Water for livestock

Water is a vital nutrient for livestock. Without access to clean, reliable water, animals can’t digest feed properly, regulate body temperature or maintain their weight. During dry seasons or drought, water requirements increase, as does the risk of animal health and welfare issues.

How much water do livestock need?

Daily water intake varies depending on species, age, feed type and weather conditions. During drought, animals often consume more water due to dry, fibrous feed and higher temperatures.

Typical daily consumption rates:

• Adult dry sheep: up to 6 litres
• Ewes with lambs: up to 10 litres
• Weaner cattle: up to 50 litres
• Yearling cattle: up to 80 litres
• Lactating cows: up to 100 litres
• Horses: up to 50 litres

These figures are a guide only. Always monitor actual intake and adjust based on conditions. Actual water intake can vary widely based on breed, activity level, and environmental stress.

Why water quality matters

Poor water quality can reduce intake, slow weight gain and increase disease risk. 

Livestock may avoid drinking water that’s dirty, stagnant or contaminated, even if they’re thirsty. 

This can lead to reduced feed intake and serious health issues.

Key water quality risks:

• Salinity and high mineral content.
• Blue-green algae and pathogens.
• Faecal contamination.
• High turbidity or sediment.
• Extreme pH levels.
• Elevated water temperature.

Water should be fresh, cool and clean. 

During drought, test water weekly to monitor changes and ensure it remains safe for livestock.

See seasonal planning page for stock water for drought readiness and infrastructure stress testing. 

Also see water quality testing and our agricultural water pages.

Stock water infrastructure

See

• Farm dams for dam access, fencing, and erosion control.
• Farm tanks for reticulation systems, troughs, and layout planning.

Remember, water needs change with the seasons. See the following section, including advice on preparing infrastructure for seasonal stress.

Seasonal changes in livestock water demand

It's important to learn how to prepare for seasonal shifts in water demand, quality and delivery, especially during dry periods and high-risk months.

Livestock water intake increases in hot weather and when feed is dry or fibrous. During summer and drought conditions, animals may drink up to twice their normal volume. For example:

• Sheep may require 6–10 litres per day depending on age and lactation.
• Cattle may consume 80–100 litres per day, especially during heatwaves.
• Horses and lactating animals have higher water needs year-round.

Dry feed increases thirst, and animals may drink more to compensate for reduced moisture in their diet. Planning for this seasonal spike is essential — especially if you're relying on surface water or limited tank storage.

Managing water quality in summer

Water quality often deteriorates in hot weather. Evaporation concentrates salts and minerals, while warm, stagnant water encourages algae and bacterial growth. Livestock may avoid drinking poor-quality water, even when they’re dehydrated.

To manage water quality:

• Test water more frequently during summer and drought.
• Watch for signs of blue-green algae, especially in shallow dams.
• Use troughs or piped systems to reduce contamination and evaporation.
• Provide shade over troughs or tanks to keep water cool.
• Clean troughs regularly and remove organic matter from dams.

If water quality drops below safe thresholds, act quickly. Poor water can lead to reduced feed intake, weight loss and increased disease risk.

Preparing infrastructure for seasonal stress

Before summer, inspect all water infrastructure to ensure it can handle increased demand:

• Check pumps, pipes and tanks for leaks or wear.
• Ensure troughs are clean, stable and accessible.
• Monitor dam levels and estimate evaporation losses.
• Consider installing header tanks or backup systems.
• Stabilise soil around watering points to prevent erosion.

During winter, plan for maintenance while water levels are low. Desilting dams, repairing spillways and upgrading troughs are easier when conditions are cooler and drier.

Water requirements in stock containment areas

Stock containment areas are fenced zones used to hold, feed and water livestock during drought, pasture recovery or emergencies. They allow you to manage water and feed more efficiently while protecting paddocks from overgrazing and erosion.

Animals in containment areas rely entirely on the operator for water and nutrition, so infrastructure must be reliable and well managed.

Water in stock containment areas should be:

• Clean, cool and consistently available.
• Delivered via troughs with stabilised footing.
• Monitored daily for quality and quantity.
• Protected from contamination and fouling.
• Located separate from feed areas.

Integrating these into your seasonal water plan can help maintain productivity and animal welfare when conditions are tough.