Hey guys all great information. What I have found if it works keep on doing it.
I provide wahter for my bees for no extra cost to them cause of several reasons. The neighbors don't appriciate the bees in the garden hose program. I like being a good neighbor. also, my bee master told me in a question form, Would you like to go 1/2 mile for water if you wanted a drink or 3 feet?
I have an old bird feeder in front of my hives from day one. With wood floats in it so they don't drown. Takes them 40 seconds to tank up. I'm bored. Works real well, fill it up every other day. More water more honey. Simple. My neighbor across the street is just the opposite. Don't manage the bees, lets them swarm, doesn't check them once a week, is afraid of them, puts them right on the ground, gets about 30 pounds of honey a year. Feeds them brown sugar water, got her to stop that. Gives them disentary, Her bees come to my water sourse by the way. We have a lake about 1/2 mile away with the proper bad water in it they love and when they are out I bet they drink it also. But when they are near home they have water right out the front door.
Arn't I a hell of a guy.
Be nice to your bees and each other and you will get lots of Honey.
Yes I watch my kids also, for obvious reasons.