The Perth Metropolitan Water Use Survey conducted in 1985 showed that on average each person uses 150L of in-house water per day, most of which is used for showering and bathing. To minimise water use in the home, dual flush toilet cisterns and water saving washing machines, dishwashers and shower roses can be installed. Alternatively, many small property owners choose to substitute a more abundant, but lower quality, water supply for purposes such as the flushing of toilets. All stock require clean, fairly fresh water. This Farmnote concentrates on the specific water requirements of horses.
Water is more essential for horses than food.
Without food, a horse would die within a few weeks. Without water, death could occur after only five to six days. A horse's body consists of around 70 per cent water. Horses usually require between 22 and 68 L of water each day, depending on the weather, size and condition of the horse and the moisture in their food. When a horse has a plentiful supply of green grass it may require as little as 4 L of water a day.