As a general rule of thumb, goats will consume anywhere from to 4 gallons of water per day, depending on their physiological state. Requirements increase greatly during late gestation and lactation. Feed intake is positively correlated with water intake. Water can be free flowing or provided in buckets, troughs, tubs, stock tanks or automatic waterers. It goes without saying that water sources should be kept clean and free from hay, straw, and fecal matter.
Smaller troughs are easier to drain and clean.
Water will be more readily consumed during cold weather if the water is ice-free and during hot, humid weather if the water trough is in the shade. All feedstuffs hay, grain, trace mineral salt need to be kept dry and protected from rodents. Feed must be accessible in all weather conditions, but inaccessible to goats. Moreover, ample feed storage can result in considerable cost savings if feed ingredients can be purchased and stored in bulk on the farm. Unprotected hay deteriorates in quality.