How do I decide what rate to use?
Two factors determine how much PWT is needed on a given farm: end-use of PWT (crop acidification or chlorine management) and characteristics of the water source (pH and alkalinity). Refer to the rate chart for the appropriate amount in each situation.

How much PWT is too much?
The pH of the drinking water should not go below a pH of 3.0.

Is alkalinity important when testing water?
Yes. Alkalinity is a measure of the carbonates in a water source that will bind to the PWT or any water acidifier. Only after all of the carbonates in the water are bound by the PWT will the pH begin to drop. The higher the alkalinity of a water source, the more PWT or any other acid will be needed to reach the target pH.

What is the difference between PWT and citric acid or vinegar?
PWT is a strong, mineral acid while citric acid and vinegar are weak organic acids. PWT has a low addition rate and a pleasing taste to birds while organic acids such as citric acid taste bitter causing birds to reduce water consumption.

How long should I run PWT?
PWT should be run for the first 7-10 days the birds are placed in the house, around feed changes, and prior to processing. More information about usage for different types of birds can be found here.

What is pH?
pH is the measure of the number of hydrogen ions in solution. The more hydrogen ions in a solution, the lower the pH will be.

Will birds drink water at a low pH of 3.5?
Yes, if it is acidified with a mineral acid such as PWT. Because mineral acids easily donate hydrogen ions into a solution, they have a low addition rate and a pleasing taste to birds.

I have never run PWT before. Is it ok to run it mid-flock?
If you have never used PWT before, it is recommended to use it for the first time while the house is empty. Because PWT cleans the water lines so thoroughly, dislodging lots of biofilm and residual material in the lines, a high pressure flush is needed to remove that debris from the water lines. Using PWT with birds in the house for the first time will make it difficult to remove all of the debris dislodged by the cleaning process possibly causing clogged nipples and birds to ingest the dirty material.

What is the “junk” that is coming out of the drinkers when I flush?
The material coming out of the drinker lines after cleaning with PWT is euphemistically referred to as “water line snot.” It is a combination of biofilm, mineral scale, and water additive build-up and all of the micro-organisms that feed off of those residuals.

Can I mix PWT and bleach together?
No. Chlorine bleach is a very volatile chemical and must never be mixed with any other chemical directly. Mixing chlorine bleach with other chemicals can be fatal. If you are using PWT to maximize chlorine efficacy, then two separate medicators should be used to add each chemical to the water stream independently as shown here.

How do I properly test water to determine addition rate of PWT?
A sample of the water can be taken either at the well or at the entrance to the house. A pool test kit or test strips can be used to determine the pH and alkalinity of the water source. Once that is known, use the chart below to determine addition rate.

Do I need to make fresh solution everyday?
No. Unlike antibiotics and other water additives, PWT is very stable when mixed. A stock solution of PWT will maintain its potency for at least 30 days.