Suitability of Drinking Water for Ruminants in The Provinces of Van and Bitlis: A Comparison Based on DSI Analysis Reports

The relative neglect of water quality in livestock production can lead to productivity losses and health problems in ruminants. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of certain water sources in the provinces of Van and Bitlis in terms of ruminant drinking-water quality and to identify potentially risky water sources. Water analysis reports obtained within the routine monitoring program conducted by the State Hydraulic Works (DSI) were used. The study covers a total of 25 sampling points, including 24 streams used as animal drinking-water sources and 1 human drinking-water source. The physicochemical and heavy metal parameters in the reports were evaluated separately; taking into account critical thresholds affecting ruminant drinking-water quality, the similarities, differences, and potability status of the water sources were comparatively analyzed. Site-specific risks were identified for Fe (>300 µg L-1) and total hardness (≥300 mg L-1 as CaCO₃), while EC, TDS, SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ remained within practical ruminant drinking-water benchmarks; post-rainfall increases in turbidity (>5 NTU) and occasional NO₂⁻ elevations warrant targeted filtration and microbiological surveillance. The parameters examined indicated that use as drinking water for ruminants may be risky at some points. Nevertheless, the overall assessment suggests that the water sources in Van and Bitlis are largely consistent with ruminant drinking-water criteria. Some water sources in the region pose potential risks for productivity loss and health problems in ruminants. Therefore, regular monitoring and the planning of targeted improvement/treatment practices for risky points are recommended. This study contributes to the literature by combining traditional physicochemical assessment of drinking water for ruminants with taste and infrastructure-related risk markers (Fe, Mn, hardness) and converting guideline-based ranges into practical, site-specific threshold values applicable to field conditions.