Wildlife Water Source Development
A wildlife water source development guide with steps for planning, building, and maintaining a safe water supply that serves birds, mammals, and other animals on the farm.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideWildlife & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Identify where water is lacking
- Choose a source type
- Check local permit rules
- Select a site with cover nearby
- Build with shallow, safe edges
- Add escape ramps for small animals
- Keep the water clean
- Inspect for damage regularly
- Record which species visit
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the practical rural living help. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Farm Water Use Report Finds Cows Drinking With Suspicious Enthusiasm, and farming farm stories.