michelle Schmitt, 605-472-5006
Todd County: Ron Frederick, 605-856-2198
Tripp County: Sean Kelly, 605-842-1267
Walworth County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
