01/06/2026
❄️ Winter Water Safety: Stock Tanks & Heaters ❄️
If you use stock tank heaters in the winter, making sure your tanks are safe and properly grounded is essential. One of the most common—and often overlooked—issues is stray voltage.
Stray voltage occurs when electricity leaks into the water from a heater or outlet that isn’t grounded correctly. Because tank heaters run on a thermostat, they cycle on and off, meaning stray voltage is usually only present when the heater is actively running. This can explain why animals will drink confidently at times but hesitate, flinch, or avoid the tank at others—the water feels unpredictable to them.
Livestock are far more sensitive to electrical current than humans and are naturally grounded through their hooves. Even a small electrical current can be uncomfortable or painful, leading animals to reduce water intake. This is a serious concern in winter, when dehydration can contribute to colic, impaction, reduced feed intake, and overall health decline.
The safest way to detect stray voltage is by using a voltmeter or having an electrician test the tank and outlet. Humans often don’t feel stray voltage because insulated footwear prevents grounding—but animals don’t have that protection.
To prevent stray voltage:
* Use GFCI-protected outlets
* Install a grounding rod near the tank
* Attach a grounding wire from the rod to the tank or heater grounding point
* Inspect heaters and cords regularly for damage
Just as important as electrical safety is ensuring animals have constant access to unfrozen water. Snow and ice are not adequate substitutes. In cold weather, animals actually need more water, not less, to support digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
Safe, unfrozen, shock-free water isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cornerstone of winter animal care.
