A service helping dairy farmers provide clean, hygienic water for livestock has been recognised for its potential to improve animal health and productivity at the 2026 Cream Awards.

FarmWater was named one of two winners in the coveted Innovation in Dairy category, sponsored by British Dairying, at the awards ceremony in Warwickshire on 3 September. The category recognised innovations launched or developed during the past two years.

The judges highlighted FarmWater’s potential to transform water hygiene on dairy farms, particularly where water is sourced from boreholes and the quality of the supply is variable.

“I feel we underestimate how much cows drink – so many troughs are slow or dirty, and we can forget about the bad bacteria in them,” said one judge. “The best and most successful farms always have clean, easy access to water and know what is in it.”

Another added: “FarmWater is a deserving winner, it has proven results from real farm data demonstrating that clean water aids the reduction in cell counts and bactoscans and improves animal health.”

The recognition comes as a growing numbers of dairy farmers look more closely at the quality of the water available to their livestock. FarmWater uses a pressure-driven chlorine dioxide treatment to tackle pathogens in incoming farm water and maintain water quality throughout the farm’s infrastructure, including pipes, tanks and troughs.

FarmWater vet Phil Elkins, who collected the award, said: “We are delighted to have been honoured with this award. Those nominated in this section are an example of the ongoing progress and innovation in this sector, so we are very proud to be recognised in this way.

“Since the launch of the solution last year, the service has been adopted by many farmers across the UK. Combined with the veterinary and technical support we offer, it is helping to improve dairy hygiene and welfare and, in turn, productivity.”

The system has already demonstrated measurable results on individual farms. Somerset dairy farmer Mary Cook turned to FarmWater after concerns about the quality of her borehole water. The problem first became apparent when calves began scouring.

Testing revealed high levels of bacteria in the water source, including major mastitis pathogens. Within 12 months of installing the system, mastitis in the herd fell by 37%, while bactoscans declined by 81% and somatic cell counts fell by 28%.

“We have seen an overall improvement in the cows’ health and, in turn, milk yields,” Mary said. “Improved water quality is also noticeable in the troughs, as once they have been cleaned out there is no further algae build-up.”

FarmWater has extensive experience in the poultry sector, where its benefits have been demonstrated over the longer term. The technology is now being adopted by dairy farmers. The system uses a generator to produce tasteless chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), which breaks down organic matter and targets bacteria, viruses, protozoa and biofilms. This helps make water safer and more palatable for livestock, before the chlorine dioxide breaks down into non-toxic constituents.

• For more information, visit www.farmwater.co.uk.