South Dakota livestock producers are being encouraged to test their water sources as poor quality water is leading to blindness in some herds. SDSU Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist Robin Salverson says high levels of total salts have appeared in some water sources, especially in the western part of the state and even into Wyoming.

She says livestock producers need to be proactive and test their water.

Salverson says it’s also critical producers keep a close eye on their livestock to prevent any future problems.

Salverson says the visual appearance of water should not be used to determine if the water is good or bad. She says the only way to know if water is suitable for livestock is by testing it.