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.
Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, said water samples tested this spring have been across the board in quality, with several samples showing salt levels too high for safe livestock consumption.
South Dakota soils tend to be high in salt content, which can raise the salt levels in dugouts, creeks and streams. Salverson said the winter’s limited snowfall and continued drought conditions in much of the state have exacerbated those high salt levels. The state’s continuous high winds evaporate water at a faster-than-normal rate, causing the salt to concentrate even more.
“However, I would like to put caution out there. If an area gets rain and the ponds fill with water, it does not mean the water is suitable for livestock consumption,” Salverson said. “Testing is the only way to know.”
SDSU Extension offers water testing services at all eight regional centers and at select 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, an SDSU Extension field or state specialist will discuss the results with the producers.
Salverson said poor water quality can hurt livestock’s growth and reproduction, and severely contaminated water can cause illness or death. Even clear water can be of poor quality. She encourages producers to be proactive and test early to protect their livestock’s health.
“Don’t use your animals as an indicator of water quality. Every pound gained can pay big dividends when the animals are sold,” 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
Sioux Falls Regional Center: 605-782-3290
Watertown Regional Center: 605-882-5140
West River Research and Extension (Rapid City): 605-394-1722
Winner Regional Center: 605-842-1267
County offices where testing is available in 2026:
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, 605-892-3371
Campbell County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
Clay County: Rali Sykes, 605-677-7111
Corson County: Robin Salverson, 605-374-4177
Charles Mix County: Jo Cee Feddersen, 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: Paige Hamill, 605-859-2840
Hamlin County: Krista Haug, 605-783-3656
Hanson County: Penny Speich, 605-239-4542
Harding County: Robin Salverson, 605-375-3412
Jones County: Naomi Lolley, 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
Roberts County: Dustie Richards, 605-698-7627
Spink County: Michelle Schmitt, 605-472-5006
Tripp County: Sean Kelly, 605-842-1267
Walworth County: Hannah Schochenmaier, 605-649-1185
