Do bees need water? They do, just like every other living creature on your farm.
Why Bees Need Water
While nectar and honey provide some moisture, bees still rely on fresh, accessible water to cool the hive, dilute stored honey, and stay hydrated. If water isn’t readily available nearby, bees will fly to find it, wasting energy and risking exhaustion.
How Far Will Bees Travel for Water?
If bees can’t find water nearby, they will travel for it. As with food sources, bees may travel a mile or two for water if necessary.
Imagine flying all that distance for just a drop or two of water, only to turn around and go back for more. Naturally, the further the honeybees must travel to a water source, the more energy they consume doing so, and the more wear and tear on their bodies.
How to Give Bees Water Safely
As a beekeeper, understanding how to give bees water and creating a safe, reliable water source close to the hive can make a big difference in your colony’s health and productivity. Instead of leaving the bees to rely on distant (and possibly unreliable) water sources, you can easily provide your bees with a clean, constant, and predictable water source right near their hive. This is especially important in the spring and summer when things have dried up. It’s important to make sure the water source is safe for bees, as some water sources pose an accidental bee drowning risk.
5 Easy DIY Bee Watering Station Ideas
Here are five possibilities for your farm’s own bee watering station.
1. Small Tray with Rocks
This is probably the simplest option. A small, shallow baking pan can be repurposed into a bee waterer, simply by setting it out near the hives, filling it with water, and then adding a selection of small stones. The idea is that the stones give the bees a dry place to stand and hang on to while they gather water; otherwise, they may fall in and get stuck. One downside to this method is that it might dry out quickly in hot weather.
2. Bird Baths
A basic bird bath, like you probably already have in your garden, can work just fine for bees. Again, consider adding small perching stones to prevent bee drowning. Or, use a “bee raft” made of a floating grid pattern—available from some retailers.
3. Bee Baths
Similarly, you can sometimes find bee-oriented products that are essentially tiny bird baths designed specifically for thirsty bees, with built-in perches. A few of these could be installed near your hives.
4. Poultry Waterer
If you have a spare chicken waterer around, you can use it, but again, you have to either place pebbles in the drinking space or provide floats for the bees to stand on.
5. Entrance Feeders
You can also just fill entrance feeders (intended for sugar water) with just plain water, and these work wonderfully. One style uses inverted jars of water and a vacuum effect to restrict the available water for drinking to just a small trickle at a time (kind of like a small pet water bottle).
Tips for Maintaining Your Bee Water Source
Once you’ve set up a watering station, it’s important to keep it in good condition so your bees can count on it.
Check water levels daily in hot weather. Bees drink more during warm, dry conditions, and shallow containers can dry out quickly. Refill as needed to avoid gaps in availability.
Keep the water clean. Debris, algae, or bird droppings can contaminate your water source. Rinse and refill containers regularly, especially if you’re using open trays or bird baths.
Refresh and relocate as needed. If bees stop visiting the water source, try moving it closer to the hive, into partial shade, or away from heavy traffic areas.
Prevent mosquito breeding. Change water frequently or use moving water (like a drip system or fountain) to discourage mosquito larvae from hatching.
Secure landing spots. Make sure pebbles, floats, or bee rafts remain above water and are stable—sinking stones or slippery surfaces increase drowning risk.
Monitor bee activity. Keep an eye on usage. A sudden drop in visits could mean the bees have found a better source elsewhere or that your setup needs attention.
Regular maintenance ensures your bees always have access to safe, nearby water, reducing their workload and helping the hive thrive.
Final Thoughts
Providing water for your bees is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support their health and productivity. By setting up a safe, consistent water source near the hive, you reduce the stress on your bees and help them focus their energy on what they do best—pollinating, building, and making honey. Whether you opt for a DIY solution or a commercial bee bath, a little effort on your part goes a long way in keeping your colony hydrated and thriving.
This article about beekeeping was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
