This 14-month study looks at installing offstream water sources on two different ranches and the resulting effects on water quality. Results show that cattle preferred to drink from the trough 92% of the time. Off-stream water tanks reduced the time cattle spent in the riparian areas by 51%, stream bank degradation was less, and the total suspended solids decreased by 89%. Total phosphorous and sediment bound nitrogen decreased by 98% and 92%, respectively. This study shows that installing off stream water is an effective way to improve water quality, by reducing sediment and bacteria without having to fence off the riparian areas.
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Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.