Supplying clean, reliable water to livestock is one of the most important infrastructure decisions a farmer can make. Whether you're running a few head of cattle on a Canadian prairie or managing a horse operation in the American Midwest, your water system plays a major role in herd health, energy bills, and daily labor. While traditional methods still dominate the landscape, more resource-conscious producers are now turning to smarter options—like energy free livestock waterers—to meet their hydration needs sustainably and affordably.
This guide explores six of the most common water and electricity setups found on North American farms and highlights the pros and cons of each. Then, we’ll show you how the Drinking Post Waterer fits in as a cost-saving, energy-free solution for modern operations.
Let’s dig in—pun intended.
1. Electric Tank Heaters + Utility Water Supply
Infinitely higher expense over time than energy free livestock waterers
One of the most common winter setups is a hydrant attached to a pressurized water line that delivers water to a large tank equipped with a floating electric heater. It’s a straightforward approach, but the costs add up fast. Electric heaters are notorious energy hogs, especially in bitter northern winters. Keeping a 1500-watt heater running for just one winter month can spike your power bill by over $150. Not to mention the safety risks—curious animals and electricity don’t mix well around water.
2. Solar-Powered Pumps for Remote or Off-Grid Areas
Less stable and more expensive to install than energy free livestock waterers
For farms far from the nearest power pole, solar pumps offer a way to move water without monthly electric bills. However, they require specialized installation, battery storage, and careful winterization. While environmentally friendly, solar systems often fall short when it comes to flow consistency during cloudy days or freezing temperatures. If your herd is thirsty during a blizzard, that panel might not pull its weight.
3. Gravity-Fed Spring Systems
A pretty niche alternative to energy free livestock waterers
When topography allows, gravity-fed watering systems use elevation and pressure from natural springs or tanks placed on hillsides. These setups can be low-maintenance and energy-free, but they’re also highly site-dependent. Most farms simply don’t have the slope—or the water source—needed to make this work reliably year-round. They’re great if you’ve got the setup, but not a broadly scalable option.
4. Hauling Water Manually or With a Tractor
Many small producers, especially in transitional properties or start-up homesteads, haul water manually in buckets or with a tractor-drawn tank. This method may be fine in a pinch, but it's a back-breaking, time-wasting chore in the long term. It also introduces water quality risks—dirty buckets, algae in portable tanks, and inconsistent refills all contribute to decreased hydration and illness.
5. Insulated Tire Tanks (Earth Tanks)
Popular in Canada and the upper Midwest, these are made from repurposed tractor tires and buried for insulation. When combined with a float valve and earth berms, they can resist freezing surprisingly well. But they’re also expensive to install and prone to algae growth in summer. Cleaning them requires draining, climbing in, and scrubbing—an unpleasant job no matter the season.
6. Energy Free Livestock Waterers (Drinking Post)
Now we’re getting to the good stuff. The Drinking Post is one of those fully freeze-proof energy free livestock waterers that connects to any pressurized water line—whether from city water or a private well. No electricity, no tanks, no heaters, and no standing water. Every time your animal presses the snout paddle, clean water flows into a food-safe bowl. When they’re done drinking, that water drains into a below-grade gravel pit, leaving nothing behind to freeze or attract pests.
Unlike traditional systems, there’s no open basin to clean, no cords to replace, and no algae to scrub out. It’s powered by the animal—not a power company.
Installation is straightforward: just connect the Drinking Post to your existing water line over a leach bed 18" below the frostline, backfill with dirt, and you’re good to go.
Energy-Free, Hassle-Free, Year-Round
Whether you're caring for horses, cattle, sheep, or goats, water is non-negotiable. And energy use shouldn’t be either. By switching to a Drinking Post Waterer, you can say goodbye to energy bills, frozen tanks, and daily scrubbing. Your livestock gets fresh, clean water year-round—and you get peace of mind. And if you're wondering whether it'll work on your farm: if you’ve got a pressurized water line, the Drinking Post will fit right in.
Order your Drinking Post Waterer today and make the switch to an energy free livestock waterer that does the work for you—without the wires, without the waste, and without breaking the bank.
For more information on water systems and winter-proofing your livestock setup, check out the following resources: