How close should the water source be

[CapeCod]

How close should the water source be to the hive to keep the girls from other sources like my neigbhors pool ect...
Going to use 5 gallon buckets with corks or packaging peanuts in them.

[Cindi]

CapeCod, I would say about 20 feet away from the beehives, at least, that way when they leave the hive and do a cleanse, they won't be poopin' in their water.  I am sure that there are more specific and more accurate distances, but I would leave at least that much.  Have a wonderfully awesome day, groove on this life we live.  Cindi

[Jerrymac]

I have an above ground pool and a stock tank. I hardly ever see the bees getting water from there. The neighbor once said (two years ago)the bees were getting water from his dog's dish, but he doesn't have a dog anymore but, he also has a stock tank for his horses. Never see bees there. These are the closest locations for water for my bees and I don't know of any other for quite a ways.  So I do not know where the bees go for water. Where ever they want to I suppose.

[Kev]

My bees love to drink from the top of a really big rubbermaid tote. One of the huge dark green ones big enough to keep folding chairs in. We keep it outside in the summer and it catches rainwater.

the lid slopes so they can get a drink from the edges without falling in.

kev

[Michael Bush]

If you get a choice, I'd go for about 100 yards or so.  Or before your property line or right by your spigot. :)

[CapeCod]

Thanks Cindi never thougth of them doing thier business in it if it were to close.

[CapeCod]

M.B  wish I had 100 yards,,,Im on 1/3 acre,,,now my place in Maine I have 7 acres.
So it will be place by my front water faucet to keep it away from my dogs out back and the meter readers