In this episode of Pharmgate's Swine Health Hotline, Kasey Brown sits down with veterinarian and water-line expert Gabi Doughan to unravel how water line systems impact pig health, performance and biosecurity. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Takeaways

1. Why Water Flow & Design Matter

• Water flow rates should match pig age and production stage.
• The difference in water supply needs between nursery pigs and lactating sows is significant — system design must adapt!
• Watch out: If all pig waterers are running simultaneously, barns with smaller pipes may not get adequate water to pigs furthest from the supply.

2. Water Medicator 101

• Medicated water is critical since sick pigs often stop eating but still drink.
• There are three main types:
  • Piston Pumps (affordable, easy install, but prone to scale buildup)
  • Diaphragm Pumps (slightly more expensive, fewer mechanical parts)
  • Flow-Activated Pumps (most precise, best for clean dosing, but higher cost and learning curve)
• Always calibrate your medicator — even a new one straight out of the box!

3. Keep it Clean: Water Line & Medicator Maintenance

• Clean waterlines and medicators = healthier pigs and fewer dosing errors.
• Regular cleaning tackles mineral buildup and biofilm (those slimy bacterial communities that protect germs from disinfectants).
• Terminal deep cleaning and routine low-dose disinfectants are both important, depending on your barn’s downtime and design.
• Never run oral vaccines or medications through lines while water disinfectants are active — they can interact unpredictably!

4. Diagnostics & Monitoring

• Water quality checks: Test at least once or twice a year, ideally between each turn.
• Test both at the well and in-barn to spot where quality changes.
• Monitor for signs of hard water, pH imbalances and bacterial contamination.
• Regularly check and maintain medicators — replace O-rings, run calibrations, and keep your investment working as it should.

Resources & More Learning

• Gabi Doughan ([email protected]) and team are developing new videos and guides with the Iowa Pork Industry Center. Learn more here. 

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