This publication explains the importance of water in maintaining cattle health, performance, and overall herd productivity. It outlines how water requirements vary based on factors such as temperature, body size, and production stage, and provides practical guidelines for estimating daily intake across different classes of cattle. The resource emphasizes that both water quantity and quality are essential to support growth, milk production, and efficient nutrient utilization.

The fact sheet also compares common water sources—such as troughs and stock ponds—highlighting the advantages and limitations of each in terms of accessibility, maintenance, and reliability. In addition, it discusses key water quality concerns, including dissolved solids, nitrates, and algae, as well as the impact of water temperature on intake and animal performance. Overall, this resource offers practical management considerations to help producers ensure a consistent supply of clean, accessible water for their cattle.