Hi Mike and All

> Would the phrase "reduce the need for" work better 

Yes, of course.  Perhaps this is something that could be investigated readily in an association apiary or a commercial yard: a third of hives with division board feeder-style internal water supplies, a third with absorbent boards, and a third with the usual crownboard.  The question then to ask would be which hives fly in less than ideal conditions? 

all the best

Gavin

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