Livestock Waterer Comparison Chart

Tank Type	Primary Advantage	Primary Limitations	Initial Cost	Maintenance Cost
Concrete	Long useful life Low operational costs	Heavy Not always readily available at farm supply stores	$-$$	$
Tire	Simple Inexpensive Durable Long useful life	Effort required to remove sidewall Limited tire sizes Limited tire sources	$-$$	$
Insulated	No supplemental heat needed to keep from freezing Widely available, many brands	Minimal water usage required to keep from freezing May be damaged if allowed to freeze Often installed on a concrete pad	$$-$$$	$
Moveable	Relatively inexpensive Can supplement other water sources during periods of high water usage (additional animals) Easily moved Provides on-site water storage Useful in emergency situations	Short to moderate life span	$-$$	$$
Bottomless	Large capacity at relatively low cost Provides on-site water storage Long useful life	Level site required May need contractor for installation	$$-$$$	$
Limited Access	Simple and inexpensive Reduced bank erosion Reduced sediment and nutrients entering water	May require additional fencing Few appropriate locations for installation Requires annual maintenance	$$	$$
Hardened Surface	Adaptable to stream size and location Allows livestock and vehicle crossing Low maintenance	Expensive Requires suitable locations along stream Requires annual maintenance Requires specialized grading Requires engineered design	$$$	$$