Movable Tanks

Overview

Movable tanks are temporary watering sources especially adapted for watering livestock in rotational or cover crop grazing situations. Movable tanks are generally constructed from lighter-weight materials than more permanent watering structures and are smaller to make them easier to relocate. Typical materials include galvanized steel, fiberglass, structural foam and plastic. The initial cost of movable tanks is generally less than for more permanent tank installations. As with all tanks, movable tanks should be sized for water demand.

Advantages

• Allow utilization of forages in locations away from more permanent water sources.
• Useful when hauling water to livestock that are grazing crop residues.
• Improved water quality compared to direct pond access.
• Provide supplemental water source for increased herd size or improved grazing distribution.
• Easily relocated to prevent mudhole formation around the tank due to heavy use.
• Initial cost is often lower than for permanent waterers.
• Adapted for use with above-ground water supply lines during freeze-free weather.

Limitations

• Empty and unsecured tanks may blow away easily due to small size.
• Small tank size may require a water supply with a rapid refill rate to meet livestock demand.

Design Considerations

Movable tanks should be sited so that water drains away from the tank to avoid mudhole formation. Level the site if necessary and remove any rocks that might puncture the bottom of the tank.

When using a pressurized water supply, install a shutoff float or arrange an overflow device to gravity drain the water to a low spot or ravine at least fifty feet from the tank.

Select a tank size that meets the needs of the herd size and the refill rate, which may be limited by the size of temporary water supply hookups, such as watering hoses. Also consider the dryness of the forage (crop residue) being consumed, which can increase livestock’s water needs.