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1. Why is it so important to conserve and protect our soils and water sources?

1. Why is it so important to conserve and protect our soil and water resources? I have heard this question
answered a lot of ways. Look at the volume of water on earth, then look at the amount that is fresh water, then from
that how much is available to drink and irrigate crops with. Looking at those numbers on a pie chart helps bring it
into focus. Another way it has been put, is we as humans owe our entire existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and
the fact that it rains.(quote not sure form who) It takes hundreds of years for an inch of top soil to be made, however
it can all be lost in just a few seasons of cultivation if we are not good managers of what we have. Then look at that
booklet I gave you on Conquest of the Land, Governments and Empires have risen and fell based on their ability to
feed themselves. The last thing is a matter of personal choice and beliefs. Do you believe you have a duty to see to it
that the water that flows from your property to your downstream neighbor is as clean or cleaner than it was when it
arrived on your property? What if the roles were reversed between the two of you?

2. Is this new system worth installing to replace our existing systems?

2. Is the new system worth installing?, only you can really answer that. Is the current system meeting all your
needs, or are you running out of water at times? What about the distribution of the water, will the new tank increase
the availability and your ability to manage the grass? Can you get closer to 50, 60 or 70% utilization of the potential
forage production using the new tank as a means of rotationally grazing your livestock? What are the potential
animal health benefits of having another clean water sources for them?

3. Is this a self maintained system or does it require any manual operations?

3. The day to day operation should be mostly trouble freelike your toilet in your house. However some
maintenance and management is required from time to time. Turn it off and drain it if you are not using it in winter.
Plugs or seals in the valve may need to be changed every few years, depending on how much sand and grit is in the
water. The heavy use area around the tank may need to be scraped or gravel added on occasion.

4. How much more efficient are these types of systems?

4. That depends on how well it is managed and how you define efficient. It is less efficient than the stream if you
look just at labor. However if you look at forage production, animal management and control, combined with animal
health, that is when properly designed, placed and maintained systems start to have an advantage

5. What are the specifications that are needed to pass soil and water requirements?

5. That sheet covers the installation, the only other requirements are that the cattle be fenced out of the streams.
How far off the bank depends on the funding source. Livestock exclusion is where the water quality benefits are.
6. If well maintained, how long will this system last?

6. A properly installed and managed system should last 25 to 30 years. Shorter if not cared for and longer with
some periodic maintenance.

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