A spring is a discharge of water that has infiltrated the soil profile by precipitation. The discharge is created by water that flows along an impermeable layer of rock. In Kentucky there are two basic spring types: “wet weather” and “perennial.” Wet weather springs are normally active during periods of wet weather, which means they are normally dry during the hot, summer months. Perennial springs, on the other hand, are active year round and are prime candidates for development as a livestock water source.

There are several benefits to developing a spring. Development of a spring might remove excess water from a saturated area, thereby allowing the area to be safely grazed, while at the same time providing drinking water. A properly developed spring might require the use of a pump, but under ideal situations gravity is all that is needed to provide drinking water to a tank(s).

After the initial development, there is no cost to operate a gravity-fed spring. Since the water source is ground water, it is discharged at a constant temperature (about 55° F). The difference between ambient temperature and water temperature provides the sensation that the water is cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. This means no electricity is needed to keep the water from freezing. Spring development also can improve the ability to implement rotational grazing, which can increase pasture productivity