Rainwater for animals – collection, uses and benefits

Can animals drink rainwater?

Yes, several types of animal can drink rainwater, provided the water is of a suitable quality for them. Rain is a natural part of the water cycle, and many animals drink from various natural water sources.

If you keep animals, water quality is the main factor that determines whether collected rainwater is suitable for drinking.

Rainwater collected directly from rainfall may have different characteristics from water that has flowed across a roof and through gutters. During collection, the water can come into contact with dirt, organic matter and other substances.

It is therefore important to check the quality before using collected rainwater as drinking water. Filtration, treatment and water testing may be necessary.

Rainwater for chickens and other poultry

If you keep chickens, ducks or geese, collecting rainwater can be a practical way to make use of rainfall.

For example, a chicken coop fitted with gutters and downpipes can be connected to a water butt or smaller storage tank. The collected water can then be used for suitable purposes when caring for the birds.

If the rainwater is to be used for drinking, its quality must be verified. Chickens need good-quality water, and it is particularly important to keep drinking-water containers clean.

Automatic drinkers and drinking bowls should be cleaned regularly to prevent feed residues, dirt and other contaminants from building up.

During hot summer days, water levels should also be checked more frequently, as chickens may need more water when temperatures rise.

Rainwater for horses

Horses need sufficient water every day to maintain good health. Their water requirements vary depending on factors such as the horse's size, feed, activity level and outdoor temperature.

Equestrian properties often have large roof areas on stables, indoor riding arenas and other farm buildings. These roofs can provide good opportunities for rainwater collection.

With a suitable system, rainwater can be channelled from gutters and downpipes into a larger storage tank.

Before using the water for horses to drink, it is important to ensure that it is of suitable quality. Horses can be sensitive to changes in the smell and taste of water, which may affect how much they drink.

Collected rainwater can also be used for other tasks around an equestrian property, such as cleaning certain outdoor surfaces and watering plants.

Rainwater for sheep and goats

If you keep sheep or goats, rainwater can supplement your farm's other water sources.

Sheep and goats need good-quality water, and their requirements are influenced by factors including feed, temperature, pregnancy and milk production.

On smaller farms, rainwater can be collected from the roofs of barns, storage sheds and other agricultural buildings.

The collected water can be stored in suitable containers and used when its quality meets the requirements of the intended purpose.

If rainwater is used to fill drinking troughs, both the water and the troughs need to be checked regularly. Containers should be easy to clean and positioned so that animals can drink without unnecessarily contaminating the water.

Rainwater for cattle

Cattle can have substantial water requirements, particularly during hot weather or periods of high milk production. On farms with many animals, overall water consumption can therefore be considerable.

Collecting rainwater from cattle sheds and larger agricultural buildings can help a farm use its water resources more efficiently.

Large roof areas make it possible to collect significant quantities of rainfall, which can then be stored in suitable tanks or cisterns.

If the water is intended for drinking, its quality must be checked and any necessary treatment tailored to the requirements. Rainwater can also be used for tasks such as cleaning machinery and other activities that do not require drinking-water quality.

On larger farms, it is particularly important to plan the water supply around the animals' daily needs and to ensure that a reliable water source remains available during periods of low rainfall.

How to collect rainwater for animals

One of the simplest ways to collect rainwater is to use the roof's existing rainwater drainage system.

When it rains, water flows from the roof into the gutters and then through the downpipes. By connecting a collection system, the water can be directed into a water butt, tank or cistern.

The size and complexity of the system depend on the roof area, rainfall and the amount of water required.

A typical rainwater harvesting system may include:

• Gutters: Collect rainwater flowing off the roof.
• Downpipes: Carry water from the gutters to the collection system.
• Leaf guards: Prevent larger leaves and debris from entering the water supply.
• First-flush diverter: Diverts the initial runoff, which may contain dirt accumulated on the roof.
• Rainwater tank: Collects and stores water until it is needed.
• Filters and any necessary treatment: Selected according to the water quality required for its intended use.

For small-scale animal keeping, a water butt may be sufficient for certain purposes, while larger farms may require higher-capacity storage tanks.

Is rainwater collected from roofs suitable for animals?

Roofs are convenient collection surfaces because they are already designed to drain rainfall. However, the roofing material and the condition of the roof can affect water quality.

As rainwater flows across the roof, it may pick up dust, leaves, bird droppings and other contaminants. Some roofing materials and surface treatments may also release substances into the water.

It is therefore important to identify the roofing material before planning to use water collected from the roof as drinking water for animals.

Keeping gutters and downpipes clean is also important. A well-maintained drainage system reduces the amount of debris entering the storage tank.

If the water is intended for drinking, the need for water analysis and treatment must also be assessed.

How should rainwater for animals be stored?

Storage conditions play an important role in maintaining the quality of collected rainwater.

A rainwater tank should be made from a material suitable for its intended purpose that does not adversely affect water quality. The container should also be easy to inspect and clean.

Using a closed tank is beneficial because it prevents leaves, insects and other debris from entering the water.

Location is important too. Where possible, the tank should be kept cool and protected from direct sunlight, as warm water can encourage the growth of microorganisms.

During winter, freezing conditions also need to be considered. Water that freezes can damage containers, pipes and connections.

If the water is to be used for drinking over extended periods, procedures are needed for monitoring, cleaning and any necessary treatment.

What are the benefits of collecting rainwater for animal keeping?

Making use of rainwater can offer several practical benefits, particularly on farms with large roof areas.

One important advantage is the opportunity to reduce the use of mains water or well water for tasks where collected rainwater is suitable.

Rainwater harvesting can also form part of a more carefully planned water supply, with different water sources used for different purposes.

On farms with chicken coops, stables and livestock buildings, it can make sense to use existing gutters and downpipes to collect water that would otherwise be drained away.

The amount saved depends on factors such as rainfall, storage capacity, installation costs and how the water is used.

Rainwater as part of a farm's water supply

Rainwater can be a useful resource for both small and large livestock operations. By collecting rainfall from stables, livestock buildings and other structures, farms can make use of water that would otherwise flow into the ground or surface water drainage system.

For the system to work effectively, collection, storage and water quality must be suited to the intended use. When rainwater is to be used for drinking, it is particularly important that it meets the animals' needs.

With proper planning and regular maintenance, rainwater harvesting can become a practical supplement to a farm's existing water supply and contribute to more efficient use of water resources.