Keeping water within reach of the herd

In current colonies, a thirsty animal can walk to a safe bank and drink fresh water for itself. It needs known, reachable ground on the same level. Salt water, channels and water beside fire or magma do not qualify. Keep the bank clear so the animal can reach it without standing in deep water.

A penned animal first looks for a bank inside its fence. If its thirst reaches 80 and there is no route inside, it can look outside and pass through a fence gate to drink. A wall or blocked route can still stop it. Water it sooner if you can, because thirst starts damaging health at 95.

If the animal cannot drink for itself, enable Hauling and keep a route to it. If it has a Milking station, check that Hauled feed & water is on. Haulers try stored water, then a reachable well if storage cannot spare enough. Natural drinking uses water from the ground and cancels any outstanding water delivery only after the animal has actually drunk.