Water Sources: Stream
Overview
Small streams are a common source of livestock water in Kansas. Where livestock have direct access to the stream, restricting access can reduce bank erosion and livestock injury while improving the reliability of water flow and water quality.
Advantages
- Naturally occurring, no direct installation cost.
- Water normally clean and fresh.
- Hardened surface access points can minimize livestock impacts and provide a vehicle crossing point.
- No mechanical or electrical parts to fail.
Limitations
- Livestock may increase bank erosion.
- Potential injury to livestock slipping on banks or getting caught in tree roots.
- Needs regular repairs to water gaps after floods.
- Riparian area around stream may be overused by livestock.
- Stream may not be optimally located, resulting in poor grazing patterns.
- Seasonal flow rates may fluctuate or have no flow during dry periods.
- Stagnant pools with poor water quality may develop during periods of low water flow.
- Potential increases in levels of fecal and other bacteria in the stream.
Design Considerations
Restricting access to specific points along a stream is recommended to eliminate most bank erosion caused by livestock traffic as well as potential livestock injuries. Access ramps or trails with hardened surfaces such as coarse gravel over geotextile and slopes of 6:1 or flatter allow easy access to the stream. Locate shade, salt, minerals, and winter feeding sites away from the stream to reduce overuse of the riparian area.
Refer to the “Limited Access” chapter for additional design information.
This practice may require permits. Please read the “Permits in Kansas” section of this handbook.
