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 (wilsong2@iastate.edu) and team are developing new videos and guides with the Iowa Pork Industry Center. Learn more here.

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show.

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit.

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to lisa.wallace@pharmgate.com, and we’ll get them answered.

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.

Swine Health Hotline will answer your health questions so you can make the best decisions for your barns. Hosted by ag journalist Kasey Brown, this podcast will arm you with valuable insights on swine disease mitigation, cutting-edge research, safety protocols, success stories, and more.

Share the Show

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review on your podcast platform — it only takes a few seconds and helps other swine professionals discover the show.

Better yet, share it with a colleague who might benefit.

The swine industry is small, and we’re dedicated to helping its people succeed. We want this podcast to be valuable to you, so send your health questions to lisa.wallace@pharmgate.com, and we’ll get them answered.

Learn more about Pharmgate Animal Health swine solutions.