Guidelines for Total Soluble Salts (Total Dissolved Solids) in Drinking Water for Cattle

< 1,000

Safe and should pose no health problems.

1,000–2,999

Generally safe but may cause a mild temporary diarrhea in animals not accustomed to the water.

3,000–4,999

Water may be refused when first offered to animals or cause temporary diarrhea. Animal performance may be less than optimum because water intake is not maximized.

5,000–6,999

Pregnant or lactating animals should not drink such water. May be offered with reasonable safety to animals when maximum performance is not required.

≥7,000

These waters should not be offered to cattle. Health problems and/or poor production will result.