Water is one of the most critical resources on any rural property. For livestock owners, a reliable, clean supply isn't optional, it's fundamental to animal health, productivity, and welfare. Drought risk, water quality concerns, and the sheer labour of manual watering have pushed more farmers toward purpose-built livestock watering systems, and for good reason.

Here's what you need to know before you install one.

What Is a Livestock Watering System?

At its most straightforward, a livestock watering system connects a storage tank to one or more troughs via a piped network and float valve arrangement. Water flows from the tank to the trough, the float valve maintains the correct level, and your animals always have access to fresh water,  without you needing to be there to manage it.

The components matter. A well-designed system uses quality fittings, purpose-built troughs, and a tank matched to your herd's daily water requirements.

Finding the Right System for Your Needs

Before you spec anything out, start with consumption. A beef cattle beast in summer can drink 50–80 litres a day. Horses and dairy cattle can exceed that. Miscalculate and you're constantly refilling, which defeats the purpose of the whole exercise.

From there, consider:

Tank capacity — size for your peak demand, not your average. Larger tanks also reduce refill frequency and provide a buffer during dry spells.

Tank type — for properties with multiple troughs across paddocks, a pipeline tank is worth serious consideration. RapidPlas Pipeline Tanks are pre-plumbed with concealed internal plumbing, a 2" float valve, poly riser, and brass inlet, and are specifically designed to supply water to multiple troughs from a single tank. Available in 14,000L, 22,500L, 27,000L and 32,000L, they're built for exactly this kind of setup. The "Twist & Flip" easy-access cover makes servicing straightforward.

Troughs — the trough you choose affects how many animals can water at once, ease of cleaning, and durability. RapidPlas poly troughs are designed for cattle, horses, and sheep, tough enough to handle larger livestock, with a rim design that resists the pressure cattle put on concrete, and smooth sides that are easier on animals' legs. Round troughs offer 360° access; rectangular troughs accommodate more animals along the line.

Packages vs. individual components — if you're starting from scratch, a tank-and-trough package is often more cost-effective and takes the guesswork out of compatibility.

Choosing the Right Site

A solid site decision saves headaches later. Key considerations:

• Stability and drainage — the ground needs to support the full weight of a filled tank. A concrete pad is standard and recommended.
• Elevation — a tank positioned above the troughs allows gravity to do the work, reducing or eliminating the need for a pump.
• Accessibility — consider how the tank will be refilled or connected to a rainwater catchment system. If you're harvesting off a roof, proximity to downpipes matters.
• Trough placement — position troughs where stock naturally congregate, away from boggy ground or areas prone to fouling.

Installing Your System

Once site and components are confirmed, the process is straightforward:

1. Prepare and level the base — concrete is recommended for tanks of any substantial size.
2. Place the tank and connect inlet plumbing.
3. Run poly pipe from the tank outlet to each trough location.
4. Connect float valves at each trough to regulate water levels automatically.
5. Test the system before stock are introduced.

Pre-plumbed pipeline tanks significantly reduce installation time, fittings are already in place internally, so you're connecting to the system rather than building it from scratch.

About RapidPlas

RapidPlas has been manufacturing poly tanks and rural water solutions in Tamworth, NSW for over 35 years. We make rainwater tanks, pipeline tanks, livestock troughs, and complete watering packages, and we deliver direct to properties across NSW and southeast Queensland.

Our livestock watering range includes tanks, poly troughs, float valves, level indicators, and pre-packaged systems ready to install. Browse the range at rapidplas.com.au/product-category/livestock-watering or get in touch with the team for advice on the right setup for your property.

📞 02 6765 0700 | Contact us here