Hello Scott,
Bees do NOT like pure water! They much prefer "dirty" water, particularly
the water
found in the hoof prints of cattle or horses in a barnyard. Don't gag - bees
have been
using this water for millenniums, but their honey is still PURE! Bees want
the minerals found in "dirty" water. I have always kept a salt block in my
apiary and the bees really work on that every time there is the slightest bit
of rain, dew, or fog on it.
I kept horses for many years, and I noted the bees were always in the water
of horses
foot prints and working on the 20 pound salt blocks I had for the horses.
BEES LIKE DIRTY WATER.
Hope I have helped.
George Imirie
Certified EAS Master Beekeeper