Guide to Use of Saline Waters for Livestock Total soluble salts content of waters (mg/liter) Comments Less than 1,000 Low level of salinity; should present no serious problems. 1,000 to 2,999 Satisfactory quality. May cause temporary and mild diarrhea to livestock not accustomed to water. 3,000 to 4,999 Satisfactory quality. May cause temporary diarrhea or be refused at first by animals not accustomed to water. 5,000 to 6,999 Can be used with reasonable safety. Caution should be used if water at higher levels is used for pregnant or lactating animals. 7,000 to 10,000 Considerable risk when using this water for pregnant or lactating animals, young or animals subjected to heavy heat stress or water loss. Older animals may subsist on this water under conditions of low stress. More than 10,000 Not recommended for use by livestock under any conditions Comments: Dr. Allan McGinty