Clean Water

Agriculture, Plants/Animals, Water Quality, Soil Quality

Pure Clean Water is Essential to Good Health for Humans.

What majority of people do not realize is; all life forms are dependent upon water live. Water quality makes a difference in humans, all animal life, all plant life, ponds, creeks, streams, wetlands, rivers, oceans, etc.

The better the water quality used to grow plants, the healthier the plants. If the plant is used as a food source by humans or animals, and the water is contaminated, or has exceedingly elevated levels of naturally occurring minerals, this can transfer to the vegetable, fruit, berry, nut, etc.

Private Water Source: Testing is the responsibility of the person or company that owns the well.

Municipal/Public Water Supply: Treated, evaluated by the agency supplying the water.

Issues with water quality throughout the United States can be found frequently in the media for those on
Municipal/Public Water Supply sources, but little is heard about those on private supply sources like drinking water wells. This is concerning on many levels.

From time to time, we see where a food product has been recalled due to E-Coli bacteria, or other miscellaneous issues. Some Agriculture businesses used treated water or allow Wastewater Treatment facilities to dispose of sludge materials from treatment plants. Private Water Sources can also be contaminated with such as E-Coli by flooding, depth of the well, etc. used for irrigation. The last thing a farmer needs is to find out is that an illness is due to the water they utilized for irrigation damaged a crop’s quality. It is costly, not only in lost time and labor, but this can also be a huge liability issue.

If a company has a contract with a producer to purchase the crop at harvest, animals, or products, it is in the
best interest of that company to conduct water tests of irrigation water used to assure crop or animal harvest. This protects the company’s interest and liability as well as provides a better-quality product.

Below are some examples of how certain parameters in water and soil can affect plants and animals.

Chlorine

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant by Community/Public water supply to address any Bacteria. Chlorine is not good for plants. Chlorine can kill natural occurring microorganisms that help plant growth.

Fluoride

Fluoride is harmful to plants and animals. Fluoride harms foliage. Overtime, plants absorb to much Fluoride, it will kill the plant. Fluoride is the primary ingredient in rat poison, andin the proper dosage,
it can be lethal to animals and humans.

Salts

Salts found in water can hinder the plant’s ability to absorb water. If salt is absorbed bythe roots of plants, plant growth can and will be affected. Depending upon the quantity of salts absorbed over time, plants can and will die.

Iron

High concentration levels of iron in water and soil can be toxic to plants and animals. Iron in water can also clog drip irrigation emitters and other irrigation systems not allowing enough water supply to reach plants.

Calcium

Calcium can affect alkalinity; ph. Elevated levels of Calcium can create an issue with plant nutrient intake. Calcium can build up in all types of irrigation systems not allowing water to reach plants.

Lead

Lead in water and/or soils can be toxic to plants. Inhibits seed germination, root elongation, plant growth.
Lead can also be toxic to humans.

In Agriculture related businesses, it is in the best interest of the owner to test the water being used in irrigation and to water livestock, animals, and human consumption. It is in the best interest of any company contracting with an agribusiness, to purchase harvested products, to perform due diligence to assure top quality.

Water and soil testing by a professional, trained in proper collection of samples, testing, reporting, recommendations and familiar with agriculture, is not expensive when compared to poor product quality and reduced yields. The cost of filters and installation to address water quality issues, and maintenance is an inexpensive way to assure water quality. Not all filters are designed to address all water quality needs. It is helpful to have an experienced professional test the water and recommend the proper filter so that the specific issues are addressed.

Mallard, Inc. (Mallard) is committed to providing quality service at a reasonable price, whether on a
one-time or contractual basis.

Mallard was established in August of 1996. The owner of Mallard is the fourth generation to own and
operate the family farm. She has dedicated her professional career of over 30 years to the cleanup of
water, soil, agricultural and environmental hazards. Mallard is familiar with USDA, EPA, ASTM,
OSHA, State and Local Agency rules, regulations, and guidelines. You will find attached information
on the owner of Mallard and information on how we can assist with water related tasks. We also
provide soil sampling. Depending upon the size of the property, we develop a plan, collect samples
from various locations, mark each location using gps, marking location and depth on a plot map, and
provide the map as part of the summary report and recommendations.