I installed an observation hive late last summer in our university
biology department building.  The hive  consists of three deep frames. The
air it the building is extremely dry during the heating season, so I
reasoned that the bees might need water.  They have been taking about 20 ml
per day from an inverted bottle inserted in one of the top vent holes which
are covered with wire screening.  I feel that the excellent condition of
this colony is partly due to the water supplied to them.  Now I am
wondering how an overwintering  colony of honey bees keeps from
dehydrating in nature.  Do they recycle condensed water from the combs
surrounding the cluster?  Anyone have any thoughts?
 
Bill Morrison
Dept of Biology
Shippensburg Univ
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania USA
(Southcentral Pennsylvania)