Livestock Drought Usage

REBATES

BC IAF Program - BMP Water Program (0905 - Rainwater Harvesting)

Alberta Sustainable CAP Water Program: Max grant $10,000 for cisterns

Saskatchewan FRWIP Program: $5,000 per cistern per eligible project 

Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) - Rural Water Development Program

SUMMARY

As water is critical in livestock operations for drinking, cleaning, feed preparation, and cooling; rainwater harvesting offers a powerful solution to support farm resilience. Standalone rainwater catchment systems such as roof-fed underground cisterns installed directly in pastures or near barns can provide secure, localized water access, even in remote areas, in times of need. These systems reduce dependency on overburdened wells, and ensure livestock have access to water in times of need, to help safeguard farm operations against climate-driven water shortages. If needed, non-potable water trucks can be used to refill the underground tanks as backup, plus water is not lost to evaporation as it is with outdoor catchment ponds.

Challenges

• High daily water demand for livestock (drinking, cleaning, feed)

• Wells under pressure during droughts or high-usage periods

• Limited or no water infrastructure in remote pastures

• Risk of water contamination affecting herd health

• Rising operational costs for water sourcing and delivery

Opportunities

• Install independent rainwater systems (e.g., cisterns in fields or paddocks) for direct livestock access

• Reduce strain on well systems and increase overall water supply security

• Improve animal welfare with reliable water sources during dry spells

• Reduce long-term water costs and enhance environmental sustainability

• Position farm operations for eco-certifications or water stewardship incentives

Solutions

• FIELD SUPORT: Satellite (remote/on-field) rainwater harvesting roofs, that collect below ground cistern tanks, using a portable pump to draft water to surface water trough (or access to hydro). cisterns with standalone catchment surfaces

• BUILDING SUPPORT: Install cisterns for rainwater collection on barn rooftops: each 1,000 sq.ft. of rooftop with a 1 sq.in. of percipitation will collect 628 US gal. of water at a time (Mechell 2010, Texas A&M)

•  Include gravity-fed or solar-powered pump systems for remote access points

• Integrate filtration or UV treatment to ensure safe, clean water for animals

• Customize system size and layout based on herd size and geography

• Provide training for farm staff on maintenance, seasonal readiness, and compliance with water use regulations