Automated watering systems have a simple, obvious function, but they are more than mere piping systems. Today’s watering systems have many unique and specific design criteria which other plumbing systems do not have. This article will explain those criteria and outline the choices that are available. Avidity Science is still the only global company to offer custom designed solutions.

Water System Design

The function of animal watering systems is simple: water flows from the building water supply through a purification process and then through a header system into each animal holding room. From there the water flows into the caging manifolds which have drinking valves attached. Animals activate the valves by licking the valve stem which releases water to drink.

Water Purification

Municipalities have water treatment processes for potable water, but they cannot be relied upon for animal drinking water. Incoming water quality and source can change throughout the year and also with the seasons. Rainy seasons induce more runoff which introduces more animal waste and pesticides. Dry seasons increase the concentration of contaminants. Facilities must take responsibility for cleaning up incoming water before it is supplied to the animals.

Excellent Water Quality

The Guide to Care and Use of Laboratory Animals does not set any water quality standard with respect to specific contaminants. Instead it says that animals must have “clean potable water.” While this may be sufficient for some protocols, good science requires the elimination of as many variables as possible. 

The incoming water to an animal facility is contaminated and variable, containing particles, dissolved ions, organics, bacteria and other microorganisms. Whether the water comes from a municipality or a well, there are contaminants in the water and they must be understood and controlled. Water purification systems can eliminate these contaminants.

Water System Reliability

It goes without saying that facilities expect reliability from the systems they invest in. For animal watering systems, long term reliability begins first with system design and manufacturing quality control and extends through installation and commissioning. Today’s watering systems are extremely reliable, and often have built-in monitoring to detect problems before they get out of hand.

The materials used in watering system components are absolutely critical. 316 stainless steel is the standard in water distribution systems due to its resistance to chlorinated and acidified water. Other materials such as silicone rubber and PVDF are also common.

Watering systems can also operate for long periods with no human intervention at all and in the busy world of animal research, the watering system can be taken for granted. There is no substitute for human attentiveness and maintenance. Water testing protocols should be defined and followed to assure system performance. Simple preventative maintenance will assure long, reliable life of a good watering system.

Water System Ease of Use

Since labor savings is a primary motive for investing in automated watering, the system must not create unnecessary work. Daily interaction with the system must be simple and reliable. Here are some examples of the details that must be considered:

Pressure/flow indicators

Watering systems must have easy-to-see pressure indicators. In the case of recirculating systems, flow meters are also necessary. Simple instrumentation provides key diagnostic information at a glance, assuring proper system performance. They also assist in troubleshooting in the event of problems.

Quick disconnects

High quality, smoothly operating quick disconnects are key. These connections are made between the room distribution systems and the rack manifold. Low quality quick disconnects are difficult to operate and it is sometimes hard to determine if they are connected properly. 

Accessibility

All components needing periodic maintenance or replacement should be easy to access. For example, filters should be easy to identify and get to, and removal tools should be stored close at hand. Sanitation injection ports and sample ports should also be easy to access and operate.

Putting Your Design in Motion

It goes without saying that facilities expect reliability from the systems they invest in. All of the design work that goes into an animal watering system is a science and an art, requiring an understanding of mechanical engineering and animal husbandry.   There are several ways to orientate an AWS, however the animal species and application must be considered each designed for that animal.

Today’s watering systems are extremely reliable, and often have built-in monitoring to detect problems before they get out of hand. For animal watering systems, long term reliability begins first with system design and manufacturing quality control and extends through installation and commissioning.

Avidity Science's automated watering systems, water purification equipment, and condition monitoring systems can be designed and constructed to facilitate a lab of specific size, or one with a specific species of lab animal. Our design also has the flexibility to  accommodate a variety of species and can be expanded as your facility grows.

Learn even more about automated watering by visiting our Automated Watering Page.