Livestock Water Recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a building to house the Swinewater System?

A: Primarily a building or shelter of some kind is required depending on weather conditions.

Q: Does the system require someone for ongoing operation?

A: The system is fully automated and needs only scheduled maintenance, cleaning and operations. The handling of dry solids produced by the system will require a small amount of man hours for storage and or handling.

Q: Has the system been used at an actual site?

A: LWR has done extensive testing of the Swinewater system at a live site in southern Manitoba over the summer and fall of 2008 and is currently in the process of installing systems at various customer sites at both dairies and hog operations. back to top

Q: How is the fertilizer solution stored?

A: The solution can be stored in a tank or in an existing lagoon.

Q: How much space will a Swinewater system take up on my farm?

A: The Swinewater System is a skid mounted system with peripheral tanks. The dimensions for our smallest system would be 20'x50'.

Q: Is the value of the dry manure produced as a by-product?

A: The dry solids produced are a phosphorus rich substance that makes a valuable fertilizer and is ideal for spreading on crops or offering to local farmers to take away for themselves. back to top

Q: Is water treated by the Swinewater system potable?

A: Yes, the water discharged from the system meets Canadian drinking water standards and is suitable to use back in the barns or for irrigation.

Q: What are the monthly/yearly operating costs of running the system?

A: Depending on the amount of manure being treated the Swinewater system has monthly operating costs of $1,200 - $4,000 for power, chemical, materials handling and maintenance.

Q: What is the expected lifespan of the system?

A: The system has an indefinite life span. With regular maintenance and care there is no reason the system should ever need replacement. We use an amortization period of fifteen years for the system. back to top

Q: What volume of liquid fertilizer does the system produce and does it have a value?

A: The system will reduce your original manure volume by 85% and create a liquid fertilizer with a minimum of 5% ammonium. For more on the return created by the ammonium rich fertilizer see our System ROI Calculator.

Q: Will the system continue to work over time?

A: The system will continue to treat manure, create return for you from fertilizer and operate as it did from day one as long as it remains in operation. back to top