Table 7 identifies typical monitoring and maintenance activities that meat chicken growers can implement to help keep their water supply systems operational.
Table 7. Recommended frequencies for drinking water system monitoring and maintenance
| System | Monitoring and maintenance activities | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Water source: rainwater | Clean gutters | Every three months and after storms |
| Clear first flush device of debris | Monthly and after storms | |
| Check and trim overhanging branches | Annually | |
| Inspect and repair downpipes | Annually | |
| Check the condition of the roof | Annually | |
| Water source: groundwater | Check the bore head and any other mechanisms installed are watertight and protected from surface flows | Monthly |
| Check bore is securely protected, e.g. fences, locks | Monthly | |
| Check maintenance and operation of the pump and piping | Monthly | |
| Water source: surface water | Check the (upstream) catchment for new developments (e.g. land-use changes) and other possible sources of contamination | Monthly |
| Check maintenance and operation of the pump and piping | Monthly | |
| Check inlet screen on the pump for debris | Monthly | |
| Storage dam | Check wild bird netting | Monthly |
| Check for excessive microbe growth (e.g. algae blooms) | Monthly | |
| Check inlet screen on the pump for debris | Monthly | |
| Check maintenance and operation of the pump and piping | Monthly | |
| Storage tank | Check inlet and outlet screens are intact | Every three months |
| Check access covers and filters | Monthly | |
| Clear strainer for debris | Monthly and after storms | |
| Check structural condition | Annually | |
| Check sludge level and internal cleanliness | Every two years or as required | |
| Pre-treatment system | Replace filters | As per the manufacturer’s advice or earlier if a decrease in water flow is noticed |
| Test pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5 | Monthly | |
| Check UV light is operating - indicator light | Weekly | |
| Clean scum from UV light | Every three months | |
| Replace UV lamps every 12 months | Every 12 months or as per manufacturer’s instructions | |
| Disinfection | Check disinfection chemical Volume Active ingredient concentration | Daily |
| Check dosing equipment | Monthly | |
| Check disinfectant residual | Weekly | |
| Header tank | Check inlet and outlet screens are intact | Every three months |
| Check access covers and filters | Monthly | |
| Check structural condition | Annually | |
| Check sludge level and internal cleanliness | Every two years or as required | |
| Distribution system | Check plumbing and piping is fully operational and well maintained Check metal pipes for corrosion Check for scale and biofilms | Every three months |
| Test disinfectant level is between 1–2mg/L at the end of drinker line | At least weekly or after heavy rains | |
| Check drinkers | Daily | |
| Flushing tubing | Drain the water | After use |
| Evaporative coolers and foggers | Check plumbing and piping is fully operational and well maintained | Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning instructions |
