Water is an essential nutrient for all animals. It is important for both animal welfare and business profitability that sheep and cattle have an adequate supply of good quality water. Amount and quality of water required varies between species of livestock, between classes of stock within the species, and in response to the environment in which the stock are running.

The suitability of water for stock use is determined by the following factors which are discussed in this Primefact:

• water quality, which includes salinity, acidity, toxic elements and compounds, and algal growth;
• environmental factors such as air temperature and feed quality;
• animal factors, which include breed differences and age and condition of stock.