The warning, issued July 27, comes as drought, limited snowfall, windy conditions and naturally salty soils contribute to deteriorating water quality in some South Dakota sources. Extension is offering free testing through all eight of its regional centers and selected county offices.

The concern is not that all livestock water in South Dakota is unsafe. Rather, the testing results point to conditions that can vary from one water source to another, making testing an important way for producers to determine whether a particular pond, creek or stream is suitable for animals.

Free testing available across the state

Producers can submit water samples for total-salt analysis. Samples should be collected in clean plastic or glass containers and taken to an SDSU Extension regional center or a participating county office.

Testing gives ranchers a way to check questionable water before livestock consume it. If a source cannot be used, producers may face the added expense of finding an alternate supply or arranging treatment. Those decisions can affect operating costs, particularly when drought limits the number of dependable sources available.

Extension has not identified how many samples exceeded a safety threshold, the specific salt concentrations measured, or how many livestock operations or counties are affected. The warning also does not establish mandatory water restrictions. It describes a risk in some water sources and points producers toward testing as a practical next step.

Conditions can concentrate salts

Water quality concerns are tied to several conditions occurring together. Limited snowfall and drought can reduce the amount of fresh water entering surface sources. Windy conditions can further affect already-dry landscapes, while naturally salty soils can contribute salts to ponds, creeks and streams.

When water quality changes, a source that has previously been used by livestock may require a new evaluation. Producers with multiple water sources can test individual ponds, creeks and streams rather than assume conditions are the same across an operation.

The free service provides a concrete step for producers who are uncertain about a water source. It also allows testing to be done without adding a laboratory fee to the initial evaluation.

Water conference planned for October

SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute have separately announced the 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference for Oct. 7 in Brookings. The conference will focus on balancing economic development with South Dakota’s water resources.

Registration is due Sept. 26. The fee is $85 for professionals and $25 for students.

The conference places the livestock-water warning within a broader discussion about how South Dakota manages water resources while supporting economic activity. For livestock producers, the immediate issue is more specific: whether the water available to animals is safe, and what alternatives may be needed when testing shows that it is not.

Producers seeking testing can contact one of SDSU Extension’s eight regional centers or a selected county office and submit a clean plastic or glass sample for total-salt analysis.