Although it may be tempting to let pastured animals drink out of the stream, this type of practice has the potential to negatively impact animal health and milk production, not to mention the environmental impact of the stream. Cows tend to defecate in streams which can spread disease to other cows in the herd, not to mention, the environmental impact of feces in the streams. All the streams and creeks running through pastures are part of a bigger watershed and what goes into the stream from one property will impact downstream neighbors.
Keeping cows out of the stream all together through installation of high-tensile fencing is the best option from a water quality and a herd health standpoint and can be done relatively easily. If fencing is not an option on your farm, there are options to make the stream less desirable to the cows. Providing waters, feed, and shade in other parts of the pasture away from the stream will draw cows away from the stream. Also, if cows need to cross the stream to get to pastures installing a solid footing stream crossing that also blocks the cows from traveling up the stream will protect the stream and improve footing, which can prevent injury.
A healthy stream can work for us by neutralizing the impact of excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and other chemicals that may run off the land.
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