How Much Water Does a Cow Drink in a Day?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

A cow consumes between 5 to 7 gallons of water per day when the temperature is 50 degrees F and up to 24 gallons when the temperature is 95 degrees F. The amount of water a cow requires increases by one quart for every degree over 50 degrees F.

Additional factors, such as breed and weight, the type of grass she’s grazing and the round-trip distance to the water supply, also affect a cow’s daily water needs. A cow’s drinking water is kept between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, as most livestock don’t drink water that’s too cold or hot.